The 2023 GMC Yukon 2WD with the 6.2L V8 gets 16 MPG combined. It’s not going to win any fuel efficiency contests, and it’s certainly not a selling point for everyone. But buyers of this specific Yukon configuration likely want serious power, the loud rumble of a naturally aspirated V8, and the confident towing capability that comes with it. They understand the trade-offs, and they’re willing to accept them.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the Yukon 2WD 6.2L are 14 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. The city MPG reflects the engine’s large size and the Yukon’s weight of around 5,500 pounds. Stop-and-go driving will always reduce fuel economy. The highway figure is better, benefiting from the 10-speed automatic transmission that allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs when you’re at speed. Hitting that 20 MPG, however, requires a light foot and consistent use of cruise control. Hard acceleration when merging or passing will cause it to drop quickly.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,600 for this Yukon configuration. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Your fuel costs will vary depending on location, driving habits, and changes in gasoline prices. Consider your typical driving and local fuel costs to get a more personalized estimate. You can also explore YUKON MPG across all years to see how fuel efficiency has changed over time for this model.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to consistently match the EPA estimates. In real-world driving, most owners will likely see slightly lower numbers, especially in mixed driving. The 6.2L V8 is responsive and encourages fast driving, which affects fuel consumption. Towing, a frequent activity for Yukon owners, will greatly decrease fuel economy, possibly dropping below 14 MPG. If you plan to tow often, include that in your overall cost calculations.

How it compares

The Yukon 6.2L’s fuel economy is predictably on the lower end among large SUVs. A Chevrolet Tahoe with the 5.3L V8, for example, gets a slightly better 17 MPG combined. A Ford Expedition with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 manages around 19 MPG combined, showing that turbocharging can improve efficiency. Even the larger Cadillac Escalade with its available 6.2L V8 comes in at the same 16 MPG combined rating as the Yukon, mostly due to different tuning. These comparisons are important because while Yukon 6.2L buyers want power, they might still consider alternatives if the fuel cost difference is significant. Those who can accept less horsepower may want to look at all Gmc fuel economy data to find a more efficient SUV.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Drive smoothly and avoid hard acceleration. The 6.2L V8 has plenty of power, so there’s no need to floor the accelerator every time. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic will help save fuel. This is especially true in city driving where frequent stops reduce fuel economy a lot.

Keep proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressures often and inflate them to the recommended levels, normally found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door or in the owner’s manual.

Use cruise control on the highway whenever you can. Keeping a constant speed helps fuel efficiency. Avoid sudden speed changes or unnecessary lane changes, as these actions affect fuel consumption. The 10-speed automatic is programmed to find the most efficient gear for highway cruising.

Remove extra weight. Carrying extra cargo in the vehicle increases its weight, which requires more energy to move it. Remove any unnecessary items from the cargo area and passenger compartment to lighten the load and improve fuel economy. Every extra pound adds up.

Consider using a fuel additive periodically. Some fuel additives can help clean fuel injectors and keep optimal engine performance. Dirty fuel injectors can affect fuel economy. Find reputable brands and follow the instructions carefully.