2009 GMC Yukon: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2009 GMC Yukon is the wider use of a six-speed automatic, including on 5.3-liter gas models and the 6.2-liter Denali. This is an update rather than a redesign, with new XFE efficiency models and several equipment improvements.
About the 2009 GMC Yukon
3rd generation (2007-2014), third model year; notable update year with six-speed expansion and new XFE efficiency models.
The Yukon is GMC’s upscale full-size SUV: more premium than a Chevrolet Tahoe, less flashy than a Cadillac Escalade, and built for people who truly need full-size room and towing strength. GMC positions it as a truck-based family hauler with real trailer capability, available in straightforward SLE form, nicer SLT versions, luxury-focused Denali models, and fuel-saving Hybrid variants. Its main draw is combining big-cabin practicality with strong V8 power and a more polished interior than many traditional body-on-frame rivals.
The 2009 lineup stretches from the utility-focused SLE to the leather-trimmed SLT and upscale Denali. Denali pairs a 403-hp 6.2-liter V8 with heated leather seating and a 10-speaker Bose system, while the Hybrid uses a 6.0-liter V8 hybrid system and shows its power flow on the navigation screen. The late-year Denali Hybrid combines the hybrid system with Denali-specific trim, 22-inch wheels, and a leather-trimmed cabin.
What changed, by category
2009 GMC Yukon specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 4.8 Liter / V8, 5.3 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter | V8, 5.3 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter | V8, 6.2 Liter / V8, Hybrid, 6.0 Liter | V8, Hybrid, 6.0 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive / Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | AWD / 4WD | 4WD | 2WD | 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Hybrid | Hybrid | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel |
| MPG City | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 12–21 mpg | 21 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19–20 mpg | 19–20 mpg | 19–22 mpg | 22 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 295–352 hp | 310–366 hp | 395–403 hp | 310 hp | 310 hp | |
| Torque | 305–382 lb-ft | 335–382 lb-ft | 367–417 lb-ft | 367 lb-ft | 335 lb-ft | 335 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 8100–9600 lb | 8100–9600 lb | 5600–8100 lb | 6000 lb | ||
| Trunk/Cargo | 108.9–137.4 cu-ft | 108.9–137.4 cu-ft | 108.9–137.4 cu-ft | 108.9 cu-ft | 108.9 cu-ft | 108.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.9–39 in | 34.9–39 in | 25.6–34.9 in | 25.6 in | 39 in | 39 in |
| Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Power Side Steps | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Memory Pedals | ||||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 GMC Yukon a redesign?
No. The 2009 Yukon remains part of the third generation introduced for 2007, but it receives a meaningful mechanical and equipment update.
What is the biggest difference between the 2009 and 2008 GMC Yukon?
The biggest difference is the wider use of a six-speed automatic. For 2009, it is paired with the 5.3-liter gas engines as well as the Denali's 6.2-liter V8.
What is a 2009 Yukon XFE?
The XFE is a rear-wheel-drive Yukon set up to use less fuel. It combines a 5.3-liter V8 and six-speed automatic with taller gearing, lighter aluminum suspension parts, and other small efficiency-focused revisions.
Did every 2009 GMC Yukon have a third-row seat?
Every 2009 Yukon came standard with a 50/50 split third-row bench. The split design lets either side be handled separately when balancing passenger and cargo space.
What technology changed on the 2009 GMC Yukon?
Bluetooth connectivity became an option, navigation gained real-time traffic information, and a rearview camera could be ordered without the navigation system.