Overview & Reviews

Known in its earlier years as the GMC Suburban, the GMC Yukon XL is actually one of the longest-running models sold in the United States. This popular SUV debuted back in 1936. After serving faithfully for many evolutionary years as a truck-based station wagon primarily meant for commercial or rural use, the renamed gentle giant has increasingly become the go-to choice for families or anyone needing class-leading passenger and cargo capacity as well as solid truck-based towing capability.

With stout underpinnings, strong powertrains, a comfortable ride and spacious seating for up to nine plus their cargo, the current truck is a very capable large SUV. A short list of competitive sport-utilities may offer more refinement and ultra-lux conveniences for more bucks, but the GMC Yukon XL (as well as its Chevy Suburban equivalent) remains easy to recommend thanks to its massive versatility. Furthermore, used vehicle shoppers with more serious towing requirements should know that, up until 2015, and unlike its few rivals, the Yukon XL was also available in a heavy-duty (2500) version.

Current GMC Yukon XL
Redesigned for 2015, the GMC Yukon XL is a longer-wheelbase version of the Yukon full-size SUV. Major updates for this fourth-generation model include increased engine output with slightly improved fuel economy, the addition of a large, multifunction touchscreen, added safety and technology features and a fold-flat third-row seat. Seating for eight is standard, but available second-row captain's chairs drop the count to seven, while a front bench seat (available only on the base model) increases it to nine.

The trim level structure includes base SLE, luxurious SLT and downright plush Denali models. Yukon XL SLE models come with all the essentials, including front and rear parking sensors, automatic tri-zone air-conditioning, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and OnStar, while the SLT features niceties such as keyless ignition and entry, heated and ventilated front seats and a suite of electronic driver aids such as forward collision alert, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-departure warning. The Denali's added highlights include a unique grille, a more powerful V8 engine, 20-inch alloy wheels, an adaptive suspension, a premium audio system, the navigation system and second-row heated and power-folding captain's chairs.

Under the hood of the SLE and SLT is a 5.3-liter, 355-horsepower V8. The Denali packs even more power, as it features a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp. All Yukon XLs come with a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels on 2WD models or all four wheels on 4WD models. Should you opt for the latter, a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing is optional on the lower trims and standard on the Denali.

In reviews, we've been impressed by the Yukon XL's combination of luxury, utility and comfort, especially given its humble pickup-truck underpinnings. The ride is smooth and quiet, while handling is reasonably secure. Inside there's an upscale, modern design featuring high-quality materials. However, although we're glad the Yukon XL now has an integrated fold-flat third-row seat, it makes for a rather high loading height. As such, a Toyota Sequoia or big crossover like GMC's Acadia might better suit your cargo- and passenger carrying needs. But if you need the Yukon's outsized towing, hauling and passenger capabilities, it's as good as it gets.

Used GMC Yukon XL Models
The GMC Yukon XL that was produced from 2007 through 2014 boasted an updated chassis that provided all of the prior version's strength along with a more comfortable ride and improved handling, performance and efficiency. This Yukon XL had more slab-sided styling than the prior generation and also had more in terms of safety features, such as front seat side airbags, stability control and side curtain airbags for all three rows.

This generation of the Yukon XL came in two versions – standard 1500 and heavy-duty 2500 -- and three trim levels: well-equipped SLE, leather-lined SLT and top-dog Denali (1500 only). The 1500 versions had a 5.3-liter V8 (320 hp), while the 2500s came with a 6.0-liter V8 rated at 352 hp. The Denali trim featured a 6.2-liter V8 with 380 hp until 2010, when output climbed to 403 hp. All were mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and all offered a choice of either two- or four-wheel drive except for the Denali. The latter was equipped with an all-wheel-drive system that didn't have low-range gearing. Towing capacity of the heavy-duty 2500 version could approach 10,000 pounds.

For such a big SUV, this GMC Yukon XL is relatively quick, although a full load of passengers and gear will slow down the base V8 considerably. On the move, these Yukon XLs are composed and offer up a smooth ride. When pointed straight down an interstate or out in the wide-open spaces, there aren't many better, more capable cruisers than this GMC Yukon XL. Overall, it's a compelling and top-rated choice for used vehicle shoppers with lots of people- or gear-hauling needs.

Potential buyers should note that there were a few notable changes throughout this generation. For 2008, a six-speed automatic replaced the four-speed unit on the 2500. The following year the 1500 benefitted from the same upgrade. Front side airbags debuted for 2010, as did a standard USB port for the audio system. For 2014, the heavy-duty 2500 series was dropped from the lineup, and the SLE trim got more standard features, namely rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and power-adjustable pedals.

The previous-generation Yukon XL that debuted for the 2000 model year and lasted through 2006 was packaged more efficiently than before and heralded the debut of this model name, as this vehicle was previously called a Suburban. Although increasingly outclassed by newer competitors in its later years, this Yukon XL's warehouse-sized interior made it an easy pick for families and home remodelers who truly needed massive passenger and cargo space. Interior materials and fit and finish were merely adequate, however, and the exterior design was beginning to look a tad dated by the end of its run.

This generation was slightly shorter than its predecessor and several trim levels and a couple of modest V8s were available initially, but by 2001 the two "small-block" engines were up to 285 and 320 hp, while an available new 8.1-liter V8 with 340 hp and 455 lb-ft of stump-pulling torque offered even more grunt. The Yukon XL inched further up the comfort scale as the years went by, but the big news for '03 was the availability of an innovative Quadrasteer four-wheel-steering system on 3/4-ton (2500) models -- reducing the turning circle by a substantial 8 feet and also improving towing stability. The cabin also received numerous improvements including tri-zone climate controls and available DVD entertainment, second-row captain's chairs and power-adjustable pedals. Updates including OnStar, steering-wheel audio controls and tire-pressure monitoring carried the big GMC through 2006.

