2021 GMC Yukon XL 4WDFuel Economy & MPG Ratings

Diesel Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD4-Wheel Drive
2021 GMC Yukon XL 4WD

Photo: BuickCentury04. Public domain. via Wikimedia Commons

City
20
MPG
Highway
26
MPG
Combined
22
MPG

Trim Comparison

Automatic 10-spd
Diesel Diesel
City
20
Hwy
26
Comb
22
Fuel cost: $3,850/yr
Automatic 10-spd
Regular
City
15
Hwy
19
Comb
17
Fuel cost: $3,950/yr
Automatic 10-spd
Premium
City
14
Hwy
19
Comb
16
Fuel cost: $5,100/yr
Automatic 10-spd
Premium
City
13
Hwy
19
Comb
16
Fuel cost: $5,100/yr
Automatic 10-spd
Regular
City
15
Hwy
19
Comb
16
Fuel cost: $4,200/yr
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,850

Based on gasoline at $3.67/gal, 15,000 miles/year

5-Year Fuel Savings
$-7,250

vs. average new vehicle

EPA Fuel Economy Score: 4/10
GHG Score: 4/10

Environment

CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
444 g/mile
Annual Petroleum Consumption
16.2 barrels

Specifications

Engine
6.2L 8-cyl
Transmission
10-speed Automatic
Drivetrain
4WD
Body Style
SUV/Crossover
GVWR
Class 2-3 (6,001–10,000 lbs)

Source: EPA fuel economy data & NHTSA vPIC. Specifications reflect the most common trim configuration.

Engine & Efficiency Details

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov

Engine Size
3L, 6-cylinder
Efficiency Tech
Auto Start-Stop
Fuel Type
Diesel

Annual Fuel Cost by State

Prices as of week ending May 18, 2026 · Source: EIA

National AvgEPA default
$4.490/gal$3,061/yr
California
$5.957/gal$4,062/yr
Texas
$3.888/gal$2,651/yr
Florida
$4.136/gal$2,820/yr
New York
$4.522/gal$3,083/yr
Ohio
$4.510/gal$3,075/yr
Washington
$5.591/gal$3,812/yr
Colorado
$4.618/gal$3,149/yr
Minnesota
$4.344/gal$2,962/yr
Massachusetts
$4.448/gal$3,033/yr

Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 22 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.

Recall History

Source: NHTSA

No recalls reported for this vehicle.

Owner-Reported Problems189 complaints

Source: NHTSA

NHTSA has received 189 owner complaints for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL 4WD. Top reported issues include engine, power train and fuel system. The data below is sourced from consumer complaints filed directly with NHTSA.

Problems by System / Component

Engine
129
Power Train
41
Fuel System
25
Electrical System
12
Advanced Safety (ADAS)
9
Brakes
6
Suspension
6
Visibility / Wipers
6

2021 GMC Yukon XL 4WD problems by category: Engine: 129 complaints, Power Train: 41 complaints, Fuel System: 25 complaints, Electrical System: 12 complaints, Advanced Safety (ADAS): 9 complaints, Brakes: 6 complaints, Suspension: 6 complaints, Visibility / Wipers: 6 complaints.

2
Crashes Reported
2
Fires Reported
5
Injuries Reported

Sample Owner Complaints

EngineFiled: 05/24/2026ODI#11739769
The vehicle suddenly began vibrating noticeably when idling and at low speeds. About 30 minutes after this started happening a warning lamp lit up. We drove the vehicle about 2 miles to a local auto…
Power TrainFiled: 10/27/2025ODI#11695942
Vehicle Information Make: GMC Model: Yukon XL Denali Year: 2021 VIN: [XXX] 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine failed du…
BrakesFiled: 05/08/2025ODI#11659747
I am the owner of a 2021 GMC Yukon Denali with the 6.2L V8 engine (VIN: [XXX] ). This vehicle has exhibited multiple serious issues affecting safety, drivability, and reliability. 1. Engine Noise & O…

Complaint data is sourced from the NHTSA Complaints Database. Reports are filed by vehicle owners and may not reflect confirmed defects. Last updated via NHTSA API.

Related

GMC Yukon XL 4WD MPG History
See how this model's fuel economy changed by year

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