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 Forester expensive to maintain?

The Forester costs $632/year to maintain — $111 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, and major repair probability of 13% is above the 11% norm. It trails the compact class average on every ownership-cost metric.

What is the best year for a Subaru Forester?

The 2024 Forester (28 complaints, 10/10 safety, 4 severe) is the standout year — the best on record. Avoid 2014 (402 complaints, 53 severe) and 2018-2019 (483 and 831 complaints respectively), which coincide with documented engine oil consumption and EyeSight recall issues. The 2022-2024 window shows significant improvement.

How much does Subaru Forester insurance cost?

Forester insurance averages about $2,035/year — roughly $170/month.

Is the Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV4 cheaper to maintain?

The RAV4 is $203/year cheaper — $429 versus $632 for the Forester, over $1,000 in savings over five years. The RAV4 also has higher reliability (8 vs. 7), lower major repair probability (10% vs. 13%), and lower repair frequency (26% vs. 37%). The RAV4 has a significant advantage on every maintenance metric.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Subaru Forester?

Reliability score of 7, major repair probability of 13%, and repair frequency of 37% — all above the compact class average — make extended warranty worth considering, particularly for 2014-2019 models with severe documented complaint spikes. For 2022 and newer, the risk profile improves substantially but still trails the class average.

GMC Yukon vs Subaru Forester

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

// VERDICT

Our verdict

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

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

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	GMC Yukon	Subaru Forester
Annual maintenance	$747	$632winner
5-year total cost	$3,735	$3,160winner
Reliability score	7 / 10	7 / 10
Major repair risk (5yr)	16%	13%winner
Cargo space	122.8 cu ftwinner	74.4 cu ft
Starting price (new)	$72,000	$29,600winner
Best years to buy	2014, 2020	—

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	GMC Yukon	Subaru Forester
RepairPal score	7 / 10	7 / 10
NHTSA complaints / 100k	262.5	162.9winner
Years to avoid	2021, 2023, 2024	2013, 2018, 2019
Value retained · 3 yr	79%	86.9%winner
Value retained · 5 yr	52.4%	67.5%winner
Value retained · 7 yr	39.3%	54.4%winner

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	GMC Yukon	Subaru Forester
Engine	32.6%	13.3%winner
Electrical	3.8%winner	8.0%
ADAS	4.8%winner	10.6%
Brakes	1.7%winner	3.8%
Suspension	0.6%winner	4.2%
Steering	1.4%winner	1.8%
Fuel system	1.8%	1.6%winner
Tires/Wheels	1.0%winner	1.5%
Glass/Windows	1.4%winner	24.4%
Airbags	20.2%	10.4%winner

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 Forester
Avg annual premium	$2,529	$2,035winner

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

GMC Yukon

$747/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Subaru Forester

$632/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 →