GMC's Yukon XL, like its Chevrolet Suburban sibling, is a remnant of an earlier age when size mattered and fuel economy didn't. Still, it does a great many things well, and it continues to sell. Like the Yukon, the Yukon XL was last redesigned for the 2007 model year, which in automotive terms is a very long time ago. The Yukon XL is powered by the same line of V-8 engines as its little brother, but its longer wheelbase means that it has more cargo-carrying capacity. Like its slightly smaller sibling, the Yukon XL's first two rows can be configured to carry either two or three passengers, and a third-row bench has three seating positions. With both the second and third rows folded, the Yukon XL's voluminous cargo area measures out to 137.4 cubic feet. The interior is not extravagant, but it's comfortable and has many modern amenities, such as trizone air-conditioning, a USB port, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-month subscription to OnStar. The upmarket Denali model adds wood paneling, leather, navigation, a touch-screen display, and a Bose surround-sound system. The Denali comes with a penalty in maximum towing capacity, however: non-Denali models can cart up to 1700 more pounds than their glitzier sibling can.
The Range
Drive: Rear-wheel, 4-wheel
Trim Levels: SLE 1500, SLT 1500, SLT 2500, Denali
Body style: SUV, 7-to-9-passenger
Engines: 5.3L V-8, 320/326 hp, 335/348 lb-ft
(iron or aluminum block, E85 capable)
6.0L V-8, 352 hp, 382 lb-ft
6.2L V-8, 403 hp, 417 lb-ft (E85 capable)
Transmissions: 4- or 6-speed automatic, continuously variable
Capacities: Towing: 7800-9600 lb; cargo (behind third/middle/front seats) 45.8/90.0/137.4 cu ft
What's New
Recovery hooks are now standard, and electronic trailer-sway control and hill-start assist have been added to the standard StabiliTrak system. Denalis now have blind-spot monitoring and a touch-screen navigation system. An audio system with AM/FM/XM/CD/USB is standard on SLE and SLT models. A heated steering wheel is optional on the SLT. Two new colors, crystal red tintcoat and quicksilver metallic, are available.
Safety
Front and side curtain air bags and seat-belt pretensioners are standard, as are traction and stability control and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
EPA Fuel Economy
All: 10-15 mpg city/15-21 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Seriously large
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Six-speed transmission
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Available four-wheel drive
You Won't Like
- Fairly low gas mileage
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Choppy ride
Sum Up
For when big isn't big enough.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Ford Expedition
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Infiniti QX56
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Nissan Armada
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Toyota Sequoia