The 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon sits in the full-size SUV segment where towing, family hauling, and long-distance road use all mattered as much as curb appeal. In this generation, Yukon buyers could end up with noticeably different wheel-and-tire packages depending on the trim, from more traditional 17-inch setups to larger 20-inch applications. That makes tire selection less about finding any Yukon tire and more about matching the exact sub-model and rim diameter first. All primary fitments here are radial, with 265/70R17, 265/65R18, and 275/55R20 all in play. The right choice starts with trim and wheel confirmation, then moves to road use, load needs, and sidewall style.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon
The 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon uses three primary tire sizes, and they vary by sub-model and wheel diameter. All of them are radial metric sizes, but the first thing to confirm is the exact trim and whether the Yukon is on a 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch wheel. Once that is clear, the decision becomes choosing the right tire within that size for the vehicle's intended use and load demands.
265/65R18 is a metric radial size in which 265 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 18 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon, this size serves specific sub-models that use an 18-inch wheel package rather than the 17-inch or 20-inch alternatives. Its overall proportions stay close to the other Yukon fitments, so the key issue is not general vehicle height but matching the actual wheel diameter and trim. This is the size to evaluate when the vehicle already carries 18-inch wheels and needs that exact rim fitment maintained.
275/55R20 is a metric radial size with a 275-millimeter nominal section width, a 55-series profile, radial construction, and a 20-inch rim diameter. For the 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon, it belongs to trims equipped with the larger 20-inch wheel package, so it should not be confused with the 17-inch or 18-inch fitments even though the overall tire height is in a similar range. This size reflects a lower-profile look on a larger wheel, which can affect the appearance and tire-selection priorities. It is the right starting point when the Yukon is equipped with factory-size or like-for-like 20-inch wheels.
265/70R17 is a metric radial size where 265 is the nominal width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R means radial, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon, this size is used on sub-models with a 17-inch wheel package and is also the size with product coverage here from BFGoodrich in the All-Terrain T/A KO2 series with raised white letter sidewalls. Available versions vary in load capacity, weight, and inflation rating, so selection should follow the vehicle's actual use. This size deserves extra attention when the Yukon sees truck-style driving, cargo, or more demanding road conditions.
Tire fitment on the 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon changes by sub-model, and some trims can be found with more than one wheel-and-tire package. Checking the exact trim and actual wheel diameter matters before choosing a replacement tire, since 17-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch applications are all used here.
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2009 GMC Trucks Yukon Denali
The 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon Denali uses either an 18-inch or 20-inch radial tire fitment, so wheel confirmation is the first step before selecting a replacement. That means the tire decision starts with the actual rim diameter on the vehicle, then moves to the preferred tire style and intended road use within that size.
The 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon Hybrid uses the 265/65R18 radial size, which keeps fitment more straightforward than trims with multiple wheel packages. Tire selection then becomes a matter of staying with the correct 18-inch size and choosing a product suited to the vehicle's weight, use, and overall driving priorities.
The 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon SLE uses the 265/70R17 radial size, tied to a 17-inch wheel package rather than the larger wheel options used elsewhere in the Yukon range. That makes correct size confirmation fairly simple, after which attention can shift to load capacity, sidewall presentation, and how the tire will be used on the road.
The 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon SLT can use either a 17-inch or 20-inch radial tire fitment, so trim alone is not enough without checking the wheels actually on the vehicle. Replacement choice depends first on confirming rim diameter, then comparing the available tire characteristics that match the Yukon's intended use.
The 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon SLT w/Z71 Pkg. uses the 265/65R18 radial size, placing it on an 18-inch wheel package rather than the 17-inch or 20-inch Yukon setups. The practical focus is keeping the correct size and making sure the chosen tire matches the vehicle's load needs and the kind of driving it will actually see.
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 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon Tires for Sale
Current product coverage for the 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon centers on 265/70R17, with BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 options available in raised white letter radial form. The main differences to compare are load capacity, inflation rating, weight, and rim-width compatibility within the same size.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon, how trim level affects fitment, and what to check for rim compatibility, product selection, maintenance, and real-world road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon?
A 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon can use 265/70R17, 265/65R18, or 275/55R20, depending on the sub-model and wheel package. All three are radial metric sizes, and they are tied to different 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch rim diameters rather than being interchangeable primary fitments across the full Yukon lineup.
The practical first step is confirming the exact trim and measuring or verifying the wheel diameter already on the vehicle. Denali and SLT applications can involve more than one size, so choosing by model name alone can lead to the wrong tire even when the overall vehicle is still a 2009 Yukon.
What size rim does a 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon use?
