Acceleration, Horsepower, & Torque Comparison
2026 GMC Yukon Powertrain
The 2026 GMC Yukon has three engine options, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Powertrain performance specs vary per trim level and engine:
| TRIM LEVEL | ENGINE & TRIM AVAILABILITY | POWERTRAIN SPECS |
| Elevation | 5.3L V8 (Standard) | 355 hp and 383 lb.-ft. of torque |
| | 6.2L V8 (Available) | 420 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque |
| | 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel (Available) | 305 hp and 495 lb.-ft. of torque |
| AT4 | 5.3L V8 (Standard) | 355 hp and 383 lb.-ft. of torque |
| | 6.2L V8 (Available) | 420 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque |
| | 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel (Available) | 305 hp and 495 lb.-ft. of torque |
| AT4 Ultimate | 6.2L V8 (Standard) | 420 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque |
| | 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel (Available) | 305 hp and 495 lb.-ft. of torque |
| Denali | 5.3L V8 (Standard) | 355 hp and 383 lb.-ft. of torque |
| | 6.2L V8 (Available) | 420 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque |
| | 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel (Available) | 305 hp and 495 lb.-ft. of torque |
| Denali Ultimate | 6.2L V8 (Standard) | 420 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque |
| | 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel (Available) | 305 hp and 495 lb.-ft. of torque |
The 2026 Yukon MPG ratings also vary per powertrain, trim level, and configuration:
| TRIM & CONFIGURATION | MPG RATINGS |
| Elevation RWD | 15 MPG city/ 17 MPG highway/ 20 MPG combined |
| Elevation 4WD | 15 MPG city/ 17 MPG highway/ 20 MPG combined |
| Elevation XL RWD | 15 MPG city/ 17 MPG highway/ 20 MPG combined |
| Elevation XL 4WD | 15 MPG city/ 17 MPG highway/ 20 MPG combined |
| AT4 (4WD Only) | 15 MPG city/ 17 MPG highway/ 20 MPG combined |
| AT4 XL (4WD Only) | 15 MPG city/ 17 MPG highway/ 20 MPG combined |
| Denali RWD | 15 MPG city/ 17 MPG highway/ 20 MPG combined |
| Denali 4WD | 15 MPG city/ 17 MPG highway/ 20 MPG combined |
| Denali XL RWD | 15 MPG city/ 17 MPG highway/ 20 MPG combined |
| Denali XL 4WD | 15 MPG city/ 17 MPG highway/ 20 MPG combined |
| AT4 Ultimate (4WD Only) | 15 MPG city/ 17 MPG highway/ 20 MPG combined |
| AT4 Ultimate XL (4WD Only) | 15 MPG city/ 17 MPG highway/ 20 MPG combined |
| Denali Ultimate (4WD Only) | 15 MPG city/ 17 MPG highway/ 20 MPG combined |
| Denali Ultimate XL (4WD Only) | 15 MPG city/ 17 MPG highway/ 20 MPG combined |
It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds for the 5.3L V8,
5.9 seconds for the 6.2L V8, and in 6.9 seconds for the diesel.
- My Mode
- Off-Road
- Snow/Ice
- Sport
- Terrain
- Tour/Normal
- Tow/Haul
- Weather
2026 Chevy Tahoe Powertrain
The 2026 Chevy Tahoe has three engine options, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Powertrain performance specs vary per engine:
| ENGINE | POWERTRAIN SPECS |
| 5.3L V8 | 355 hp and 383 lb.-ft. of torque |
| 6.2L V8 | 420 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque |
| 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel | 305 hp and 495 lb.-ft. of torque |
It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in
6.7 seconds for the 5.3L V8, 5.8 seconds for the 6.2L V8, and 8.0 seconds for the diesel.
| ENGINE | MPG RATINGS |
| 5.3L V8 | 15 MPG city/ 20 MPG highway/ 17 MPG combined |
| 6.2L V8 | 14 MPG city/ 18 MPG highway/ 16 MPG combined |
| 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel | 21 MPG city/ 28 MPG highway/ 24 MPG combined |
- Off-Road
- My Mode
- Normal
- Snow/Ice
- Sport
- Terrain
- Tow/Haul
2026 GMC Yukon vs. 2026 Chevy Tahoe Powertrain
When comparing the Yukon vs. Tahoe powertrain, they share the same three engine options, transmission, performance specs, and most of the same drive-select modes. The 2026 Yukon offers one more drive-select mode. However, the 2026 Tahoe has slightly better fuel efficiency and faster acceleration times due to its smaller size.
