How good is the GMC Yukon’s fuel economy for Oklahoma City families?
The GMC Yukon’s EPA fuel economy depends on the engine: the 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel rates highest and the 5.3L and 6.2L gas V8s rate lower, so engine choice is the main fuel-economy decision for an Oklahoma City family. At Bob Howard Buick GMC on Broadway Extension, you can reserve a test drive of a Yukon online.
Fuel use only matters next to size and price, so each engine’s rating sits beside GMC’s published starting prices. Oklahoma City families who compare the two will see where the diesel earns its place and where a gas V8 still makes sense.
Keep reading below, then schedule a test drive in Oklahoma City. Bringing your own numbers to the lot settles this faster than any spec sheet.
What EPA fuel economy does the GMC Yukon get with each engine?
The 2026 Yukon rated 15 city, 20 highway and 17 combined mpg in rear-wheel drive with either the 5.3L or the 6.2L gas V8. The 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel rated 21 city, 26 highway and 23 combined in the same drivetrain.
The EPA sets the test method. Automakers test a representative vehicle over five defined cycles on a dynamometer, and EPA independently confirms roughly 15% of results at its NVFEL facility (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2026). That check is why the published figure is one a buyer can rely on.
Four-wheel drive changes the numbers on each engine. The 6.2L V8 rated 14 city, 18 highway and 16 combined. The 5.3L rated 15, 19 and 17. The diesel rated 20, 24 and 22.
How far apart are the Yukon diesel and gas V8 mpg ratings?
In rear-wheel drive, the diesel rates 23 combined mpg against 17 for the 5.3L gas V8.
The diesel carries the best combined rating on every drivetrain GMC lists, so it is the engine that most changes a family’s fuel use. Highway driving shows the same pattern. The diesel rates 26 highway in rear-wheel drive, while both gas V8s rate 20.
A family that spends long stretches on the highway will feel that difference most. Families who mostly make short trips should still check the city figures, which are closer across the three engines.
How do Yukon 2WD and 4WD fuel economy ratings compare?
GMC publishes EPA ratings for each drivetrain as well as each engine. The 5.3L V8 rates 15 city, 20 highway and 17 combined in rear-wheel drive, and 15 city, 19 highway and 17 combined in four-wheel drive.
The 6.2L V8 rates 15, 20 and 17 in rear-wheel drive, and 14, 18 and 16 in four-wheel drive.
Four-wheel drive lowers the highway figure on the 6.2L and the diesel, and it leaves the 5.3L’s combined rating unchanged. A family that wants four-wheel drive can see its rating before it chooses the engine.
How does the Yukon XL’s fuel economy compare with the Yukon’s?
The Yukon XL rates 15 city, 19 highway and 16 combined with the 6.2L V8 in rear-wheel drive. The standard Yukon rates 15, 20 and 17 on the same engine. In four-wheel drive with the 5.3L V8, the XL rates 14, 19 and 16, while the Yukon rates 15, 19 and 17.
The 3.0L diesel rates the same on both models: 21, 26 and 23 in rear-wheel drive, and 20, 24 and 22 in four-wheel drive.
For a family choosing between the two, the Yukon’s gas V8s rate the same or higher on combined mpg. The diesel makes no difference between them.
How does the GMC Acadia’s mpg compare with the Yukon’s?
The GMC Acadia rates 20 city, 23 highway and 21 combined in all-wheel drive, and 20 city, 26 highway and 22 combined in front-wheel drive. In all-wheel drive, the Acadia rates above both Yukon gas V8s on combined mpg, and only the Yukon diesel rates higher.
The Acadia Elevation seats up to 8, and its cargo room behind row 1 measures 97.51 cubic feet. If fuel use ranks first and eight seats are the need, the Acadia Elevation is the GM model to see beside the Yukon.
What does each GMC Yukon engine cost at MSRP?
GMC states starting MSRP by trim, not by engine. The Yukon Elevation starts at $69,600, the AT4 at $76,600, the Denali at $80,400, the AT4 Ultimate at $97,900 and the Denali Ultimate at $103,900. The Yukon XL starts at $72,600.
