“Exterior is attractive. Roomy interior that comfortably seats 7. All the technology you could want in a vehicle. Plenty of power with a smooth ride. Quiet even when it's smoothing out the bumpy roads. Offers a feeling of safety.”
2018 GMC Yukon: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 GMC Yukon's biggest change is Denali's new 10-speed automatic, paired with a revised front end and quieter cabin. The rest of the lineup changes little, though GMC added the SLT Standard Edition.
About the 2018 GMC Yukon
4th generation (2015-2020), fourth model year; 2018 brought a meaningful Denali update rather than a full lineup redesign.
The Yukon is GMC’s full-size SUV for shoppers who want big-family space, strong towing ability, and a more upscale feel than a typical mainstream SUV. GMC markets it around “Professional Grade” capability, a quiet cabin, and confidence on long trips, with the Yukon XL stretching that formula for even more cargo room. In this class, its core appeal is simple: V8 power, real towing hardware, and a premium-looking interior without stepping all the way to Cadillac pricing.
SLE is the essentials-focused Yukon, with a 355-hp 5.3-liter V8, an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration and three rows of seating. SLT emphasizes everyday comfort with leather seating, a hands-free liftgate and power-folding rear seats, while the new SLT Standard Edition offers a simpler leather-trimmed step up from SLE. Denali sits at the top with a 420-hp 6.2-liter V8, smoother-riding suspension, a head-up display and a 10-speaker Bose audio system.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Denali's 420-hp 6.2-liter V8 is paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission for 2018. The other trims retain the 355-hp 5.3-liter V8 and six-speed automatic.
Styling
Denali receives a revised satin-chrome grille, updated headlamp treatment and new interior trim details.
Tech and cabin
Denali gains upgrades aimed at reducing cabin noise, including laminated front glass and active noise cancellation.
Trim lineup
The SLT Standard Edition joins the range between SLE and SLT, combining leather-appointed heated front seats and active-safety features with fewer comfort extras than the full SLT.
2018 GMC Yukon specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, 6.2 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 14 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 355 hp | 355 hp | 420 hp | 355 hp |
| Torque | 383 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 8000–8200 lb | 8000–8200 lb | 7900–8100 lb | 8000–8200 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 94.7–121.7 cu-ft | 94.7–121.7 cu-ft | 94.7–121.7 cu-ft | 94.7–121.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 24.8–34.5 in | 24.8–34.5 in | 24.8–34.5 in | 24.8–34.5 in |
| Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Anti-Lock Brakes | ||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Parental Control System | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Stability Control | ||||
| Traction Control | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | ||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Memory Pedals | ||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Power Locks | ||||
| Power Steering | ||||
| Power Windows | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 GMC Yukon?
The biggest change is the Yukon Denali's new 10-speed automatic transmission. Denali also receives revised front-end styling, new interior trim details and upgrades that reduce cabin noise.
Did every 2018 GMC Yukon get the 10-speed automatic?
No. The 10-speed automatic is limited to the 2018 Yukon Denali with its 6.2-liter V8. SLE, SLT and SLT Standard Edition use a 5.3-liter V8 with a six-speed automatic.
Was a new GMC Yukon trim added for 2018?
Yes. The SLT Standard Edition was added for 2018 as a step between SLE and the full SLT. It combines leather-appointed heated front seats and active-safety features with a simpler equipment package than SLT.
Is the 2018 GMC Yukon a full redesign?
No. The 2018 Yukon remains part of the fourth generation introduced for 2015. Its changes center on Denali and the addition of the SLT Standard Edition rather than a complete redesign.
Did the 2018 GMC Yukon Denali's styling change?
Yes. The 2018 Yukon Denali has a revised satin-chrome grille and updated headlamp treatment, along with new interior trim details.
2018 GMC Yukon Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 GMC Yukon.
4.2
2018 GMC Yukon
(300 reviews)
“My wife loves this vehicle. She has NEVER talked about a car like she talks about the Yukon XL.”
“About all of the years I have owned this same model & have loved every 1 of them.”