The 6.2L V8 engine in the 2027 GMC Yukon produces 420 hp at 5,600 rpm and 460 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. This naturally aspirated EcoTec3 engine delivers instant throttle response and commanding acceleration across the entire rev range, making it the premier powertrain choice for full-size SUV buyers who require heavy-duty capability.
As a Sales Manager at Rusty Wallace GMC with over 10 years of experience helping buyers select the right vehicle, I walk customers through powertrain dynamics every day. The power output of the 6.2L V8 gives the Yukon distinct advantages when merging onto fast highway corridors or pulling heavy loads. When shoppers take a 6.2L V8 trim out for a test drive, they immediately notice how easily the engine handles steep grade changes through the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachian hills surrounding Morristown without constantly downshifting or hunting for gears.
Standard on the Denali, AT4 Ultimate, and Denali Ultimate trims—and available on the off-road-focused AT4—the 6.2L V8 uses Direct Injection, Variable Valve Timing, and Dynamic Fuel Management to optimize efficiency when full output is not needed. If you want to experience this muscle firsthand, you can view our dealership location or give our team (423) 586-1441 to schedule a personal demonstration.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Difference Between the 5.3L V8 and 6.2L V8 Engines in the GMC Yukon?
- What Transmission is Paired with the GMC Yukon 6.2L V8 Engine?
- What Features Are Included in the GMC Yukon Max Trailering Package?
- How Does the GMC Yukon 6.2L V8 Compare to the Chevrolet Tahoe 6.2L V8 and Ford Expedition?
- What Luxury Features Come Standard on the GMC Yukon Denali?
What Is the Difference Between the 5.3L V8 and 6.2L V8 Engines in the GMC Yukon?
The primary technical difference between the two gas powertrains in the 2027 GMC Yukon lineup comes down to displacement, horsepower, and peak torque output. The standard 5.3L V8 generates 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, whereas the optional 6.2L V8 increases output to 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. That translates to an additional 65 hp and 77 lb-ft of muscle, delivering noticeably quicker 0-to-60 mph acceleration and far greater passing power when fully loaded with passengers and cargo.
Both engines utilize an aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection, and a Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission, but their trim availability and fuel specifications differ. The 5.3L V8 serves as the standard powerplant on the 2WD Elevation, 4WD Elevation, and 4WD AT4 trims, running on regular unleaded gasoline with EPA ratings of 15 mpg city / 20 mpg highway on 2WD models. Meanwhile, the 6.2L V8 is standard equipment on the 2WD Denali, 4WD Denali, 4WD AT4 Ultimate, and 4WD Denali Ultimate trims. To reach its full rated 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, GMC recommends premium unleaded fuel for the larger displacement engine.
Selecting between these powertrains depends on how you plan to use your full-size SUV. Buyers who prioritize everyday family commuting often find the 355 hp from the 5.3L V8 plenty capable for daily driving. However, drivers who frequently tow boats, travel through mountainous terrain, or want maximum passing performance usually gravitate toward the 6.2L V8. You can explore our new GMC SUV inventory to compare both engine options in person on our lot.
Engine & Performance
Powertrain specs by trim
| Feature | 2WD Denali | 2WD Elevation | 4WD AT4 | 4WD AT4 Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- |
| Engine | 6.2L | 5.3L | 5.3L | 6.2L |
| Horsepower | 420 hp | 355 hp | 355 hp | 420 hp |
| Torque | 460 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Hydra-Matic | Hydra-Matic | Hydra-Matic | Hydra-Matic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
Engine & Performance (continued)
| Feature | 4WD Denali | 4WD Denali Ultimate | 4WD Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|
| :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- |
| Engine | 6.2L | 6.2L | 5.3L |
| Horsepower | 420 hp | 420 hp | 355 hp |
| Torque | 460 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Hydra-Matic | Hydra-Matic | Hydra-Matic |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
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What Transmission is Paired with the GMC Yukon 6.2L V8 Engine?
Every 2027 GMC Yukon equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine is paired exclusively with a Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission featuring Electronic Precision Shift. This advanced gearbox uses wide gear ratio steps and tiny increments between speeds to keep the 420 hp engine in its optimal powerband during hard acceleration while allowing the engine to cruise at exceptionally low rpm on the highway for improved fuel economy and whisper-quiet cabin refinement.
The electronic transmission controls adapt in real time to driver input, road incline, and trailering demands. Integrated Tow/Haul mode alters shift timing to prevent excessive gear hunting when pulling heavy trailers, while downshift grade braking automatically uses engine compression to help maintain steady speeds when descending long highway grades. Drivers can also manually control gear selection using steering-column-mounted paddles or buttons when operating in rugged terrain.
For pre-owned vehicle shoppers, this durable transmission pairing has been a staple of the current-generation Yukon architecture, delivering refined power transfer and long-term mechanical reliability across model years. You can browse our selection of pre-owned GMC SUVs to see how this smooth powertrain combination holds up over time.
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What Features Are Included in the GMC Yukon Max Trailering Package?
The GMC Yukon Max Trailering Package equips the vehicle with an enhanced cooling radiator, an integrated trailer brake controller, Hitch Guidance with Hitch View, Trailer Blind Zone Alert, and trailering-specific app software to maximize heavy-duty towing capacity and driver visibility. On 2WD models with the 5.3L V8, maximum towing reaches up to 8,400 lbs, while models equipped with the 6.2L V8 deliver maximum tow ratings between 7,500 lbs and 8,200 lbs depending on drivetrain and trim configuration.
