The 2019 GMC Yukon C1500 2WD with the 5.3L V8 gets 18 MPG combined, which isn’t great, but it’s what you get with an SUV that can haul a family, tow a boat, and project a specific image. Fuel efficiency is a consideration, but not the main one.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Yukon C1500 2WD gets 15 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The city figure is due to the inefficiency of a large SUV constantly accelerating and decelerating. The highway number is better, thanks to cylinder deactivation and low engine speeds when cruising. Expect highway numbers to drop when towing since many owners regularly its towing capacity.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 GMC Yukon C1500 2WD 5.3L at $2,450. This assumes 15,000 miles per year, using a national average fuel price. This is a useful comparison point, but your costs will change based on driving habits and local fuel prices, and if you drive mainly in the city or tow often, expect to spend more than $2,450.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, the actual fuel economy for the 2019 Yukon C1500 2WD varies. Owners who accelerate smoothly, anticipate traffic, and avoid aggressive driving can match or exceed the EPA’s highway estimate. But those who frequently stop and go or tow heavily should expect fuel economy closer to the city estimate, or lower. Tire pressure, maintenance, and fuel type also affect fuel efficiency. Read all YUKON MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 2019 Yukon’s fuel economy is normal for large, body-on-frame SUVs. The Chevrolet Tahoe, similar to the Yukon, gets comparable MPG with the same 5.3L engine. The Ford Expedition, with its turbocharged EcoBoost engine, sometimes gets slightly better real-world results, around 17 MPG combined on some trims. The Nissan Armada, with its powerful V8, usually gets worse fuel economy than the Yukon and Expedition, sometimes struggling to reach 16 MPG combined. For buyers considering something larger, the Suburban matches the Yukon’s mileage. Consider, too, all Gmc fuel economy data before making a buying decision.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Driving style affects fuel economy a lot. Gentle acceleration and consistent speeds help you save on gas. Avoid sudden stops and accelerations, as they waste fuel. Watch traffic and keep a safe distance to avoid hard braking and speeding up.

Tire inflation is important for the best fuel economy. Check your tires often and inflate them to the pressure on the doorjamb sticker. Low tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Even a few PSI makes a difference.

Don’t idle. If stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern cars restart fast, and idling wastes fuel without moving. This matters most in city driving, where idling adds up.

Consider cruise control on the highway. Cruise control keeps a steady speed, which can improve fuel economy. Be careful on hills. Cruise control may make the transmission downshift often, losing some fuel savings.

Keep up with maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs better. Make sure the air filter is clean, the spark plugs are good, and the engine oil is at the correct level. Regular maintenance prevents small problems from hurting fuel economy.