The 2017 GMC Yukon C1500 2WD 6.2L 8-cyl gets 17 combined MPG which means it uses a lot of fuel. Owners often accept this in exchange for strong towing capacity, large interior space, and the undeniable presence of a full-size SUV. This isn’t a vehicle for budget-conscious commuters, but a machine built for hauling families, gear, and trailers, and its fuel consumption reflects that priority.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 Yukon 6.2L place city driving at 15 MPG and highway cruising at 22 MPG. In urban environments, the Yukon’s weight and stop-and-go traffic work against it. Expect frequent trips to the gas station if you drive mostly in the city. However, the 22 MPG highway figure is more respectable, achievable when the engine settles into a comfortable cruise and the efficient 8-speed automatic transmission does its job. Long road trips, while still costly, won’t drain the tank as quickly as daily city commutes.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2017 GMC Yukon C1500 2WD 6.2L 8-cyl is estimated at $2,600. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel prices at the time of the EPA’s testing. Keep in mind that fluctuating gas prices can significantly impact this figure. If you drive more than 15,000 miles annually, or local fuel prices are higher than the national average, your actual fuel costs will likely exceed this estimate. This figure is a benchmark, but your individual usage patterns determine your real-world spending.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy often changes. Aggressive driving, heavy loads, and frequent towing reduce your MPG. Gentle acceleration, consistent highway speeds, and diligent maintenance can help you approach, or even slightly exceed, the EPA estimates. The 6.2L V8 is responsive and powerful, but its eagerness to perform can tempt drivers into using more fuel. Owners who want better fuel efficiency should drive consciously and deliberately.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size SUVs, the 2017 Yukon 6.2L is in the middle of the pack for fuel economy. The Ford Expedition with its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 achieves a slightly better 17 MPG combined, while the Nissan Armada with its 5.6L V8 fares similarly at 16 MPG combined. Even the Yukon’s own base 5.3L V8 manages a slightly higher 18 MPG combined. These small differences might not sway buyers who want the 6.2L’s additional power and towing ability. For those less concerned with pure strength, the alternatives present slightly more economical options. Buyers also might want to explore YUKON MPG across all years to see how different engines improve (or reduce) vehicle efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 6.2L V8 responds well to a light foot. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. The engine’s ample torque means you don’t need to push the accelerator too hard to get up to speed.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which directly impacts fuel consumption. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the levels listed on the driver’s side door jamb.

Minimize unnecessary weight. The Yukon is already a heavy vehicle, so avoid carrying around items that aren’t needed. A lighter load means less strain on the engine and better fuel economy. Remove roof racks or cargo carriers when not in use, as they increase aerodynamic drag.

Regular maintenance is critical. A well-maintained engine operates more efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including oil changes, spark plug replacements, and air filter replacements. Consider viewing all Gmc fuel economy data across the fleet.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed minimizes unnecessary acceleration and braking, which can improve fuel efficiency on long drives. Be mindful of cruise control’s limitations in hilly terrain, where it can sometimes overcompensate, leading to reduced MPG.