Apr 8, 2024

If you’re in the market for a new full-sized SUV that can handle any towing challenge, the 2024 GMC Yukon might be the perfect choice. Balancing form and function, this SUV has impressive towing capabilities across its various drivetrains and engine options. Here at Meadowland GMC, we understand how vital towing capacity is to drivers, which is why we created this helpful guide that dives into the various capabilities of this vehicle. Keep reading to learn more.

2024 GMC Yukon Towing Capacity

2024 GMC Yukon Towing Capacity

Fitting for families wanting to haul a travel trailer, thrill-seekers looking to tow their toy trailer, or anyone with serious towing requirements, the 2024 GMC Yukon delivers when it comes to towing capacity. Now to get to the nitty-gritty details, here’s a breakdown of each trim’s capabilities so you can better narrow down which GMC Yukon might be the perfect fit for you:

  • 2024 GMC Yukon 2WD: Up to 8,400 lbs with optional Max Trailering Package.
  • 2024 GMC Yukon 4WD: Up to 8,200 lbs with optional Max Trailering Package.

Powering this beast and the key factor behind this full-size SUV’s capacity are three different engine options. Each engine affects towing capacity, not just your drivetrain choices. Those engines include:

  • 5.3L V-8 engine: Generating up to 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, this engine can tow between 7,700 and 8,400 lbs.
  • 6.2L V-8 engine: Pushing out a whopping 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, this monster engine can tow between 7,500 and 8,200 lbs.
  • 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel engine: At 277 horsepower and a generous 460 lb-ft of torque, this engine can tow between 7,800 and 8,100 lbs.

How Towing Affects Performance

Many factors affect performance, with towing being one of those factors. How often you tow heavy loads, how you drive with those loads, and what you tow all play a part in your vehicle’s performance. Fuel economy is the main thing affected when towing and a big consideration when analyzing your different choices in the full-size SUV market. Here’s a quick overview of the Yukon’s EPA-estimated fuel economy:

  • 2024 GMC Yukon 2WD, 3.0L diesel engine: 21 mpg city/27 mpg hwy/23 mpg combined.
  • 2024 GMC Yukon 4WD, 3.0L diesel engine: 20 mpg city/26 mpg hwy/22 mpg combined.
  • 2024 GMC Yukon 2WD, 5.3L gas engine: 15 mpg city/20 mpg hwy/17 mpg combined.
  • 2024 GMC Yukon 4WD, 5.3L gas engine: 15 mpg city/20 mpg hwy/17 mpg combined.
  • 2024 GMC Yukon 2WD, 6.2L gas engine: 14 mpg city/20 mpg hwy/16 mpg combined.
  • 2024 GMC Yukon 2WD, 6.2L gas engine: 14 mpg city/18 mpg hwy/16 mpg combined.

Tips to Improve Performance

To get the most out of your fuel economy, here are some tips to consider:

Schedule Preventative Maintenance Regularly

Preventative maintenance is crucial to your vehicle running properly and is even more important when you’re regularly towing. Towing puts additional wear on your vehicle and its components, so getting the oil changed and brakes checked regularly can keep your vehicle running at peak performance, which can help you maximize your fuel economy. It also gives you that peace of mind when setting out on your next adventure.

Opt for OEM Parts

Going for those OEM trailering components or adding a trailering package to your new vehicle purchase ensures your vehicle is up to the task of towing your travel trailer across hundreds of miles. If you know when you’re looking at vehicles that you want to tow in the future, get that manufacturer’s towing package rather than waiting till later in order to save a few bucks in the present moment. This can save you big time in the future and has your vehicle coming off the line ready to tow anything you can throw at it.

Additionally, some packages include unique upgrades to things like the engine, transmission, suspension, and other areas of the vehicle that are hard — if not impossible — to do later on down the road. Getting these parts installed from the start means your Yukon can live up to all it’s meant to be.

Use Towing Best Practices

Just as important is following a few best practices when it comes to towing. Not only can this help with your vehicle performance, but it can also help keep everyone safe on the road. The top advice is to ensure you stay within your towing capacity limits. Towing something heavier than what your vehicle can handle puts excessive wear on your vehicle and can have a dramatic impact on your fuel economy. Other things to keep in mind include:

  • Packing your trailer correctly.
  • Inspecting your tires.
  • Testing your taillights.
  • Checking your brakes.
  • Adjusting your mirrors.

GMC Yukon Trailer Towing Capabilities

If you’re asking yourself what exactly the GMC Yukon trailer tow can be, we’ve got you covered. Visualizing the capacity of this full-size SUV can help you start planning your future vacations. So, what does a 7,700 lbs to 8,400 lbs towing capacity look like? Here are some examples:

  • Fully loaded motorcycle trailers can weigh around 3,000 lbs.
  • Open utility trailers can weigh between 2,000 to 7,000 lbs with a full load.
  • Pop-up campers can range between 2,800 to 4,300 lbs fully loaded.
  • Small to medium travel trailers can weigh around 6,500 lbs fully loaded.

Another question is: Can the GMC Yukon tow a fifth wheel? Since a fifth wheel connects to its tow vehicle with a unique truck-bed mounted hitch, the GMC Yukon can’t tow a fifth wheel. That still leaves a wide variety of travel trailers, toy haulers, and other utility trailers to choose from to tow behind your new SUV.

Ready to Find Your GMC Yukon?

The GMC Yukon is an attractive choice when looking for a full-size SUV that also packs a punch regarding trailering abilities. Still on the metaphorical fence? Take this SUV, or its larger Yukon XL twin, out for a spin at Meadowland GMC. Whether you want to schedule a test drive or are ready to start signing papers, our team at Meadowland GMC is here to help. We look forward to seeing you soon.