16 MPG combined isn’t ideal for the 2023 GMC Yukon 4WD with the 6.2L V8, but those who buy this truck usually want other things more than saving gas. This truck is for people who need to tow a lot, want lots of room for passengers, and are OK with spending more on gas for the V8 sound and easy power that those things require.

City and highway performance

The EPA says the 2023 Yukon 4WD 6.2L gets 14 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway. The city number is because the Yukon is heavy and has a big engine, which use more gas when you’re stopping and starting. The highway number is better because the engine can cruise more efficiently, helped by the 10-speed automatic transmission. Even on the highway, the Yukon is big and not very aerodynamic, so it won’t get great gas mileage.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates it will cost $3,600 per year to fuel the 2023 GMC Yukon 4WD 6.2L. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using average national gas prices. Remember that this is just an estimate. How much you actually spend will depend on how you drive, how much gas costs where you live, and how much you drive in the city versus on the highway. If you tow often or drive mostly in the city, you’ll probably spend more than this. If you mostly drive on the highway, you might spend a little less.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides an estimate, but actual gas mileage can change a lot. If you often tow heavy things, you’ll probably get fewer MPG than the official numbers. Aggressive driving, like speeding up fast and braking hard, will also make your fuel economy worse. If you drive carefully and accelerate smoothly, you might get closer to the EPA’s highway estimate. The terrain also matters. Driving in hills or mountains will make the engine work harder, using more fuel. See YUKON MPG across all years to see what other drivers have reported.

How it compares

The 2023 Yukon’s 16 MPG combined isn’t the best in the full-size SUV group, but it’s important to think about its competition. A similar Ford Expedition with the High Output EcoBoost V6 gets 17 MPG combined, which is a little better. The Chevrolet Tahoe, which is built on the same platform as the Yukon, gets about the same gas mileage with its available 6.2L V8. The Toyota Sequoia, with its hybrid engine, gets a better 22 MPG combined, but it might not be able to tow as much as the Yukon, depending on how it’s set up. If you are open to other options, explore all Gmc fuel economy data to compare trims and years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Drive smoothly. Avoid speeding up or braking hard. Predict traffic and try to keep a consistent speed. The Yukon’s 10-speed transmission is made to keep the engine running efficiently, but aggressive driving negates this functionality.

Make sure your tires have enough air. If your tires are low, they create more resistance, which makes the engine work harder and use more gas. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep it at the right level. You can find the recommended pressure on a sticker inside the driver’s side door or in the owner’s manual.

Don’t idle. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines start again quickly and efficiently, and the gas you save by not idling can add up, especially in the city.

Don’t carry extra weight. A heavier vehicle uses more fuel. Take unnecessary items out of the cargo area and passenger area. Even a little extra weight can affect gas mileage, especially in a big SUV like the Yukon.