Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2016 GMC Yukon
Our scoring places the 2016 GMC Yukon at 7.2/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.8/10, while Technology at 7.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.6/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 8.0/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.8/10. The GMC Yukon delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Tech rates a reasonable 7.2/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $47,348–$59,572, 10 MPG, seating 8, the GMC Yukon sits in the premium tier of the suv category. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.8/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2016 GMC Yukon is a passable suv but not a standout one. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2016 GMC Yukon ranks #1611 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 34% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $47,348 starting price is about 31% above the segment's median of $36,079.
$0 — 5 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Yukon Year Should You Buy?
Across the Yukon model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Exceptional value for money — high-quality features at a competitive price point
Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 10 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2016 GMC Yukon (5 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Service brakes, hydraulic / Power assist / Vacuum 06/09/2019 · 19V645000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Service brakes, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip / Wheel speed sensor/tone ring 24/10/2019 · 19V761000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a…
Air bags / Frontal 08/09/2016 · 16V651000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet…
Air bags / Frontal 10/07/2017 · 17V437000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade…
Suspension / Front / Control arm 28/04/2016 · 16V256000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. The front upper control…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2016 GMC Yukon that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2016 GMC Yukon
Is the 2016 GMC Yukon reliable?
We rate the 2016 GMC Yukon's reliability 8.6/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2016 GMC Yukon have?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2016 GMC Yukon worth buying?
It scores 7.2/10 overall, ranking #1611 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 34% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2016 GMC Yukon cost?
The 2016 GMC Yukon starts at $47,348 and ranges up to $59,572 across trims (MSRP when new). At 10 MPG, expect roughly $5,250/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Yukon years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Yukon years we've rated are 2015 (7.0/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.6/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2016 GMC Yukon have?
The documented issues for the 2016 GMC Yukon are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Service brakes, hydraulic, Air bags, Suspension (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — GMC Yukon
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More GMC Reviews
Explore the full lineup of GMC models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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