17 MPG combined. No one buys a 2023 GMC Yukon 2WD with the 5.3L V8 expecting Prius-like gas mileage. This is a full-size SUV built for serious towing, hauling, and family-sized comfort. The fuel economy is the price you pay for the capability and space these trucks provide. It’s a known quantity, and for many Yukon buyers, a worthwhile trade-off for the benefits.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2023 Yukon 2WD 5.3L V8 achieves 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect stop-and-go traffic and higher-speed cruising. The city figure takes a bigger hit due to the Yukon’s weight and the engine’s displacement. The 10-speed automatic transmission helps on the highway, allowing the engine to run at lower RPMs for improved efficiency when cruising.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 GMC Yukon 2WD 5.3L V8 at $2,600. This is calculated based on 15,000 miles driven per year, using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and the price of gasoline in your area. Someone who primarily uses their Yukon for short trips around town will likely spend more, while someone who does a lot of highway driving may spend slightly less than $2,600.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, real-world fuel economy can change. Aggressive driving, frequent towing or hauling, and even tire pressure can affect the numbers you see on your dashboard. Expect the 17 MPG combined figure to be a best-case scenario under ideal conditions; however, with mindful driving, achieving figures close to the EPA estimates should be possible.

How it compares

The Yukon’s fuel economy is where you might expect within its competitive set. The Ford Expedition 2WD with its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is rated at 17 MPG combined, but its highway figure edges up to 23 MPG, potentially offering better long-distance fuel efficiency. The Chevrolet Tahoe 2WD, essentially a Yukon twin, shares the same 17 MPG combined rating with the 5.3L V8. A Nissan Armada 2WD, with its 5.6L V8, lags behind at only 16 MPG combined. For buyers prioritizing less gas, it is worth looking at all all Gmc fuel economy data to broaden the view.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and smooth braking are key to saving fuel in a large SUV like the Yukon. Avoid stomping on the gas pedal and anticipate traffic stops to minimize hard braking. These actions can significantly impact fuel consumption, particularly in city driving.

Maintaining proper tire inflation is critical for both safety and fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which increases fuel consumption.

When possible, use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps to optimize fuel efficiency. Avoid frequent speeding up and slowing down, as this wastes fuel.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the Yukon. Extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s overall weight and reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need to carry.

Consider the driving mode selector, if equipped. Some Yukon trims allow the driver to select a specific driving program that optimizes various vehicle settings including throttle response and shift schedules to maximize MPG.

For additional context, compare YUKON MPG across all years to see how this model year’s efficiency stacks up against its predecessors. This gives you perspective on GMC’s progress.