Specific payload and curb weight figures vary across the 2027 lineup:
- 2WD Denali ( 6.2L V8): Curb weight of 5,671 lbs, payload capacity of 1,340 lbs, maximum towing of 7,500 lbs, seating for 7, and about 25.5 cu ft of cargo space behind the third row.
- 2WD Elevation ( 5.3L V8): Curb weight of 5,602 lbs, payload capacity of 1,510 lbs, maximum towing of 7,700 lbs, seating for 8, and about 25.5 cu ft of third-row cargo room.
- 4WD Elevation ( 5.3L V8): Curb weight of 5,799 lbs, payload capacity of 1,540 lbs, maximum towing of 7,900 lbs, seating for 8, and about 25.5 cu ft of third-row cargo room.
- 4WD AT4 ( 5.3L V8): Curb weight of 5,799 lbs, payload capacity of 1,540 lbs, maximum towing of 7,900 lbs, seating for 8, and about 25.5 cu ft of third-row cargo room.
- 4WD AT4 Ultimate ( 6.2L V8): Curb weight of 5,868 lbs, payload capacity of 1,370 lbs, maximum towing of 8,200 lbs, seating for 7, and about 25.5 cu ft of third-row cargo room.
- 4WD Denali ( 6.2L V8): Curb weight of 5,868 lbs, payload capacity of 1,370 lbs, maximum towing of 7,700 lbs, seating for 7, and about 25.5 cu ft of third-row cargo room.
- 4WD Denali Ultimate ( 6.2L V8): Curb weight of 5,868 lbs, payload capacity of 1,370 lbs, maximum towing of 8,200 lbs, seating for 7, and about 25.5 cu ft of third-row cargo room.
For families in Knoxville heading out for weekend trips along the Tennessee River waterfront with a ski boat or camper, the additional cooling capacity and blind-spot camera coverage make towing straightforward and stress-free. If you are preparing to upgrade your current vehicle for a trailering-ready SUV, you can use our online trade-in valuation tool to get an estimated trade value before visiting.
Dimensions & Capacity
Capacity and dimensions by trim
| Feature | 2WD Denali | 2WD Elevation | 4WD AT4 | 4WD AT4 Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- |
| Seating | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| Cargo | 25.5 cu ft | 25.5 cu ft | 25.5 cu ft | 25.5 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 5,671 lbs | 5,602 lbs | 5,799 lbs | 5,868 lbs |
| Towing | 7,500 lbs | 7,700 lbs | 7,900 lbs | 8,200 lbs |
| Payload | 1,340 lbs | 1,510 lbs | 1,540 lbs | 1,370 lbs |
Dimensions & Capacity (continued)
| Feature | 4WD Denali | 4WD Denali Ultimate | 4WD Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|
| :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- |
| Seating | 7 | 7 | 8 |
| Cargo | 25.5 cu ft | 25.5 cu ft | 25.5 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 5,868 lbs | 5,868 lbs | 5,799 lbs |
| Towing | 7,700 lbs | 8,200 lbs | 7,900 lbs |
| Payload | 1,370 lbs | 1,370 lbs | 1,540 lbs |
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How Does the GMC Yukon 6.2L V8 Compare to the Chevrolet Tahoe 6.2L V8 and Ford Expedition?
The 2027 GMC Yukon 6.2L V8 matches the exact 420 hp and 460 lb-ft torque output of the Chevrolet Tahoe 6.2L V8, but distinguishes itself through exclusive exterior styling, premium real-wood interior craftsmanship, and available luxury options like executive second-row seating. Against the Ford Expedition, the Yukon's naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 provides a classic, linear V8 acceleration feel compared to Ford's twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6, which produces 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque in standard trim or 440 hp in High-Output specification.
In terms of raw towing ratings, the Ford Expedition offers a higher maximum towing capacity of up to 9,300 lbs when properly equipped, compared to the Yukon 6.2L V8 maximum rating of 8,200 lbs. However, many drivers prefer the immediate throttle response, exhaust sound, and predictable power delivery of GMC's 6.2L V8 over turbocharged V6 alternatives that rely on turbo spool to generate peak torque.
When cross-shopping full-size three-row SUVs, evaluating the balance of cabin prestige, raw horsepower, and ride control systems like GMC's Magnetic Ride Control helps narrow down the right fit. Shoppers interested in exploring ownership options can fill out our online credit application to review current finance options ahead of time.
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What Luxury Features Come Standard on the GMC Yukon Denali?
Standard luxury features on the 2027 GMC Yukon Denali include a 16.8-inch diagonal Premium GMC Infotainment System with Google built-in, heated and ventilated front perforated leather seating, a 15-inch diagonal Head-Up Display, Magnetic Ride Control, and Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology with a 3-year OnStar One plan.
Stepping up to the Denali Ultimate trim adds four-corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, 24-inch selective machined After Midnight Metallic aluminum wheels, a panoramic sunroof, 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, and a Bose 18-speaker sound system with Centerpoint surround sound. Over 17 standard safety and driver-assist technologies—including Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Zone Steering Assist, and HD Surround Vision—are integrated seamlessly into both Denali models.
Seeing these high-end appointments in person allows you to appreciate the full-grain leather seating, authentic Paldao wood accents, and whisper-quiet cabin environment. You can drop by our showroom address or give our team a quick phone call to speak with a sales specialist and test-drive a 6.2L V8 GMC Yukon today.
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