2021 GMC Yukon XL Oil Type & Capacity
The 2021 GMC Yukon XL oil type depends on the engine: the 3.0L takes 0W-20 (7.0 quarts qt with filter); the 5.3L takes 0W-20 (8.0 quarts qt with filter); the 6.2L takes 0W-40 (8.0 quarts qt with filter); the AT4 takes 0W-20 (8.0 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 3.0L: 0W-20, 7.0 quarts with filter
- 3.0L: 0W-20, 7.0 quarts with filter
- 3.0L: 0W-20, 7.0 quarts with filter
- 3.0L: 0W-20, 7.0 quarts with filter
- 3.0L: 0W-20, 7.0 quarts with filter
- 3.0L: 0W-20, 7.0 quarts with filter
- 5.3L: 0W-20, 8.0 quarts with filter
- 5.3L: 0W-20, 8.0 quarts with filter
- 5.3L: 0W-20, 8.0 quarts with filter
- 5.3L: 0W-20, 8.0 quarts with filter
- 6.2L: 0W-40, 8.0 quarts with filter
- 6.2L: 0W-40, 8.0 quarts with filter
- AT4: 0W-20, 8.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L — Denali, 3.0L Eng VIN T, 4WD, 3.0L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 7.00 QTS. | — | Engine oils that have been approved by GM as meeting the dexosD specification are marked with the dexosD approved logo. |
| 3.0L — Denali, 3.0L Eng VIN T, RWD, 3.0L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 7.00 QTS. | — | Engine oils that have been approved by GM as meeting the dexosD specification are marked with the dexosD approved logo. |
| 3.0L — SLT, 3.0L Eng VIN T, RWD, 3.0L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 7.00 QTS. | — | Engine oils that have been approved by GM as meeting the dexosD specification are marked with the dexosD approved logo. |
| 3.0L — SLE, 3.0L Eng VIN T, 4WD, 3.0L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 7.00 QTS. | — | Engine oils that have been approved by GM as meeting the dexosD specification are marked with the dexosD approved logo. |
| 3.0L — SLT, 3.0L Eng VIN T, 4WD, 3.0L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 7.00 QTS. | — | Engine oils that have been approved by GM as meeting the dexosD specification are marked with the dexosD approved logo. |
| 3.0L — SLE, 3.0L Eng VIN T, RWD, 3.0L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 7.00 QTS. | — | Engine oils that have been approved by GM as meeting the dexosD specification are marked with the dexosD approved logo. |
| 5.3L — SLE, 5.3L Eng VIN D, 4WD, 5.3L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 8.00 QTS. | 7.50 QTS. | Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. |
| 5.3L — SLE, 5.3L Eng VIN D, RWD, 5.3L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 8.00 QTS. | 7.50 QTS. | Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. |
| 5.3L — SLT, 5.3L Eng VIN D, RWD, 5.3L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 8.00 QTS. | 7.50 QTS. | Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. |
| 5.3L — SLT, 5.3L Eng VIN D, 4WD, 5.3L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 8.00 QTS. | 7.50 QTS. | Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. |
| 6.2L — Denali, 6.2L Eng VIN L, 4WD, 6.2L Eng | API - SAE 0W-40 DexosR | 8.00 QTS. | 7.50 QTS. | GM Engine Oil Recall: Fill engine with NEW 0W-40 Engine Oil. Replace the oil fill cap with the NEW 0W-40 oil cap Part No.12713787 |
| 6.2L — Denali, 6.2L Eng VIN L, RWD, 6.2L Eng | API - SAE 0W-40 DexosR | 8.00 QTS. | 7.50 QTS. | GM Engine Oil Recall: Fill engine with NEW 0W-40 Engine Oil. Replace the oil fill cap with the NEW 0W-40 oil cap Part No.12713787 |
| AT4 — 5.3L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 8.00 QTS. | 7.50 QTS. | Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Yukon XL
🛞 2021 GMC Yukon XL Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2021 GMC Yukon XL Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2021 GMC Yukon XL Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2021 GMC Yukon XL Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
21.9 quarts (20.72 L) — 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL and clean, drinkable water. All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level. Recheck the fluid level after filling.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2021 GMC Yukon XL take?
It depends on the engine: 3.0L uses 0W-20; 5.3L uses 0W-20; 6.2L uses 0W-40; AT4 uses 0W-20.
What is the oil capacity of a 2021 GMC Yukon XL?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: 3.0L holds 7.0 quarts with filter; 5.3L holds 8.0 quarts with filter; 6.2L holds 8.0 quarts with filter; AT4 holds 8.0 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2021 GMC Yukon XL?
Most 2021 GMC Yukon XL owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — GMC recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2021 GMC Yukon XL?
Yes. 0W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.