Use those trim prices to weigh the engine ratings against what a family wants to spend, and the choice between fuel use and price becomes concrete.
Frequently asked questions
How do I estimate a year of Yukon fuel use from its EPA combined rating?
Divide the miles you drive in a year by the combined mpg rating. The combined figure is a weighted average of city and highway values, weighted 0.55 and 0.45 under 40 CFR part 600, subpart D. Hypothetically, a family that drives 15,000 miles in a Yukon rated 17 combined uses about 882 gallons a year.
How much fuel does a Yukon cost per year?
The EPA certification record lists estimated annual fuel cost by engine. The 2WD 5.3L V8 is listed at $3,650, the 2WD 6.2L V8 at $4,550 and the 2WD diesel at $3,900. In four-wheel drive, the 6.2L V8 is listed at $4,850, the 5.3L at $3,650 and the diesel at $4,050.
How much fuel does a Yukon XL cost per year?
The EPA certification record lists the XL’s annual fuel cost at $4,850 for the 2WD 6.2L V8, $3,650 for the 2WD 5.3L V8 and $3,900 for the 2WD diesel. In four-wheel drive, it lists $4,850 for the 6.2L V8, $3,900 for the 5.3L V8 and $4,050 for the diesel.
How do the Yukon’s EPA ratings differ by trim?
The EPA record lists each Yukon rating by engine and drivetrain, with no trim named. Each engine and drivetrain pair carries one published rating. Starting prices do differ by trim, from $69,600 for the Elevation to $103,900 for the Denali Ultimate.
How does the Yukon’s EPA fuel economy compare with the Buick enclave’s?
The Buick Enclave rates 21 combined in all-wheel drive, with 20 city and 24 highway, and 22 combined in front-wheel drive, with 20 city and 25 highway. The Yukon’s 5.3L gas V8 rates 17 combined in rear-wheel drive, and the Yukon diesel rates 23 in the same drivetrain.
Why shop for a GMC Yukon at Bob Howard Buick GMC in Oklahoma City?
Bob Howard Buick GMC is the Buick and GMC store on Broadway Extension for north Oklahoma City and Edmond families. We are part of Group 1 Automotive, and we sell new Buick and GMC models, including the Yukon, Yukon XL and Acadia.
Our Google rating is 4.4 stars across 3,983 reviews, and 79 in 100 of those reviews are five-star. In an August 2026 Google review, Angiebyron C. wrote: “We had a great experience at Bob Howard Buick GMC. Our salesman, Lance was great! He was knowledge about the vehicle we test drove, was not overly pushy and was overall pleasant to deal with. My husband and I will look at buying our next vehicle here! Two thumbs up 👍🏻 👍🏻”
We are at 13300 Broadway Ext, Oklahoma City. Sales is open Monday to Saturday, 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM, and closed Sunday.
Start by visiting Bob Howard Buick GMC at 13300 Broadway Ext, Oklahoma City, and bring the engine and drivetrain you want to compare. Bob Howard Buick GMC will show you the Yukon that fits your family’s driving.
Bob Howard Buick GMC answers this question against the specific vehicle in front of you rather than the model in general. Value your trade and get pre-approved online, then see us at our Oklahoma City showroom, or call (405) 928-0697.
Disclaimer: Vehicle features, specifications, pricing, options, and availability may vary based on production timelines and dealership inventory; images are for illustrative purposes only. Starting MSRP figures are national and exclude destination freight charges, tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Standard and available equipment varies by trim, configuration, and model year; confirm the specification of the individual vehicle before purchase. Maximum towing and payload ratings depend on cab, bed, drivetrain, and equipment configuration; see the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual and trailering guide for limits. Electric range and charging times vary with battery, configuration, temperature, terrain, load, and driving habits. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Financing and pre-approval are subject to credit approval. Contact Bob Howard Buick GMC for complete details regarding current vehicle inventory, pricing, and equipment.
