General Motors’ full-size SUV lineup was completely revamped for the 2021 model year, including the GMC Yukon. Among the overhauled Yukon’s long list of upgrades and features is the option for a new diesel powerplant, offering impressive fuel economy gains over the gas-powered alternatives. Now, the EPA has posted fuel economy ratings for the new 2021 GMC Yukon diesel SUV.
According to the official EPA estimates, 2021 GMC Yukon models equipped with the 3.0L I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax powerplant and 2WD post fuel returns of 21 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,550. Interestingly, the extended-length 2021 GMC Yukon XL posts exactly the same fuel economy estimates when equipped with both 2WD and the diesel powerplant.
| Engine | 5.3L V8 L84 | 6.2L V8 L87 | 3.0L I6 LM2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Regular | Premium | Diesel |
| City | 16 | 15 | 21 |
| Highway | 20 | 20 | 27 |
| Combined | 18 | 17 | 23 |
| Estimated Annual Fuel Cost | $1,750 | $2,450 | $1,650 |
By contrast, 2021 GMC Yukon models equipped with the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84 gas engine and 2WD post 16 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined, while new Yukon models equipped with the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gas engine and 2WD post 15 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and 17 mpg combined. Estimated annual fuel costs are $1,750 and $2,450, respectively.
As for the extended-length Yukon XL, models equipped with the 5.3L V8 L84 gas engine and 2WD mirror the standard-length 5.3L L84 V8 gas models with 16 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined, plus $1,750 in estimated annual fuel costs. Meanwhile, extended-length Yukon XL models with the 6.2L V8 L87 and 2WD are rated at slightly below their standard-length counterparts at 14 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and 16 mpg combined, with estimated annual fuel costs of $2,600.
| Engine | 5.3L V8 L84 | 6.2L V8 L87 | 3.0L I6 LM2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Regular | Premium | Diesel |
| City | 16 | 14 | 21 |
| Highway | 20 | 20 | 27 |
| Combined | 18 | 16 | 23 |
| Estimated Annual Fuel Cost | $1,750 | $2,600 | $1,650 |
To note, all three engine options mate to the GM Hydra-Matic 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission.
Clearly, for 2021 GMC Yukon customers concerned with eking out every last mpg from their new SUV, the new 3.0L I6 LM2 diesel engine is the right choice.
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Comments
That red Yukon XL Denali pic against the white snow is fantastic. Makes me want to go buy one. But back to reality. Those numbers are quite a step up from the 5.3L gas and even better when compared to the 6.2L. Impressive. Now if they could only figure out how to top that magic 30 MPG number with these, GM would be unstopable.
Dan, your wish is granted. That 27 MPG in the U.S. is 32.4 MPG in Canadian or British gallons, which are 20 percent larger than a U.S. gallon. Inversely there are 3.7854 liters in a U.S. gallon. Actually all gasoline has been sold in liters in Canada for about 30 years or more.
Will gm ever produce a 3/4 ton Yukon for the general public. Need more payload for travel trailers
I think I saw an article on this. Hang tight.
So the GMC badge makes it get one less on the highway from it’s identical Chevy siblings?
Just wondering if the difference in the price per gallon between gas and diesel was calculated. Also, was the DEF used to calculate the diesel fuel costs. I think most Consumers would be interested in the “bottom line”, which might be the cost of operating a vehicle factoring in price of each of the three engine options and cost of the fuel including DEF, averaged over a four year period. My point is that the diesel engine gets better economy but cost 4k-6k more. How long do you have to drive the diesel to get your cost back???
The diesel in this model is actually cheaper than the gas model.. check it out.
Great! Now when can we actually get our hands on one? I’ve got my five Gallon jug full of quarters.
around here, diesel cost less than premium gas. The top trim is not listed to be available with the 5.3 gas.
just went to the GMC web site to use “build and Price”. for Yukon Denali…..GMC removed the Duramax Diesel option….only engine listed is the 6.2 v-8……anyone know why….problems or a website issue
Just purchased a Yukon SLT 2021 diesel. Filled up Saturday and could not believe the consumption, for 220 km used 21 LTR diesel. This is 136. 73 miles for 5.5 gallons is 24.86 miles to the gallon. Today drove 290 km and used 24.54 LTR diesel. This is 180.23 miles for 6.49 gallon is 27,77 miles to the gallon. Very impressive to say the least.