2026 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL Engine Specs, Towing, and Performance
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This page covers the complete engine, powertrain, and towing specifications for the 2026 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL. Both bodies use the same engines, the same 10-speed automatic transmission, and the same rear- and four-wheel-drive systems, so the power figures here apply to the standard-wheelbase Yukon and the extended Yukon XL alike. Towing and payload are noted by configuration where the two differ. For the full trim ladder, pricing, and which engine each trim can be ordered with, see our 2026 Yukon trims and pricing guide. For cargo and interior measurements, see the Yukon cargo and dimensions page and the Yukon XL cargo and dimensions page. Buyers across Hot Springs and the surrounding lakes country use these numbers to match an engine to how they actually tow and commute.
Engine Specifications
The 2026 Yukon and Yukon XL offer three engines, each paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The full trim-by-trim engine availability lives on the trims and pricing guide.
5.3L V8
- 355 hp @ 5,600 rpm
- 383 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm
- 5.3L gas V8, regular unleaded
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Dynamic Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation)
- Standard engine on Yukon Elevation and AT4
The 5.3L V8 produces 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. It is the standard engine on the Elevation and AT4, runs on regular fuel, and carries the lineup's highest maximum towing rating when properly equipped because it is the lightest of the three setups.
6.2L V8
- 420 hp @ 5,600 rpm
- 460 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm
- 6.2L gas V8, premium unleaded recommended
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Dynamic Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation)
- Standard on Denali, Denali Ultimate, and AT4 Ultimate; available on AT4
The 6.2L V8 produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, the most power in the lineup. It is the performance choice: in Edmunds testing, a 6.2L Yukon ran from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, quick for a full-size SUV. Premium fuel is recommended.
Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel
- 305 hp
- 495 lb-ft (the most torque in the lineup)
- 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6, diesel fuel
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Available across the Yukon and Yukon XL lineup as an alternative to the gas V8s
The Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel makes 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, more torque than either V8, and delivers it low in the rev range for steady, responsive pulling. It is also the most fuel-efficient engine offered. For exactly which trims can be ordered with the diesel, see the trims and pricing page.
Towing and Payload by Configuration
When properly equipped, the 2026 GMC Yukon tows up to 8,400 lbs, per GMC. That maximum is reached with the 5.3L V8, rear-wheel drive, and the available Max Trailering Package, the lighter combination that leaves the most weight available for the trailer. Four-wheel drive and the longer Yukon XL body lower the rating. Maximum towing and payload require proper equipment and vary by configuration.
Maximum towing by configuration:
- Yukon, 5.3L V8, rear-wheel drive, properly equipped: up to 8,400 lbs
- Yukon, 6.2L V8, four-wheel drive: about 8,000 lbs
- Yukon XL, 6.2L V8, four-wheel drive: about 7,800 lbs
- The Yukon XL tows roughly 100 to 200 lbs below the equivalent Yukon configuration because of its added length and weight
- The Duramax diesel tows in the same range; confirm the exact rating for a given trim and drivetrain on GMC Build & Price
Maximum payload by configuration:
- Yukon, 5.3L V8, rear-wheel drive: up to 1,510 lbs
- Yukon, 6.2L V8, four-wheel drive: about 1,370 lbs
- Yukon XL, 6.2L V8, four-wheel drive: about 1,250 lbs
Maximum trailering requires the Max Trailering Package and the correct rear axle ratio. Available trailering technology includes Transparent Trailer View, an in-vehicle trailering app, and trailer-camera provisions. Owners towing a boat to Lake Greeson or a camper into the Ouachita Mountains, or pulling a trailer up I-30 toward Bryant, tend to favor the diesel because its low-end torque holds gears on grades.
For a full size-by-size breakdown of the two bodies, see Yukon vs Yukon XL. Exterior and cargo dimensions live on the Yukon and Yukon XL dimensions pages.
Fuel Economy and Range
EPA estimates vary by engine and drivetrain. The diesel is the efficiency leader of the three.
- 5.3L V8 (rear-wheel drive): 15 MPG city / 20 MPG highway / 17 MPG combined, regular unleaded
- 6.2L V8 (four-wheel drive): 14 MPG city / 18 MPG highway / 16 MPG combined, premium unleaded recommended
- Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel (rear-wheel drive): up to 23 MPG combined, the most efficient Yukon powertrain
- Fuel tank: 24.0 gallons on the Yukon, 28.0 gallons on the Yukon XL; the XL's larger tank extends driving range
- Range example: a rear-wheel-drive 5.3L Yukon is EPA-rated for roughly 360 city / 480 highway miles per tank
Safety and Driver Assistance
GMC includes more than 17 standard safety and driver-assistance features on the 2026 Yukon, per GMC. Standard items include automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Available technology includes Super Cruise® hands-free driver assistance, Night Vision, and HD Surround Vision. For the full technology and safety breakdown, see our Yukon technology and safety page.
Engine and Towing FAQs
How much horsepower does the 2026 GMC Yukon have?
The 2026 GMC Yukon offers three engines: a 5.3L V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, a 6.2L V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, and a Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel with 305 hp and 495 lb-ft. All three use a 10-speed automatic transmission.
How much can a 2026 GMC Yukon tow?
When properly equipped, the 2026 GMC Yukon tows up to 8,400 lbs, per GMC. That maximum uses the 5.3L V8 with rear-wheel drive and the Max Trailering Package. A 6.2L V8 with four-wheel drive tows about 8,000 lbs, and the Yukon XL tows roughly 100 to 200 lbs less than the equivalent Yukon.
Which 2026 Yukon engine is best for towing?
The 5.3L V8 carries the highest maximum rating because it is the lightest setup. The Duramax diesel makes the most torque, 495 lb-ft, low in the rev range, which many owners prefer for steady pulling and better fuel economy on long hauls.
What is the fuel economy of the 2026 GMC Yukon?
A rear-wheel-drive 5.3L V8 is EPA-rated at 15 MPG city / 20 MPG highway. A four-wheel-drive 6.2L V8 is rated at 14 MPG city / 18 MPG highway. The Duramax diesel is the most efficient, at up to 23 MPG combined with rear-wheel drive.
Does the 2026 GMC Yukon come with a diesel engine?
Yes. The Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel is available on the Yukon and Yukon XL as an alternative to the gas V8s. It produces 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. For which trims can be ordered with the diesel, see our trims and pricing guide.
Allen Tillery Buick GMC stocks the 2026 Yukon and Yukon XL across all three engines at 4573 Central Ave in Hot Springs, AR. Our team can match the engine to how you drive, from daily commuting around Bryant and Little Rock to weekend trailering toward Hope. Browse the current Yukon lineup and Yukon XL inventory, or apply for financing online. Call (501) 881-4160 to confirm which engines are in stock.
Related Pages
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)
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