2012 GMC Yukon: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 GMC Yukon received a light equipment update rather than a redesign. The main change was a quicker hard-drive-based navigation system with built-in music storage on Yukons equipped with navigation.
About the 2012 GMC Yukon
3rd generation (2007-2014), sixth model year; late-cycle year before the all-new 2015 Yukon.
GMC positioned the 2012 Yukon as a traditional full-size SUV for people who need real towing strength, three-row passenger space, and truck-based durability. The range’s core appeal is straightforward: V8 power, big-cargo flexibility, seating for up to nine in some versions, and long-road comfort. Denali adds a more upscale feel, while the Hybrid aims to cut fuel use without giving up the size and capability that define the Yukon.
The SLE remained the practical three-row towing model, while the SLT added a more comfortable cabin with heated leather front seats. Denali paired a 6.2-liter V8 with cooled leather seats and added safety equipment, while the Hybrid models used a 6.0-liter two-mode hybrid system to improve city fuel economy.
What changed, by category
2012 GMC Yukon specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.2 Liter / V8, Hybrid, 6.0 Liter | V8, Hybrid, 6.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd HD w/OD / Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD w/OD / Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD w/OD / Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD | AWD / 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Flexible Fuel / Hybrid | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 10–15 mpg | 10–15 mpg | 14–20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 16–21 mpg | 16–21 mpg | 18–23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 320–352 hp | 320–352 hp | 403 hp | |
| Torque | 335–382 lb-ft | 335–382 lb-ft | 367–417 lb-ft | 367 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 8000–9400 lb | 8000–9400 lb | 5700–8100 lb | 5900 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 |
| Rear Legroom | 25.6–34.9 in | 25.6–34.9 in | 25.6–34.9 in | 25.6 in |
| Seats | 9 | 8 | 7–8 | 8 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| Cooled 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 | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What was the biggest change to the 2012 GMC Yukon?
The biggest change was an updated hard-drive-based navigation system on Yukons equipped with navigation. It responded more quickly and added built-in music storage.
Was the 2012 GMC Yukon redesigned?
No, the 2012 GMC Yukon was not redesigned. Its body, engines, and chassis largely carried over, with the year's updates focused on navigation, safety, and trim equipment.
What changed on the 2012 GMC Yukon Hybrid?
The 2012 Yukon Hybrid and Denali Hybrid gained standard front-seat side airbags and updated audio and hard-drive-based navigation hardware. Their 6.0-liter two-mode hybrid powertrain carried over.
What did the 2012 GMC Yukon Denali gain?
The 2012 Yukon Denali gained standard blind-spot warning, updated hard-drive-based navigation, and a standard heated steering wheel. Its 6.2-liter V8 carried over.
What changed on the 2012 GMC Yukon SLT?
The 2012 Yukon SLT gained standard heated leather front seats. It remained the comfort-focused step above the SLE, with three-row seating and V8 power.