“Yukon XL, Suburban, Escalade ESV have been strongholds for a long time. Resale is substantially better than Ford or Lincoln products. Pick the nicest trim level you can afford, and buy the GM product. It is hands down the best in class.”
2016 GMC Yukon: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 GMC Yukon is a light update, not a redesign. Its headline change is a quicker standard 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay across the lineup.
About the 2016 GMC Yukon
4th generation (2015-2020), second model year after the 2015 redesign.
GMC positions the Yukon as a full-size SUV that blends truck-based strength with a quieter, more upscale cabin than mainstream rivals. It is built for families who need real towing ability, three-row space and V8 power, but still want premium materials, useful technology and a polished feel. That mix of capability, quietness and Denali upscale cachet is what separates the Yukon from more basic large SUVs.
The SLE is the straightforward family model, pairing a 5.3-liter V8 with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bose audio and three-zone climate control. The SLT adds a more upscale cabin with leather, heated and ventilated front seats, a hands-free power liftgate and added driver-assistance features. The Denali is the luxury and performance version, with a 6.2-liter V8, an eight-speed automatic, adaptive suspension, navigation and a 10-speaker Bose sound system.
What changed, by category
Tech
The 8-inch IntelliLink touchscreen responds more quickly and gains Apple CarPlay, text-message alerts and Siri Eyes Free on every trim. The SLT also gains a standard hands-free power liftgate.
Powertrain
Flexible-fuel versions of the SLE, SLT and Denali were dropped. The gasoline V8 engines and transmissions carry over.
Structural
A capless fuel filler becomes standard on the Yukon, Yukon XL, Denali and Denali XL.
2016 GMC Yukon specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, 6.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 355 hp | 355 hp | 420 hp |
| Torque | 383 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6300–8000 lb | 6300–8000 lb | 7900–8100 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.3–121.7 cu-ft | 15.3–121.7 cu-ft | 15.3–121.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 24.8–34.5 in | 24.8–34.5 in | 24.8–34.5 in |
| Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||
| Power Side Steps | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Tow Hooks | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| SD Card Slot | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Cooled Seats | |||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Memory Pedals | |||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | |||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 GMC Yukon?
The biggest change is the upgraded 8-inch IntelliLink system. It responds more quickly and adds Apple CarPlay, text-message alerts and Siri Eyes Free across the lineup.
Is the 2016 GMC Yukon a redesign?
No. The 2016 Yukon is the second model year of the fourth generation introduced for 2015, so its body, gasoline engines and basic trim structure carry over.
Does every 2016 GMC Yukon have Apple CarPlay?
Yes. Apple CarPlay is standard with the 8-inch IntelliLink touchscreen on the 2016 SLE, SLT and Denali.
What convenience features were added to the 2016 Yukon?
A capless fuel filler became standard across the Yukon and Yukon XL range, including Denali models. The SLT also gained a standard hands-free power liftgate.
Did the 2016 GMC Yukon powertrain lineup change?
Yes, but only slightly. Flexible-fuel versions of the SLE, SLT and Denali were dropped, while the gasoline powertrains carried over: a 5.3-liter V8 with a six-speed automatic in SLE and SLT, and a 6.2-liter V8 with an eight-speed automatic in Denali.
2016 GMC Yukon Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 GMC Yukon.
4.3
2016 GMC Yukon
(372 reviews)
“Love: safety features, spaceHate: lots of maintenance issues; seats are not comfortable; expensive to repair”
“Many nice features. Occasional rough shifting first to second, otherwise seamless. Good acceleration and ride quality. Good fit and finish.”