The GMC Yukon XL was initially known as the Suburban, and it is one of the oldest models still in production by GMC today. This vehicle’s history goes back to 1936, when it was introduced as a truck-based station wagon named ‘Carryall-Suburban’.
Over several generations, this SUV evolved from a utilitarian vehicle for rural areas to a family vehicle that could take the whole family out for a weekend outside or to the local mall. The Yukon XL nameplate was introduced as a bigger version of the Suburban in 2000 with the tenth generation. Now in the eleventh generation, the 2013 GMC Yukon XL is still one of the top picks as a full-fledged family vehicle.
New For 2013
The Yukon XL now has available champagne silver metallic paint and automatic engine braking in all transmission modes.
Exterior
The exterior of the 2013 GMC Yukon XL remains mostly unchanged from the introduction of the eleventh generation in 2007. It has a more modern and less boxy styling from the previous generation, and shares many similarities with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.
The steep rake angle of the windshield and the less boxy design translates to a more aerodynamic shape, which significantly reduces drag coefficient. Nevertheless, after a little more than five years since its introduction, the design of the Yukon XL is not as fresh and modern as it used to be. Compared to other SUVs like the Ford Explorer, the Yukon XL seems a lot more conservative.
The 2013 GMC Yukon XL is fitted with integrated running boards on the outside. The Denali model lies at the top of the price and features range, so it is naturally to see it get some additions to distinguish it from the rest of the range. These include 20-inch wheels and a chrome honeycomb grille.
The 2013 GMC Yukon XL is 222.4 inches long, which is 20 inches more than that of the regular-sized Yukon. It has a width of 79.1 inches, and it gets 17-inch wheels and power heated side mirrors on the outside too. Optional exterior features include a power sunroof, power retractable running boards, and power lift-gate.
Interior & Cargo
The interior of the 2013 GMC Yukon XL is well-designed with high build quality and high-quality fixtures that include low-gloss materials, flush-mounted controls, and chrome surrounds for the gauges.
The 2013 GMC Yukon XL can be set up with three rows of seats for a maximum capacity of nine occupants. Standard features include steering wheel-mounted audio controls, satellite radio, a Bose stereo system, cloth upholstery, and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The optional interior features include leather seats, a DVD entertainment system, heated/cooled front seats, and an integrated backup camera with the rearview mirror. The 2013 GMC Yukon XL is a favorite with large families for a reason- its cavernous cabin.
Space is not a problem in the 2013 GMC Yukon XL despite the arrival of newer SUVs in the market to compete with it in this regard. The cabin is also quite classy, but not as much as some of its competitors.
Safety
The 2013 GMC Yukon XL comes with standard safety features including side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, recovery hooks, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, seat-mounted side-impact airbags up front, and an electronic stability system with traction control. The optional safety features in the 2013 GMC Yukon XL include rear parking sensors and a blind spot warning system.
Driving Experience
The 2013 GMC Yukon XL is available with three Flex-fuel engine options. The base engine is a 5.3-liter V-8 that delivers 320 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque, which is fitted in the 1500 as standard. The XL 2500 gets a 6.0-liter, V-8 engine that delivers 352 horsepower and 382 lb-ft of torque. The top-end engine is a 6.2-liter V-8 that delivers 403 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque.
The engines can be coupled with a six-speed automatic suspension and a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. All models except the Yukon XL Denali get a part-time all-wheel drive system as an option. The Denali has a unique permanent all-wheel drive system as standard.
With proper equipment installed, the 2013 GMC Yukon XL 1500 can tow up to 8100 pounds, and the 2500 can tow up to 9600 pounds. An integrated trailer brake controller is available for providing enough brake force for the trailer. An optional heavy-duty Trailering package is available as well, but it is generally not worth the cost for the average family.
The 2013 GMC Yukon XL 1500 has a five-link coil-spring rear suspension, and the 2500 has the same system except for heavy-duty multi-leaf springs instead of coil-springs. The 2500 model also has a hydraulic brake power booster in order to improve the efficiency of its braking performance.
Optional performance features include a load-level rear suspension and an Off-Road Suspension Package. With any of the V-8 engines under the hood, the 2013 GMC Yukon XL is rather quick. With no load, the vehicle can go from zero to 60 mph in less than nine seconds, which is one of the better figures in this segment.
The base V-8 engine, however, is not a very good option for driving Yukon XL in full capacity. It lacks the smoothness ad composure that is present when the vehicle is taken on a smooth ride. Overall, the 2013 GMC Yukon XL is a capable vehicle on highways and a good choice for shoppers, heavy loaders, and large families.
Key Competitors For The 2013 GMC Yukon-XL
- Ford Expedition
- Infiniti QX56
- Nissan Armada
- Toyota Sequoia