2021 GMC Yukon XL — Full Specifications
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The 2021 GMC Yukon XL is an SUV offered with 3 engines (3L 6-cyl turbo, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) / 23 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 19–28 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a GMC Yukon XL workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Related listing: see also the 2021 GMC Yukon page for the base Yukon listing, which may cover additional engines and body styles.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 3L 6-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 3L 6-cyl turbo · 5.3L 8-cyl · 6.2L 8-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 10-spd |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 28 combined / 25 urban / 32 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 23 combined / 21 city / 27 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 272 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 2 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $4,150 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 6 configurations for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL across 3 engines (3L 6-cyl turbo, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 16 to 23 mpg (US), or 19 to 28 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (20/26) | 276 | $4,350 |
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (21/27) | 272 | $4,150 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 17 (15/19) | 320 | $3,950 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 | 18 (16/20) | 306 | $3,700 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 16 (14/19) | 347 | $5,150 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 16 (14/20) | 335 | $5,150 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL
Running Costs: 2021 GMC Yukon XL
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 GMC Yukon XL at 28 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,299 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $4,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 GMC Yukon XL Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 14 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 GMC Yukon XL (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seat belts (4), Power train (2), Fuel system (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Engine and engine cooling — campaign 25V274000, reported 24 April 2025. Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
- Power train — campaign 24V797000, reported 24 October 2024. Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
- Exterior lighting — campaign 22V827000, reported 3 November 2022. Risk: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Seat belts — campaign 22V617000, reported 11 August 2022. Risk: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Showing the 4 most recent of 14 campaigns.
Owners have filed 560 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The most-reported areas are Engine (321), Power train (100), Fuel/propulsion system (73). Complaints include 11 reported crashes, 1 reported fire, 14 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 263 complaints across the 6 GMC Yukon XL model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine (321 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Transmission & drivetrain (2 recall campaigns · 100 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Fuel system (2 recall campaigns · 73 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Engine cooling (1 recall campaign · 53 owner complaints) — Check coolant level, look for leaks and make sure the temperature stays steady in traffic.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the GMC Yukon XL compare to similar SUVs? SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model sits close to that average, within 1 mpg. Its 272 g/km CO₂ figure is 19 g/km higher than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
GMC models in our database average about 26 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2021 GMC Yukon XL's 28 mpg is 2 mpg above that make average.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 GMC Yukon XL have?
EPA lists 3 engines for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL: 3L 6-cyl turbo, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 3L 6-cyl turbo with a automatic 10-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 GMC Yukon XL?
The most efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined, or 23 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 19 to 28 mpg.
How much does the 2021 GMC Yukon XL cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $4,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 GMC Yukon XL have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 GMC Yukon XL have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 14 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 GMC Yukon XL (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seat belts (4), Power train (2), Fuel system (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL?
Among the 560 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (321 complaints), Power train (100 complaints), Fuel/propulsion system (73 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the GMC Yukon XL's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.