The 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon uses 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch rims, depending on sub-model and tire size. The corresponding fitments are 265/70R17 on a 17-inch rim, 265/65R18 on an 18-inch rim, and 275/55R20 on a 20-inch rim.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before anything else because the tire must match the wheel exactly. A Yukon with replacement wheels, dealer-installed packages, or prior owner changes may not still be on its original setup, so checking the wheel itself is more reliable than assuming fitment from trim badge alone.
Why does the 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon have more than one tire size?
The 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon has more than one tire size because different sub-models and wheel packages were used across the lineup. SLE uses 265/70R17, Hybrid and SLT w/Z71 Pkg. use 265/65R18, while Denali and SLT can appear with larger wheel-package alternatives including 275/55R20.
That means the right tire is determined by the actual configuration of the vehicle, not just the Yukon nameplate. When a trim can use more than one size, the safest path is to confirm the current wheel diameter and compare the existing sidewall size marking before choosing a replacement tire.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon?
Start with the correct size for the specific Yukon sub-model and wheel diameter, since this vehicle can use 265/70R17, 265/65R18, or 275/55R20. From there, compare construction, intended use, load capacity, and any specification differences that matter for how the SUV is driven and what it carries.
A Yukon used mainly for highway travel may call for a different selection approach than one that sees rougher surfaces, cargo, or truck-style use. It also helps to verify wheel width and confirm that the tire's profile and load characteristics suit the vehicle as it sits today, especially if anything has been changed.
What sidewall styles are available for 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon tires?
The available 265/70R17 Yukon products here use RWL sidewalls, which means raised white letters. That sidewall treatment appears on the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 options offered in this size, giving the tire a more truck-oriented appearance than a plain black sidewall presentation.
Sidewall style is mainly an appearance choice unless it is tied to a specific tire line or use category. On a full-size SUV like the Yukon, raised white letters can change the look noticeably, so it is worth deciding whether the goal is a more traditional truck stance or a more understated everyday appearance.
What brands offer tires for the 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon?
Current product coverage for the 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon in the available size shown here comes from BFGoodrich. The 265/70R17 fitment is offered in the All-Terrain T/A KO2 series, with more than one specification within that same tire family.
Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It is still important to compare the exact tire size, rim-width compatibility, load figure, and intended use within the available products, especially on a Yukon that may be asked to handle passengers, cargo, towing, or rougher road conditions.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon restoration?
Correct tire fitment still matters on a 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon restoration because the vehicle used more than one wheel-and-tire package depending on trim. Getting the right 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch size helps preserve the intended stance and keeps the finished truck closer to the way that specific configuration was presented.
Appearance is only one part of the decision, since the tire also needs to match the wheel and work with the vehicle's current setup. When originality matters, it is worth checking window-sticker information, build documentation, or marque-specific references so the restored Yukon reflects the right trim-level tire package.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon?
On the 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon, the primary fitments are radial, so construction itself is less of a vintage-style issue than it would be on an older collector vehicle. The visual difference comes more from the tire's profile, wheel diameter, tread character, and sidewall treatment than from choosing between bias-ply and radial construction.
That means a restored Yukon can look noticeably different depending on whether it retains a 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch package and whether the tire uses a truck-style presentation such as raised white letters. The most convincing result usually comes from matching the tire size and overall look to the specific trim being restored.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon even when the tire size matches one of the original applications. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, leveling kits, lowering, or body alterations can change clearance and may also affect how the tire sits on the rim.
A Yukon that has been changed from stock should be checked at full steering lock and through suspension movement before settling on a replacement tire. Wheel diameter is only part of the picture, so it also helps to confirm actual wheel width and inspect for any rubbing marks inside the wheelhouse.
What should I inspect before driving a 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon on new tires?
Before driving a 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon on new tires, inspect the wheel size, wheel condition, inflation pressure, valve stems, and lug torque, then make sure the tire size matches the sub-model and actual rim diameter. It is also smart to look for suspension wear, alignment issues, and any signs that the previous tires rubbed.
A short initial drive should include checking steering feel, clearance at turns, and whether the tires hold pressure consistently. After that, recheck inflation and look over the sidewalls and tread for anything unusual, since a heavy full-size SUV can reveal fitment or setup issues quickly if something is off.
How should tires on a 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon be inspected and maintained?
Tires on a 2009 GMC Trucks Yukon should be inspected regularly for pressure loss, uneven tread wear, cuts, bulges, cracking, and any visible damage around the sidewall or bead area. Because the Yukon is a full-size SUV, keeping pressures appropriate for the tire and the vehicle's use is especially important for stability and wear.
Routine checks matter even more on vehicles that sit for long periods or see seasonal use. It helps to inspect the tires before longer trips, watch for age-related deterioration, and keep the vehicle stored away from prolonged sun and ozone exposure when possible so the tires stay in better road-ready condition.
