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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2010 GMC Yukon

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 GMC Yukon

Overview

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2010 GMC Yukon Review

By KBB.com Editors

With seating for up to nine people, substantial towing capacity and aspirational appeal, GM's biggest family haulers have in the past accounted for more than 60 percent of full-size SUV sales. GMC's version, the 2010 Yukon, bridges the gap between its Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade siblings with a lineup that includes a base model priced similarly to the Tahoe, as well as a distinctive Denali model that can approach Escalade prices when fully loaded. While the faithful Yukon continues to serve millions of families well, the impressive 2010 Yukon all but antiquates the previous generation, which seems light years apart in styling, quality and interior materials.

You'll Like This Car If...

Even if you don't need its maximum seating or towing capacities, the 2010 GMC Yukon shines on enough levels to satisfy the needs and tastes of almost any full-size SUV buyer. That it also has some of the category's best fuel mileage is a definite plus, as is the optional hybrid model.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Unlike the Ford Expedition, Dodge Durango and Nissan Armada, none of GM's full-size SUVs feature a fold-flat third-row seat. The rear-most seat is removable in two 50-pound sections, but for anyone that's grown accustomed to the convenience of a fold-flat third row, this could be the Yukon's deal-breaker.

What's New for 2010

New for 2010 is OnStar 8.2 with long range remote start and traffic control, a center console-mounted USB port and enhanced battery charging for some handheld devices. Under the Yukon's hood, the 5.3-liter V8 is now E85-compatible, while the big Yukon Denali's 6.2-liter V8 gains Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. Other mechanical changes include a new 3.08 rear axle on Denali for improved fuel economy and an available two-speed transfer case on four-wheel-drive models.

Driving the Yukon

Driving Impressions With a stiff, fully-boxed frame, revised suspension and greatly improved steering and braking characteristics, the 2010 GMC Yukon is by far the best handling full-size SUV ever to wear a...

GMC badge. It responds with confidence to both the driver and the road while also providing more accurate feedback. Crisp and alert around town (for a tall SUV weighing well over 2.5 tons, of course), comfortable and stable on the highway, the latest Yukon provides the driver a level of confidence unapproached by its predecessors – an experience good enough to qualify GMC's newest full-size SUV as one of the category's best.

Favorite Features

Power Fold-and-Flip Second Row
Accessing the third row is made easier with power fold-and-flip second-row seats that can also be activated by the driver or front passenger via roof-mounted switches.

Rearview Camera
Vehicles this big benefit the most from rearview cameras that let the driver see what's lurking behind the back bumper.

2010 GMC Yukon Details

Interior

The 2010 GMC Yukon's interior can be configured with any number of seating positions from six to nine, with each row available in two- or three-passenger layouts. Other seating options include leather, first-row heated seats and power fold-and-flip second-row seats (all standard on the Denali). Getting past the seats, the Yukon's passenger cabin is so attractive, comfortable and refined as to make the previous-generation's cabin feel downright old-fashioned. Where lower-cost materials still exist, they aren't as conspicuous as in the past. Again, the vehicle's weakest link in some people's eyes will be the lack of a fold-flat rear seat.

Exterior

The 2010 GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe are most differentiated up front, with each sporting its own grille, hood, fascia and headlights. The variation continues down the sides and to the back with unique trim, wheels and taillamps. Yukon Denali models are further distinguished by a signature perforated grille, modified headlights and taillamps, revised front and rear fascias, distinctive 18-inch wheels (with unique 20-inchers available), chrome-accented side moldings and unique side steps.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A base Yukon features a six-speed automatic transmission, two-wheel drive and a 5.3-liter V8 engine. Other standard features include manual dual-zone air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power heated mirrors, eight-speaker AM/FM/CD-MP3 sound system with auxiliary audio input, OnStar, cruise control, Driver Information Center, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and outside temperature display, height-adjustable steering wheel and a cloth interior featuring a 40/20/40-split bench up front (with power driver's portion), a 60/40-split bench in the middle row and a third-row seat. Outside, a base Yukon is equipped with 17-inch aluminum wheels and a tow package. Standard safety equipment includes driver and front-passenger airbags, three-row head-curtain airbags, electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, tire-pressure-monitoring system and Antilock Braking System (ABS).

Optional Equipment

The Yukon Denali's exclusive powertrain consists of a 6.2-liter V8, six-speed automatic transmission and an available full-time all-wheel-drive system. Optional equipment that's standard on Denali includes a power liftgate, power fold-and-flip second-row seats, ultrasonic rear parking assist (standard on SLT), power-adjustable pedals, upgraded audio system, automatic climate control, active damping system and power-folding exterior mirrors. Optional even on Denali are a rearview camera, power-retractable side steps, navigation system, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, 20-inch wheels, heated and cooled front seats, power-adjustable steering column and a power sunroof.

