The 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon sits squarely in the era when full-size SUVs had become everyday family vehicles without losing their truck-based character. Buyers still value this generation for its towing ability, roomy cabin, and traditional body-on-frame feel, which makes tire fitment especially important to both stance and road use. Tire choice on the 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon centers on three radial sizes: 245/75R16, 265/70R16, and 265/70R17, with fitment varying by trim and package. Available choices stay focused on BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires with raised white letter sidewalls. The key step is confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter before choosing a replacement tire.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon
The 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Two sizes fit 16-inch wheels, while 265/70R17 fits 17-inch wheels on certain trims and Z71-package models. Before comparing tires, confirm whether the Yukon has 16-inch or 17-inch wheels and then match the tire size to the specific trim or package.
Fit(s): Denali, SLE w/Z71 Pkg., and SLT w/Z71 Pkg.
Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
265/70R17 is a metric radial size where 265 indicates nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon, this size is tied to 17-inch wheel applications and keeps the buyer in a modern radial format. Available choices in this size center on the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter sidewalls and differing load-capacity versions. This is the size to evaluate when the Yukon is a Denali or a Z71-package model using 17-inch wheels.
245/75R16 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter nominal section width, a 75-series profile, and a 16-inch rim diameter. For the 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon, it is one of the 16-inch wheel fitments used on certain SLE and SLT applications. Product choice in this size includes a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter styling and LT construction characteristics. This size is worth confirming carefully when the Yukon is an SLE or SLT on 16-inch wheels, especially if wheel changes may have been made over time.
265/70R16 is a metric radial size where 265 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, and 16 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon, this is the wider of the two 16-inch fitments used on certain SLE and SLT models. Available product choice again centers on the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter sidewalls in an LT-rated specification. This size deserves a wheel check before purchase because it shares the 16-inch rim diameter with 245/75R16 but represents a different overall fitment.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon because tire size changes with trim and package. Some versions use a single 17-inch setup, while SLE and SLT models can use either of two 16-inch sizes, so identifying the exact sub-model is the first step.
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2002 GMC Trucks Yukon Denali
The 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon Denali uses the 265/70R17 radial tire size. That keeps selection focused on 17-inch wheel compatibility and the available all-terrain product choice rather than sorting through multiple primary sizes.
The 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon SLE can use either 245/75R16 or 265/70R16, both in radial construction. Tire selection starts with confirming which 16-inch wheel setup is actually on the vehicle before comparing load, rim-width, and appearance details.
The 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon SLE w/Z71 Pkg. uses the 265/70R17 radial size. That makes wheel-diameter confirmation straightforward and shifts attention toward choosing the right 17-inch tire specification for the Yukon’s intended use.
The 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon SLT can use either 245/75R16 or 265/70R16 in radial construction. The practical question is not just trim level, but which 16-inch wheel and tire combination the vehicle currently carries.
The 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon SLT w/Z71 Pkg. uses the 265/70R17 radial tire size. For this sub-model, the main job is confirming the 17-inch setup and then comparing the available load and rim-width specifications within that size.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon Tires for Sale
Available 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon tire choices center on BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 radials in 245/75R16, 265/70R16, and 265/70R17. The product grid is most useful for comparing load-capacity versions, rim-width ranges, and the shared raised white letter sidewall presentation.
These FAQs focus on 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon tire sizes, trim-specific fitment, 16-inch versus 17-inch wheel setups, available tire choices, and the maintenance checks that matter before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon?
The 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon uses three primary tire sizes: 245/75R16, 265/70R16, and 265/70R17. All three are radial sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact trim and wheel setup. Denali and Z71-package versions use 265/70R17, while certain SLE and SLT models use one of the two 16-inch sizes.
The practical step is to verify both the sub-model and the wheel diameter already on the vehicle before choosing a tire. A Yukon that has had wheel changes over the years may not still match its original trim-based setup, so checking the current wheels and the tire placard area is worthwhile.
What size rim does a 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon use?
A 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon uses either a 16-inch or 17-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The 245/75R16 and 265/70R16 sizes are for 16-inch wheels, while 265/70R17 is for 17-inch wheels. Rim diameter is the first fitment point to confirm because the tire must match the wheel exactly.
Once rim diameter is confirmed, wheel width also matters because the available products have stated rim-width ranges. That becomes especially important if the Yukon has aftermarket wheels, since the right tire size still needs to work with the wheel’s actual width as well as the vehicle’s clearance.
