What is the best year for a GMC Yukon?

For the current generation, the 2022 Yukon stands out with 153 complaints, 8/10 NHTSA safety, and just 1 severe issue — strong figures for a fullsize SUV. The 2021 new-gen launch had 280 complaints. The 2025 (45 complaints, 10/10 safety) is even cleaner but very recent. For used buying, the 2022-2024 window is the safest range.

How much does GMC Yukon insurance cost?

Yukon insurance averages around $2,529/year — roughly $211/month.

Is the GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Tahoe cheaper to maintain?

The Yukon and Tahoe are essentially equivalent — $747 versus $744, a $3 annual difference. They share the same GMT T1 platform. The Tahoe has a slightly lower repair frequency (30% vs. 33%). The choice between them is a matter of trim availability and preference rather than ownership cost.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a GMC Yukon?

Reliability score of 7 above the class average and repair frequency of 33% below it — a relatively favorable fullsize profile. Extended warranty isn't strongly warranted for 2022+ models. For used models from the 2021 launch year, some coverage is worth considering given the elevated complaint count.

Is the Subaru Outback expensive to maintain?

The Outback costs $607/year to maintain — $86 above the compact segment average of $521. Repair frequency of 37% is above the class average of 30%. Reliability score of 7 is below the class average of 8. Major repair probability of 12% is slightly above the 11% norm. Above-average cost and repair profile across all metrics.

What is the best year for a Subaru Outback?

The 2023 Outback is the strongest used pick — 84 complaints, 10/10 NHTSA safety score, 9 severe issues. Strongly avoid 2018-2020, which generated 799, 1,025, and 889 complaints respectively, driven by widespread oil consumption and EyeSight system issues. The 2021-2022 range remained elevated. 2023 marks the clear turning point.

How much does Subaru Outback insurance cost?

Outback insurance averages about $1,964/year — roughly $164/month. One of the lower insurance rates in the compact class despite above-average maintenance costs.

Is the Subaru Outback or Honda Passport cheaper to maintain?

The Honda Passport is $86/year cheaper — $521 versus $607 for the Outback. The Passport also has a higher reliability score (8 vs. 7) and lower repair frequency (28% vs. 37%). The Outback's differentiators are its standard AWD and wagon body style, which are meaningful depending on use case.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Subaru Outback?

The 2018-2020 generation's documented complaint history makes extended warranty strongly recommended for those model years. Major repair probability of 12% and repair frequency of 37% are both above compact class averages. For 2023 and newer, the profile improves considerably — but the Outback's overall cost premium makes a repair fund or warranty worth planning for.

GMC Yukon vs Subaru Outback

Two fullsize SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Subaru Outback to minimise 5-year ownership cost.

Buy the Subaru Outback if long-term reliability matters most.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	GMC Yukon	Subaru Outback
Annual maintenance	$747	$607winner
5-year total cost	$3,735	$3,035winner
Reliability score	7 / 10	7 / 10
Major repair risk (5yr)	16%	12%winner
Cargo space	122.8 cu ft	—
Starting price (new)	$72,000	$34,995winner
Best years to buy	2014, 2020	—

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	GMC Yukon	Subaru Outback
RepairPal score	7 / 10	7 / 10
NHTSA complaints / 100k	262.5winner	287.6
Years to avoid	2021, 2023, 2024	2018, 2019, 2020
Value retained · 3 yr	79%	79.2%winner
Value retained · 5 yr	52.4%	61.4%winner
Value retained · 7 yr	39.3%	48.8%winner

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	GMC Yukon	Subaru Outback
Engine	32.6%	8.1%winner
Electrical	3.8%winner	18.7%
ADAS	4.8%winner	7.0%
Brakes	1.7%winner	4.0%
Suspension	0.6%	—winner
Steering	1.4%winner	3.6%
Fuel system	1.8%	1.3%winner
Tires/Wheels	1.0%	1.0%
Glass/Windows	1.4%winner	26.3%
Airbags	20.2%	5.4%winner
Lighting	—winner	3.3%

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	GMC Yukon	Subaru Outback
Avg annual premium	$2,529	$1,964winner

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

GMC Yukon

$747/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Subaru Outback

$607/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

The Yukon costs $747/year to maintain — $37 below the fullsize segment average of $784. Repair frequency of 33% is below the class average of 40%. Reliability score of 7 is above the segment average of 6. Major repair probability of 16% is slightly above the 15% norm. A favorable cost and reliability profile relative to most fullsize rivals.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →