The 2022 GMC Yukon arrives as the second model year of the latest fifth-generation SUV, ushering in just a few small changes and updates over the preceding 2021 model year. Now, GM Authority is taking a closer look at the 2022 GMC Yukon’s towing capacity ratings.
Before we dive into the towing capacities, it’s worth outlining the 2022 GMC Yukon’s three powertrain options, which include two gasoline engines and one diesel engine. Kicking it off is the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84 gasoline engine, rated at 355 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 383 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm, and followed by the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine, rated at 420 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 460 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm. Rounding it out is the 3.0L I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax, rated at 277 horsepower at 3,750 rpm and 460 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 rpm.
All three engines pair with the GM 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission and a 3.23 final drive ratio. Both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are offered.
It’s also worth mentioning that the 2022 GMC Yukon is available with the NHT maximum trailering package, which ups capacity with the addition of the Enhanced cooling radiator and the ProGrade Trailering System content. For four-wheel drive SLE and SLT models, the package also includes a two-speed active transfer case.
With that covered let’s check out the towing capacities for the 2022 GMC Yukon:
2022 GMC Yukon Towing Capacities
| Model | Drivetrain | 5.3L V8 L84 | 6.2L V8 L87 | #colspan | Turbo-Diesel 3.0L I6 LM2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axle Ratio | Max Trailer Weight (lbs / kg) | Axle Ratio | Max Trailer Weight (lbs / kg) | Axle Ratio | Max Trailer Weight (lbs / kg) | ||
| Yukon | 2WD | 3.23 | 7,900 / 3,583 | 3.23 | 7,700 / 3,493 | 3.23 | 8,100 / 3,674 |
| Yukon with NHT1 | 2WD | 3.23 | 8,400 / 3,810 | 3.23 | 8,200 / 3,720 | 3.23 | 8,100 / 3,674 |
| Yukon | 4WD | 3.23 | 7,700 / 3,493 | 3.23 | 7,500 / 3,402 | 3.23 | 7,900 / 3,583 |
| Yukon with NHT1 | 4WD | 3.23 | 8,200 / 3,720 | 3.23 | 8,000 / 3,629 | 3.23 | 7,900 / 3,583 |
As we can see, the maximum trailer weight for 2022 GMC Yukon models is 8,400 pounds, which is available for models equipped with the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84 gasoline engine, rear-wheel drive, and the NHT package. The lowest capacity is 7,500 pounds, as offered by 2022 GMC Yukon models equipped with the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine and four-wheel drive.
Additionally, the 2022 GMC Yukon is offered in the extended-length XL body style, which measures in with an overall length of 225.7 inches, as compared to 210.7 inches for the standard-length Yukon. Towing capacities between these two models are also different:
2022 GMC Yukon XL Towing Capacities
| Model | Drivetrain | 5.3L V8 L84 | 6.2L V8 L87 | Turbo-Diesel 3.0L I6 LM2 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axle Ratio | Max Trailer Weight (lbs / kg) | Axle Ratio | Max Trailer Weight (lbs / kg) | Axle Ratio | Max Trailer Weight (lbs / kg) | ||
| Yukon XL | 2WD | 3.23 | 7,800 / 3,538 | 3.23 | 7,600 / 3,447 | 3.23 | 8,000 / 3,629 |
| Yukon XL with NHT1 | 2WD | 3.23 | 8,300 / 3,765 | 3.23 | 8,100 / 3,674 | 3.23 | 8,000 / 3,629 |
| Yukon XL | 4WD | 3.23 | 7,500 / 3,402 | 3.23 | 7,400 / 3,357 | 3.23 | 7,700 / 3,493 |
| Yukon XL with NHT1 | 4WD | 3.23 | 8,000 / 3,629 | 3.23 | 7,900 / 3,583 | 3.23 | 7,700 / 3,493 |
Maximum trailer weight for 2022 GMC Yukon XL models is 8,300 pounds, once again with the 5.3L V8 L84 engine, rear-wheel drive, and NHT package. The lowest trailer weight for Yukon XL models is 7,400 pounds for units equipped with the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine and four-wheel drive.
As a reminder, the GMC Yukon rides on the GM T1 platform, with production taking place at the GM Arlington plant in Texas.
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Comments
The SAE tow rating procedure considers high ambient temperatures and steep grades. Except for ad bragging, they are largely meaningless. In my experience, owners NEVER weigh what they tow or haul.
The people that write this article for GMC (GM) are
Soooooooi out of touch with reality. One of the reasons my order was cancelled was because I ordered the towing pkg with brake controller. Hello earth to author..
I just got my 22 Yukon Denali with the duramax after a 10 month wait.
I was forced to drop the max trailer package as well along the media & adv tech package which would have been nice to have but not necessary
Just out of curiosity, Can you add the max trailer package through the dealer at a later date?
3:23 Axle ratio s terrible ,need ‘s to be at least a 3:54 “your tow rate will be lot lower ,trim levels, opts , full tank of fuel, cargo ? How many are in the truck “ not sure if a independent rear axle can handle the load of 6 -8 plus the hitch wt ? Real world id go 6500 no more than a 25’ trailer at the most but where are you towing? Flat lands in Iowa , Florida? or going over the doner pass? Ike tunnel in Colorado , wish they would have keep the g80 soild rear axle but “we want a smooth ride ,leg room for the 3rd row just saying your tow rating we be lot lower do like the diesel engine
2022 Yukon — With a transmission 1st gear of 4.69 then 2.98, 2.14, 1.77, 1.52, 1.27, 1.00, .85, .69, and .63, I would hope a rear gear of 3.23 would suffice even for trailer towing to maximum. I was very pleased with my 2004 Yukon with a 5.3 with a 3.06 first and a 3.73 rear gear but I did want better mileage not towing.
The listed towing capacities are really disappointing. My 12 year old 1/2 ton Toyota Tundra pick up beats the new Denali by over 25%.
Unfortunately, for those of us that tow bigger boats / toy haulers, and carry people & luggage, the choice continues to be crew cab pick ups. If GM would beef these up to say a 12,000 lb. rating, I’d likely be buying a new vehicle.