Under the Hood

The Yukon powertrain lineup consists of two V8 engines, a six-speed automatic transmission with tap-up/tap-down gear selection, plus two-, four- and all-wheel drive. A Flex-Fuel version of the 5.3-liter V8 performs almost identically to last year's gasoline-only 5.3-liter engine but will also run on E85 ethanol – a "biofuel" produced in part using renewable materials like corn. Both the 5.3- and 6.2-liter engines feature cylinder-deactivation technology that imperceptibly "turns off" four cylinders under light loads and helps the Yukon achieve what GM claims to be the best fuel economy in the category. Maximum towing capacity on four-wheel-drive models is 8,200 pounds.

5.3-liter V8 FlexFuel
320 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
326 horsepower @ 5300 rpm (E85)
335 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
350 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm (E85)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21 (gasoline), 11/16 (E85),

6.2-liter V8
403 horsepower @ 5700 rpm
417 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 (gasoline, 2WD), 10/16 (E85, 2WD), 13/20 (gasoline, 4WD), 10/15 (E85, 4WD)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used GMC Yukon vehicles for sale near you.

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2010 GMC Yukon Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 355 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.7/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.2/10

problems, nothing but

By BDS (ME) on Saturday, April 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 72,000

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Interior"

Cons: "too many to list"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Owned a Chevy Tahoe, then bought the Denali. Both were constantly in the shop. Unfortunately we bought the Denali for the nice interior and room it provided. That's where it ends for these vehicles. Problem after problem and we're done with Chevy and GMC for good. Both vehicles had all kinds of problems. Mechanical, engine, suspension, etc etc. The Denali looks great but you'll end up spending more in the shop."

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My Yukon rocks- love its style comfort performance

By chacha (WY) on Wednesday, April 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 28,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "COMFORT, SAFETY, FAIR PRICE, VERY GOOD LOOKING"

Cons: "GAS PRICES NOTWITHSTANDING, STILL A CHOICE RIDE"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Looking good is great but dependability and safety rates high on the list. Turning heads is inevitable, so get ready for that. Comfort is max, great for family excursions!"

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Best vehicle I've ever had

By Aaron (MN) on Sunday, March 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 47,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've owned about every type of SUV out there and my Yukon Denali Hybrid tops them all. It's not even a comparison. To be able to average 22 mpg while having great power and comfort is unbeatable. When you drive it, it is clear it is such a solid truck. I bought it used and have never had any issues with it at all."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Bittersweet!

By guntherboy (VA) on Monday, March 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 135,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Drove very nice. Ample room. Great turning ratio"

Cons: "Pricey. Tend to have mechanical issues over time."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I bought my 2007 SLE 2x2 new and have babied it with regular maintenance. I rarely put more than 3500 miles on it before an oil change and go by the book with recommended maintenance. It now has 135,000 miles on it and looks like new. I started getting a "service traction control" reading and took it in for service. A funny thing happened on my way to get it serviced. The engine (5.3 liter V8) developed a small miss. I asked the dealership to check the miss out as well. They called and advised me that it dropped a valve and they found metal in the oil pan. Long story short it requires a new engine. Granted I have 135000 miles on it which are 50/50 highway and city but I know of three other people who have had a similar experience. The dealership where I get mine serviced had one the day before I took mine in as well. It had 115000 miles on it. Otherwise I loved this SUV. It was a pleasure to drive and I got 22 miles per gallon when on the road and around 17-18 in town. Will I buy another one? Probably not. I am not willing to make a $40-50k mistake."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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I love my car

By Rose (CA) on Saturday, March 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 76,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned my Yukon for the last 5 years and haven't had any issues with it besides normal maintenance. It very comfortable to drive, turning radius is great and makes it very easy to drive and move in small parking areas. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants or needs a large vehicle."

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I have had it for 5 mon.

By Pat (OH) on Thursday, January 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 28,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"It is a great car. No doubt. I bought it in October of 2012. It is a 2012 modle. I got the SLT 4X4 modle. The gas is tough, but I need a Car this big since I have 4 kids. My family gave it the nickname "couches on wheels" Do to how spacious and comfortable it is. It is the best Car I have ever had. The only problem I have had with it is the trunk. It makes noises. We took it back to the shop. They said the brackets were lose. We had had no further problem with it. I would reccomend this car to many people. It is very trustfull."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 355 reviews