Owning a 2024 GMC Yukon 4WD with the 5.3L V8 means getting around 17 MPG combined. This Yukon isn’t meant to deliver hybrid-level fuel efficiency. It’s a truck-based SUV made for towing, hauling, and carrying lots of passengers. Buyers are usually more interested in its capability and space than saving money at the gas pump, so this fuel consumption, while not great compared to smaller cars, is part of owning this type of SUV.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2024 GMC Yukon 4WD 5.3L V8 gets 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. The lower city MPG is due to stop-and-go driving, where the Yukon’s weight of over 5,600 pounds really affects fuel consumption. The 20 MPG highway rating shows what the engine can do when cruising, helped by the 10-speed automatic transmission that keeps the engine in its best operating range. However, getting 20 MPG requires driving gently. If you accelerate hard, especially with passengers or cargo, expect that number to decrease. Long highway drives, which you might think would deliver good fuel economy, will reduce your MPG as the engine works harder.

Annual Fuel Cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 GMC Yukon 4WD 5.3L V8 is $2,600 per year. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices. Your actual costs will change depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and how often you tow or haul with the Yukon. If you mostly drive short trips around town, expect to spend more on fuel. But if you mainly drive on the highway, you might spend a bit less. The EPA estimate is just a guide.

Real-world expectations

The EPA figures are a starting point, but the 2024 GMC Yukon 4WD 5.3L V8 often gets lower MPG in real-world driving. Drivers have reported fuel economy below the EPA estimates, especially when towing or driving on hills. Tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and weather all have an impact. If you often use the Yukon for what it’s designed for, carrying families, boats, or trailers, expect a significant drop in MPG. It’s made for working hard, and the fuel consumption reflects it.

How it compares

The 2024 GMC Yukon 4WD 5.3L V8’s fuel economy is about what you’d expect compared to other SUVs. The Ford Expedition 4×4 with its EcoBoost V6 engine gets a slightly better 19 MPG combined. A comparable Chevy Tahoe 4WD, with the same 5.3L V8, gets nearly the same MPG. The Nissan Armada, with its powerful 5.6L V8, gets around 15 MPG combined. The Jeep Wagoneer 4×4 gets 16 MPG combined. Large, truck-based SUVs tend to have similar fuel consumption. People who buy a Yukon know that acceptable fuel efficiency is part of owning a large SUV.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid accelerating and braking hard. The 5.3L V8 has plenty of power, so you don’t need to press the gas pedal all the way down. Accelerating gradually will save fuel, especially in city driving.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels on the door jamb label.

Reduce extra weight. The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it uses. Remove any items you don’t need from the Yukon, especially heavy things.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps keep a constant speed, which can improve fuel economy on long drives. Remember that cruise control may downshift on hills which can eliminate some fuel savings. Also, follow all applicable laws regarding its use.

Keep the vehicle well maintained. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and tune-ups, helps the engine run efficiently. An engine that isn’t maintained will use more fuel. For more information, find all Gmc fuel economy data, including the YUKON MPG across all years.