The Yukon is available with three competent powertrains, all of which are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. All trims except the adventurous AT4 are available with rear- or all-wheel drive.

The base 5.3-liter V-8 engine makes 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. In our testing, a Yukon AT4 with the this powerplant went from 0 to 60 in 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy tops out at an uninspiring 15/20 mpg city/hwy.

Buyers who want to save at the pump should look to the 3.0-liter turbodiesel I-6, which brings efficiency up to a respectable 21/27 mpg for front-wheel drive models. With 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, the turbodiesel is also the pick for maximum towing capacity (8,100 pounds).

The upgrade option is a 6.2-liter V-8 producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The 0-60 time drops to 6.1 seconds, and efficiency falls to 14/20 mpg (or 14/19 with all-wheel drive). The 6.2-liter engine is reserved for AT4 and Denali trims.