Why does the 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon have more than one tire size?
The 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon has more than one tire size because fitment changes by trim and package. Denali and Z71-package versions use 265/70R17, while SLE and SLT models can use either 245/75R16 or 265/70R16. The difference is tied to the wheel and tire setup used on that particular configuration.
That means tire selection is not just a matter of model year and nameplate. A buyer should identify the exact Yukon trim, confirm whether the truck is on 16-inch or 17-inch wheels, and then match the replacement tire to the wheel size and the vehicle’s current configuration.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon tire?
Start with the correct primary size for the specific 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon sub-model and wheel diameter. From there, compare construction, rim-width range, load capacity, and the intended use of the vehicle. In this application, available choices center on BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 radials in the three Yukon sizes.
A Yukon used for highway cruising may call for a different buying priority than one used for towing, rough roads, or a truck-style appearance. Matching the tire to how the vehicle is driven, while staying within the proper size and wheel requirements, leads to a more useful selection.
What sidewall styles are available for 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon tires?
The available products for the 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon use an RWL sidewall, which means raised white letter styling. That sidewall treatment gives the Yukon a more traditional truck and SUV appearance than a plain blackwall. It is offered across the available BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 fitments in the Yukon’s supported sizes.
Sidewall style matters mostly for appearance, but it can be a deciding factor on a full-size SUV that still carries a strong truck identity. Buyers trying to preserve a period-appropriate early-2000s SUV look may prefer raised white letters, while others may focus more on size, load rating, and wheel compatibility.
What brands offer tires for the 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon?
The available 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon products in these sizes come from BFGoodrich. The assortment centers on the All-Terrain T/A KO2 series in 245/75R16, 265/70R16, and 265/70R17. That means the main comparisons are within the same brand and series rather than between several competing vintage-style product lines.
With a single brand represented here, the buying decision shifts toward selecting the correct size, wheel match, and load specification for the Yukon’s setup. Checking the wheel diameter and the tire’s approved rim-width range is more important than trying to sort through brand-to-brand differences.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon?
A period-style 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon starts with the correct original-type size for the exact trim and wheel diameter: 245/75R16, 265/70R16, or 265/70R17. Keeping the Yukon in its proper size family does more for its visual stance than simply choosing a more aggressive tread or load specification.
For appearance, the available raised white letter sidewall suits the truck-based look many owners want from an early-2000s Yukon. If originality matters closely, confirm the current wheel setup and compare it against vehicle-specific references so the finished look matches the intended trim and package presentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon?
On a 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon, construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial. That means the visual differences come less from bias-ply versus radial and more from size choice, sidewall treatment, tread character, and how the tire fills the wheel opening on the correct rim diameter.
A restored or carefully preserved Yukon usually looks most convincing when the tire size matches the sub-model’s intended 16-inch or 17-inch setup. Raised white letter sidewalls can reinforce that early-2000s SUV appearance, while an incorrect diameter or mismatched size can change the truck’s stance more noticeably than expected.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon, especially if the vehicle has aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or body alterations. Even when the tire size matches a known Yukon fitment, changes in wheel width or offset can alter clearance at the fender, steering components, or suspension.
That is why the current setup should be checked instead of relying only on the model year and trim name. A Yukon with different wheels than stock may still need one of the same sizes, but the tire also has to suit the actual wheel dimensions and available clearance on the vehicle.
What should I inspect before driving a 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon on new tires?
Before driving a 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm lug hardware is appropriate, and make sure the chosen tire size matches the wheel. It is also wise to check for suspension wear, uneven alignment clues, and any rubbing points that could affect the new tires.
After installation, monitor air pressure, recheck clearance at full steering lock, and look for any signs of contact during normal driving. A full-size SUV puts real demands on tires, so catching issues like uneven wear, vibration, or sidewall scuffing early can prevent larger fitment problems.
How should 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon tires be maintained?
Tires on a 2002 GMC Trucks Yukon should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection of the tread and sidewalls, and attention to uneven wear. Cracking, bulges, cuts, and gradual air loss all deserve prompt attention, especially on a vehicle that may alternate between daily use, towing duty, and longer periods of sitting.
Rotation and alignment checks help keep wear even, but basic storage habits matter too. Parking away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can slow tire aging, and a Yukon that sits for extended periods benefits from occasional inspection before it returns to regular road use.