Towing Capacity & Payload Rating Comparison
2026 GMC Yukon Towing & Payload Capacity
The 2026 GMC Yukon can tow up to 8,400 lbs with a max payload rating of 1,510 lbs when equipped with the regular body, RWD configuration, and Max Trailering package.
Its towing assistance features include:
- Standard Trailer Sway Control
- Standard trailering hitch platform, 2" trailering receiver, seven-wire electrical harness, and seven-pin connector
- Available auxiliary trailer camera
- Available blind zone steering assist with trailering
- Available transparent and rear trailer views
2026 Chevy Tahoe Towing & Payload Capacity
The 2026 Chevy Tahoe can tow up to 8,400 lbs with a 1,834 max payload rating when equipped with the 2WD 5.3L engine configuration and Max Trailering Package.
Its towing assistance features include:
- Standard Trailer Sway Control
- Standard trailering hitch platform, 2" trailering receiver, seven-wire electrical harness, and seven-pin connector
- Available trailer tire health
- Available boat ramp assist
- Available trailer navigation with built-in Google Maps
2026 GMC Yukon vs. 2026 Chevy Tahoe Towing & Payload Capacity
When comparing the Yukon vs. Tahoe, they have the same max towing capacity. However, the 2026 Tahoe has a lower max payload rating. However, they both offer several towing assistance technologies.
Interior Design & Features Comparison
2026 GMC Yukon Interior Design
The 2026 GMC Yukon is a large, three-row SUV. All trims and body configurations can fit up to eight passengers, except for the Denali and Denali Ultimate, at seven.
The 2026 Yukon interior specs vary per body configuration:
| INTERIOR SPECS | 2026 GMC Yukon | 2026 GMC Yukon XL |
| Front Head Room | 42.3" | 42.3" |
| Front Leg Room | 44.5" | 44.5" |
| Front Shoulder Room | 65.5" | 65.5" |
| Front Hip Room | 61.5" | 61.5" |
| Second Head Room | 38.9" | 38.9" |
| Second Leg Room | 42.0" | 42.0" |
| Second Shoulder Room | 64.7" | 64.7" |
| Second Hip Room | 61.3" | 61.3" |
| Third Head Room | 38.2"
| 38.2" |
| Third Leg Room | 34.9" | 36.7" |
| Third Shoulder Room | 62.7"
| 62.8" |
| Third Hip Room | 49.4" | 49.4" |
| Max Cargo Volume | 122.8 cu.-ft. | 144.5 cu.-ft. |
A 16.8" GMC infotainment system, 11" driver information center, Wi-Fit hotspot capability, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are standard for all trims. A premium Bose audio system with Centerpoint surround sound is also standard, increasing speakers from 10 to 18 in upper trim levels.
The cabin comes in six colors with select availability per trim level:
- Dark Atmosphere/Gideon
- Forest Storm with Mahogany Accents
- Jet Black
- Obsidian Rush with Red Accents
- Teak/Light Shale
- Woodland Mahogany
New for the 2026 Yukon model year is a
Key Card system that unlocks, starts, and locks the SUV with a credit-card-sized device. It can connect up to eight devices for multi-driver households or staff work vehicles.
It has a 60/40 power split-folding third-row bench seat for expanded cargo room, a spacious trunk, and a power sliding center console that extends storage room to an additional 10".
2026 Chevy Tahoe Interior Design
The 2026 Chevy Tahoe is a large SUV with three rows and multiple seating configurations. It can seat up to nine passengers on the LS, eight on the LS, LT, RST, and Z71, and seven on the Premier and High Country trims.
Seven-passenger models have second-row captain's chairs. Eight-passenger models have second-row and third-row bench seats. The available nine-passenger LS has a front-row bench seat.
| INTERIOR SPECS | 2026 CHEVY TAHOE |
| Front Head Room | 42.3" |
| Front Leg Room | 44.5" |
| Front Shoulder Room | 66.5" |
| Front Hip Room | 61.5" |
| Second Head Room | 38.9" |
| Second Leg Room | 42.0" |
| Second Shoulder Room | 64.7" |
| Second Hip Room | 61.3" |
| Third Head Room | 38.2" |
| Third Leg Room | 34.9" |
| Third Shoulder Room | 62.7" |
| Third Hip Room | 49.4"
|
| Max Cargo Volume | 122.7 cu.-ft. |
Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 5G Wi-Fi hotspot capability, Hill Start Assist, and tri-zone automatic climate control are standard across the lineup.