Previous to this was the Suburban from 1992-'99. After a long, enduring model run by the previous generation that extended from 1973-'91, the then-new '92 GMC Yukon XL finally adopted the sleek body design and freshened interiors of its previously updated pickup truck siblings. In addition to handsome new looks, this completely redesigned Suburban boasted more glass area and a lower step-in height than its antiquated predecessor.

After a few years of detail improvements, redesigned seats and a new modular dashboard graced the Suburban's interior in '95, and a year later daytime running lamps marked the adoption of several powerful new Vortec gasoline engines ranging up to 290 hp. For off-roaders, four-wheel-drive models adopted a modern independent front suspension and a more convenient Insta-Trac electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case. In '98, four-wheel-drive operation was enhanced again with an optional AutoTrac automatic full-time 4WD system for set-it-and-forget-it convenience.

User Reviews:

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  Its been a great ride. - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Frank Rizzo - January 6 - 7:00 pm

  We purchased "Big Blue" new Feb 9 of 01 and with 104K miles on her, I have nothing but good things to say. We have had no mechanical issues at all as Ive maintained her by the book. The over all design and the power train really cant be beat and for family vacations as well every day use, its been the ideal vehicle for us. Our plan is to keep it for another 100K miles as we see no reason to replace it with something similar, when its still in such great shape!

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  Love My Yukon - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By Yukon XL owner - December 22 - 10:43 pm

  We love our Yukon XL. There is always plenty of room for all of our kids stuff. Its safe. I can see well down the road to avoid potential problems on the freeway. People dont try to "run me over" like when Im in a smaller vehicle. Of course it sucks down the gas like crazy, but we still love it. Makes launching a boat a piece of cake too.

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  Denali - Utilitarian Comfort - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By DwS - December 12 - 2:23 pm

  The Denali is a great vehicle for someone looking for a long term vehicle that can handle anything you through at it. It can tow. It can haul. It can deliver you to far away destinations with supreme comfort and entertain you and your passengers on the way. It even tells you how to get there.

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  yukon review - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By run4007 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  WITHIN THE FIRST 1000 MILES I ENCOUNTERED PROBLEM WITH THE GEARS WHICH WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER AT NO COST BUT SHOOK MY CONFIDENCE IN THE CAR. I HAD TO GO BACK 3 TIMES BEFORE THEY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. NOW I AM HEARING ANOTHER CLICKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT. CONFIDENCE???????? IT IS VERY SMOOTH CAR TO RUN AND EASY TO HANDLE. I WISH THEY WOULD PAY MORE ATTENTION IN ENSURING THAT ALL SYSTEMS WORK PROPERLY AT THE FIRST TIME AND CONSUMERS DONT FEEL, MAY BE, THEY GOT A LEMON?? I STILL LOVE THIS CAR.

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  2002 Yukon XL is awesome. - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By JMW5 - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This SUV drives like a car and has a very comfortable interior. Everything on the dash is in easy reaching distance. Ive only had the car for a few days so I cant really rate its reliability or fuel economy, but so far Ive been really happy with it.

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  Battle Wagon Delights - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By G - September 6 - 9:40 am

  This is our second Denali version with the first having been the "shortie". Went with the XL this time for more room while not sacrificing fuel economy. The difference is negligible, but the ride difference is very noticeable. The XL is smoother but a tad less responsive under hard acceleration(ie pulling out into traffic). Could have purchased the Escalade, but drove both back to back and couldnt see $10K more for the Caddy! This thing will pull the house! Very strong motor! Cruises are quiet and very comfortable even for the big guys!

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  Quad-Steer Review - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Charlotte NC Driver - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable and well appointed. I love the quadrasteer, when it works! The quadrasteer has malfunctioned and been repaired now 3 times in 30K miles. Replaced 2 AC compressors and a broken muffler (internal components of muffler were broken). Repairs can be costly unless under warranty. I commute 120 miles per day and the Yukon is very comfortable and powerful. I would highly recommend this vehicle again ONLY if an extended warranty was included. I average 14mpg.

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  Leary - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By EastWALady - September 4 - 3:06 am

  We bought our 07 new with just 57 miles on it, in feb 2008. At 26,000 miles we now have the oil issue. Not sure if its burning oil, dripping oil or what. The dealership is doing the consumption testing and I have told them if I loose my engine and Im under my 100,000 warranty, their not going to like me. Family really likes the rig and enjoys rides in it. Great for shopping or vacation trips. Looking at upgrading to a 2010 or 2011 Yukon xl. I had the dealer remove his decals, why should they get free advertising from me? Of course the salesman hesitated, but when I told him I would charge them a month to advertise, decals came off.

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  Big and Beautiful - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By Kimmers - June 24 - 6:06 am

  This SUV rides so nice youd never know that you have all that car behind you. A pleasure to drive and own. Especially the heated seats. Thank you.

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  Lets be honest - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By TommyO - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I really like my Yukon XL. But it doesnt show up in the ratings. Its better than the Sequoia/Expedition types because of the cargo space behind the third seat and the ability to tow. I had a 97 Suburban and this new unit is much improved in ride and engine. But its the size coupled with the ease of operation that makes it the king of the road. It remains to be seen if reliability is any better - the Suburban was a little weak, but not so weak I didnt get another GM.