The 2022 GMC Yukon XL 4WD with the 6.2-liter V8 gets 16 MPG combined. If you need serious towing capability, maximum passenger and cargo space, and the distinctive rumble of an American V8, that’s the fuel economy you can expect. Buyers eyeing this configuration of the Yukon XL aren’t prioritizing fuel efficiency. They’re prioritizing capability and size and are willing to pay for it at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates this Yukon XL at 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. The city figure is painful. Stop-and-go traffic makes moving a vehicle of this size and weight even more inefficient. The highway figure is only marginally better. The 10-speed automatic transmission helps optimize fuel economy when cruising, but it can’t completely overcome the demands of a large engine pushing a vehicle with poor aerodynamics through the air. Expect to see these numbers, particularly the city MPG, drop if you’re frequently towing or hauling heavy loads.

Annual Fuel Cost

Based on the EPA’s estimates of 15,000 miles driven per year and national average fuel prices, the annual fuel cost for the 2022 GMC Yukon XL 4WD 6.2L V8 is $3,600. This figure reflects the vehicle’s thirst for gasoline. Buyers fully expect substantial running costs to go hand-in-hand with the Yukon XL’s size and power.

Real-World Expectations

The EPA provides a standardized benchmark. Real-world MPG will vary depending on driving habits, terrain, and load. Aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips, and consistently hauling heavy loads will all push fuel economy below the EPA estimates. Gentle driving with mostly highway miles could potentially yield slightly better results. Remember that this is a large, heavy, powerful vehicle. Driving it accordingly, rather than trying to hypermile, will likely bring you closer to the EPA’s figures. You can find YUKON MPG across all years on this website.

How it compares

The Yukon XL’s fuel economy is predictably lower than many of its competitors, especially those equipped with smaller engines or hybrid powertrains. A Ford Expedition Max with the standard EcoBoost V6 manages around 17 MPG combined, a slight edge, but it’s still not “good.” A Toyota Sequoia, with a V8, lands in roughly the same MPG range. The Jeep Wagoneer isn’t any better, either. If fuel economy is a major concern, this segment, particularly when opting for the larger engine, isn’t the place to be looking. Consider the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, or standard length Yukon, if the XL’s cargo space isn’t essential. Also, find all Gmc fuel economy data here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Significant fuel economy gains are unlikely, but a few techniques can help optimize the Yukon XL’s efficiency. Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel.

Avoid aggressive driving habits. Rapid acceleration and hard braking waste fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a smooth, consistent speed to minimize unnecessary fuel consumption. Gentle throttle application is key.

When possible, lighten your load. Carrying unnecessary cargo adds extra weight, which directly impacts fuel economy. Remove any items that are not essential.

Consider using cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed. This can help optimize fuel efficiency during longer trips.

Ensure your Yukon XL is properly maintained. Regular servicing, including oil changes and air filter replacements, can help ensure the engine is running at its peak efficiency. A well-maintained engine burns fuel more effectively.