The cabin comes in five colors with select availability per trim:
- Gideon/Very Dark Atmosphere
- Jet Black
- Jet Black/Mocha
- Jet Black/Sky Cool Gray
- Jet Black/Victory Red
All 2026 Tahoe trims have a cargo management system with movable dividers to adjust storage areas and prevent them from shifting while driving. The cabin features plenty of storage space with its wide center console, large storage bin under the center armrest, and door pockets.
The 60/40 split-folding second-row seats are standard on eight-passenger models, and a 60/40 split-folding front bench seat on the nine-passenger model for additional cargo room.
2026 GMC Yukon vs. 2026 Chevy Tahoe Interior Design
When comparing the Yukon vs. Tahoe interior, the 2026 Chevy Tahoe can fit an additional passenger and has a bigger, best-in-class touchscreen display.
However, the 2026 Yukon offers a regular and XL body configuration, while the Tahoe only has one regular option. The Yukon also offers an additional cabin color.
Both models share the same interior specs for the regular body configuration, but the Yukon XL offers more space and cargo room all around. They also have many of the same infotainment features.
Exterior Colors & Dimensions Comparison
2026 GMC Yukon Exterior Design
The 2026 GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV with four doors, LED daytime running lights, a bold grille, and an AutoSense power liftgate (Elevation available).
It comes in eight paint colors with select availability per trim level:
- Downpour Metallic
- Glacier White Tricoat
- Onyx Black
- Midnight Pine
- Sterling Metallic
- Summit White
- Titanium Rush Metallic
- Volcanic Red Tintcoat
The 2026 Yukon exterior specs vary per body configuration:
- Yukon: 210.1" L x 81.0" W (without mirrors) x 76.5" H.
- Yukon XL: 225.2" L x 81.0" W (without mirrors) x 76.5" H
2026 Chevy Tahoe Exterior Design
The 2026 Chevy Tahoe is a full-size SUV with four doors, a bold grille, LED daytime running lights, a regular body configuration, and an available AutoSense power liftgate.
It also has six paint colors with select availability per trim level:
- Black
- Cypress Gray
- Dark Ash Metallic
- Radiant Red Tintcoat
- Sterling Gray Metallic
- Summit White
The 2026 Tahoe exterior dimensions vary per trim level and configuration, with specs starting at 211.3" L x 81.0" W (without mirrors) x 75.8" H.
2026 GMC Yukon vs. 2026 Chevy Tahoe Exterior Design
When comparing the Yukon vs. Tahoe exterior, both are large SUVs. The 2026 Yukon has a regular and XL body configuration, both bigger than the Tahoe's sole regular body option. The 2026 Tahoe offers two fewer paint options. The 2026 Yukon also offers a standard AutoSense powerliftgate for all trims, but the base-level Elevation, while this is only available across the lineup for the 2026 Tahoe.
Advanced Technology & Safety Equipment Comparison
2026 GMC Yukon Safety Features
The
2026 GMC Yukon has a
five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
It has over 17 standard driver assistance and safety features, including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind Zone Steering Assist
- Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking
- HD Surround Vision
- Traffic Sign Recognition
There are also safety features available, including Driver Attention Assist,
Super Cruise hands-free driving, and Night Vision.
2026 Chevy Tahoe Safety Features
It has 25 safety and driver assistance features, including the Yukon's above-mentioned features:
- Enhanced Lane Departure Warning
- Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist
- IntelliBeam
- Rear Pedestrian Alert
- Reverse Automatic Braking
There are also safety features available, including a Head-Up display, Super Cruise, and Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist.
2026 GMC Yukon vs. 2026 Chevy Tahoe Safety Features
When comparing the Yukon vs. Tahoe safety, both have a perfect five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The 2026 Tahoe offers eight more safety features. However, each model offers several of the same advanced driver assistance and safety technologies.
Yukon vs. Tahoe Verdict: Why the 2026 GMC Yukon Should Be Your SUV
Now that you know the difference between the Yukon and Tahoe, both models are worthy options as your next full-size SUV. However, the Yukon comes out on top for several reasons.
The 2026 Yukon has both regular and XL body configurations, making it practical for large families who need a spacious vehicle for carpooling and cargo. The 2026 Tahoe only offers one regular body configuration.
While the Tahoe has a larger infotainment screen and more standard safety features, the Yukon has a standard AutoSense power liftgate for all trims except the entry-level Elevation, two off-road trims, and more speakers in its Bose premium audio system. The AutoSense power liftgate is only available on the Tahoe and has one off-road trim.
While both models are great vehicles, the 2026 Yukon pulls ahead for best overall value.
Ready to experience the new GMC Yukon?
