22 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards in the hybrid segment, but for full-size, four-wheel-drive SUVs, the 2024 GMC Yukon 4WD with the 3.0L Duramax diesel is a reasonable compromise. This vehicle is for serious towing, hauling families, and tackling challenging weather, not chasing Prius-like efficiency. The Yukon buyer values capability and space over outright frugality, which means accepting that moving a vehicle of this size consumes fuel.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2024 GMC Yukon 4WD 3.0L diesel at 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the inherent ways people drive in urban and open-road conditions. Stop-and-go city driving interrupts momentum, forcing the engine to work harder to accelerate. The Yukon’s weight makes this even more apparent. On the highway, the 10-speed automatic transmission allows the engine to settle into a lower RPM range, reducing fuel consumption. The diesel’s torque also makes acceleration easy on the highway, requiring less throttle to maintain speed, especially when towing or carrying a heavy load. These numbers reveal the Yukon’s strengths and weaknesses, showcasing the realities of operating a large SUV in different environments.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 GMC Yukon 4WD 3.0L diesel to be $2,550. This estimate is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price for diesel. It is a useful benchmark for comparing the Yukon’s running costs against other vehicles or even against owning multiple smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. While individual fuel costs will vary based on driving habits and local fuel prices, the $2,550 figure is a standardized point of reference for budgeting. If you plan to put significant miles on the Yukon, especially while towing, expect real-world expenses to be higher. See all all Gmc fuel economy data, there are significant differences between what the EPA expects and reality.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides standardized test results, real-world fuel economy often differs based on driving habits, terrain, and load. Expect the 26 MPG highway figure to hold true on long, flat highway stretches, especially when cruising at moderate speeds. However, aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, or windy conditions will negatively impact fuel consumption. City MPG can change significantly based on traffic and the length of trips. Short trips with frequent cold starts are particularly bad for fuel economy. Towing will have the most significant impact, potentially dropping fuel economy to the mid-teens or even lower depending on the weight and conditions. Monitoring the Yukon’s trip computer and adjusting driving habits can help optimize fuel efficiency, but remember this is a large, capable SUV.

How it compares

The 2024 GMC Yukon 4WD 3.0L diesel does well against its competitors in fuel economy. The gasoline-powered 5.3L V8 Yukon 4WD gets only 16 MPG combined. The Ford Expedition 4×4 with the EcoBoost V6 manages around 19 MPG combined. Even the smaller Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD with a similar V8 engine lags the Yukon diesel’s efficiency. These comparisons point to the Duramax diesel’s advantage in fuel economy in the full-size SUV segment, although the diesel engine generally costs more than the gasoline options. For people who want less gas without sacrificing the capabilities of a large SUV, the diesel Yukon is worth considering since fuel economy is the primary weakness of the YUKON MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Anticipate traffic flow and avoid hard acceleration and braking. The Yukon’s weight needs more energy to accelerate and decelerate. Smooth maneuvers will save fuel by maintaining momentum and reducing engine strain.

Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Check tire pressures regularly and inflate to the recommended levels found on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Minimize idling time. Idling consumes fuel without covering distance. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps keep a consistent speed, preventing extra acceleration and deceleration, which can improve fuel economy on long drives.

Consider using the Yukon’s drive modes. Some Yukon models offer an “Eco” or “Tour” mode that changes vehicle settings for fuel efficiency. Try these modes to see if they improve your MPG without hurting performance.