17 MPG combined isn’t impressive, but it reflects what buyers of the 2018 GMC Yukon K1500 4WD with the 6.2L V8 prioritize. These owners value power, towing capacity, and interior space above all else. They need to haul families and equipment, and the Yukon’s strong powertrain makes that possible, accepting the fuel bill as a cost.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Yukon K1500 4WD 6.2L gets 14 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. City driving’s stop-and-go conditions, combined with the Yukon’s weight, leads to the lower city figure. On the open road, the 10-speed automatic transmission helps the engine settle into its most efficient range, allowing it to reach that 22 MPG potential. Achieving these highway estimates requires careful driving, because abundant power is readily available.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 GMC Yukon K1500 4WD 6.2L is $3,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Actual fuel costs may vary depending on driving habits, location, and fluctuating fuel prices. Because the Yukon uses a lot of gas, watching fuel prices in your area may be beneficial.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures are a useful baseline, real-world MPG often differs. Owners who regularly tow trailers or carry heavy loads should expect significantly lower fuel economy. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and extreme weather conditions also hurt fuel consumption. 15 MPG may be a more realistic long-term average for most drivers of the GMC Yukon K1500 4WD 6.2L. Access all Gmc fuel economy data for other models and powertrains.

How it compares

The Yukon’s fuel economy is normal for large SUVs with powerful engines, but some alternatives offer slight advantages. The Ford Expedition with its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 achieves around 17 MPG combined, while the Chevrolet Tahoe, sharing a platform with the Yukon but featuring the 5.3L V8, manages roughly 18 MPG combined. Even the Toyota Sequoia, known for its reliability but not its efficiency, lands in the same ballpark with about 15 MPG. These differences can add up over time. Explore YUKON MPG across all years for a broader view of fuel efficiency trends.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The Yukon’s 6.2L V8 delivers power quickly, but gentle acceleration saves fuel. Anticipate traffic and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Sudden acceleration increases fuel consumption significantly.

Ensure proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended PSI as indicated on the doorjamb sticker. This simple measure can improve fuel mileage.

Minimize idling time. Letting the engine idle wastes fuel. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, negating any benefit of idling.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, preventing unnecessary speed fluctuations that decrease fuel economy. Use it carefully, however, as cruise control may not be the most efficient choice in hilly terrain.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The Yukon is already heavy, so avoid carrying unnecessary cargo. Extra weight adds to the engine’s workload, resulting in increased fuel consumption. Remove any unneeded items from the vehicle.