The redesigned Yukon—and its twin the Chevrolet Tahoe—is an extremely functional three-row SUV that offers comfort, quietness, and towing capacity. It gained refinement through ditching the old solid-axle rear suspension and moving to an independent rear suspension, as commonly found on cars and crossovers. This upgrade pays dividends in ride, handling, and interior room.
The standard 5.3-liter V8 engine delivers ample power at any time, with a satisfying purr. The smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission teams well with the engine. Fuel economy is 17 mpg overall, not great, but 1 mpg better than the previous generation.
The standard suspension absorbs bumps and rough pavement very effectively, but at highway speeds the Yukon feels a bit buoyant. AT4 and Denali trims get an adaptive suspension called Magnetic Ride Control, which feels more composed. Handling has improved, but there is notable body roll in corners, and the light steering effort further detracts from agility.
This is a big vehicle, and consequently it is a climb to enter. Running boards help. The interior is stunningly quiet, like a truly hushed luxury sedan. The front seat is wide, roomy, and supportive. The two captain's chairs for the middle row are spacious, and the third seat can honestly accommodate adults, with much improved access over the previous Yukon.
We’re not fans of the push-button gear selector. Other controls are large and easy to use. The infotainment screen is quick to react and a cinch to navigate, with clear, vivid graphics.
There is storage space everywhere you look. The large, two-tier center armrest can serve as a desk for a laptop, and underneath the lid there is a ton of space. It slides fore and aft, and there is a concave space on top to rest a phone. We used the Yukon as a mobile office during an extended power outage thanks to built-in WiFi and the dual 110-volt outlets.
The Yukon has an unusually tall hood, compromising forward visibility. This is a particular concern in urban areas where the hood easily obscures small pedestrians. Its standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection could help. The cameras and sensors are key for parking.
Forward collision warning (FCW), AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection. lane keeping assistance (LKA) and lane departure warning (LDW) are standard.