The 2019 GMC Yukon K1500 4WD 6.2L 8-cyl gets 17 MPG combined, which won’t win any awards for less gas, and that’s likely fine with its target audience. This Yukon isn’t about sipping fuel, it’s about hauling people, towing boats, and driving on snowy roads with a strong American V8. It’s a vehicle designed for families who need serious capability and are willing to pay for it, and a big reason why they might check out all Gmc fuel economy data.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates for the 2019 Yukon K1500 with the 6.2L engine and 4WD are 14 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. That city figure, while seemingly low, reflects stop-and-go driving with a large displacement engine and the added drag of four-wheel drive components. The 22 MPG highway figure is respectable and attainable on longer road trips, especially if driven with a light foot. The 10-speed automatic transmission attempts to keep the engine in its most efficient range at cruising speeds, but you can’t avoid the physics of moving a vehicle this size.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2019 GMC Yukon K1500 4WD 6.2L 8-cyl is about $3,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Actual fuel costs will change depending on driving habits, city versus highway driving, and gas prices in the area. However, $3,400 is a reasonable benchmark when budgeting for vehicle ownership. For some buyers looking at YUKON MPG across all years, what’s under the hood is what matters most, despite this figure.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized testing methodology, but real-world fuel economy can vary. Drivers who mainly drive in the city should expect to see numbers closer to 14 MPG, or even lower during heavy traffic. Highway driving might yield closer to the 22 MPG estimate, but aggressive acceleration or consistently high speeds will quickly reduce those gains. Towing, especially with a heavy trailer, will significantly reduce fuel economy. Owners report that a combined average in the 15-18 MPG range is typical in mixed driving conditions.

How it compares

The 2019 GMC Yukon K1500 4WD 6.2L’s fuel economy is similar to other large, body-on-frame SUVs with powerful engines. A comparable Ford Expedition with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine achieves around 17 MPG combined. The Chevrolet Tahoe shares a platform with the Yukon and offers similar fuel economy with its available 6.2L engine.

The Nissan Armada, with its 5.6L V8, typically posts slightly lower numbers in the 16 MPG combined range. The Jeep Wagoneer, newer on the market, manages around 18 MPG combined with its standard engine. These variances might sway buyers, but often the need for specific capabilities wins over marginal fuel savings.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The 6.2L V8 offers plenty of power, but each hard launch and sudden burst of speed burns through fuel quickly. Gentle acceleration and maintaining a steady speed will improve mileage.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels listed on the doorjamb sticker. This applies to all vehicles, but is especially important on a heavy truck.

Minimize idling. Idling wastes fuel and if you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. The Yukon’s engine restarts quickly, making this a simple way to save gas. A remote starter can do wonders on cold mornings, but use it carefully.

Reduce your speed on the highway. Aerodynamic drag increases exponentially with speed and driving at 65 MPH instead of 75 MPH can make a noticeable difference in fuel economy, especially on long trips. The 10-speed transmission will help keep the engine efficient at lower speeds.

Watch the weight. Hauling unnecessary cargo reduces fuel economy. Removing excess weight from the vehicle lightens its load and requires less throttle application. The Yukon is built to carry substantial loads, however, every pound still counts toward the bottom line at the pump.