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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  Great SUV...If you like large SUVs - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By rte07 - September 18 - 11:06 am

  I bought my Denali when it had 92,000 on it. It now has about 102,000 on it and I have had it for about 5 months. I havent had to do anything to it except a fuel pump and have some interior plastic touched up. No complaints here!! The only downside is 13.4 mpg, but what do you expect when you have a SUV of this size. All in all I think it is a great truck and it can do everything i want it to do, I can take me and 6 people around, pull boats and trailers, go on long trips and not even feel like it was very long. Im very happy with my Denali!

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  Watch the Tires - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By JimG - September 17 - 10:00 am

  An excellent vehicle! Good ride, good comfort, good secure feeling. The problem is the choice of Firestone tires as the standard for this vehicle. After 15,000 miles, they are "cupped" on the inside front even though the dealership took care of the rotation along with other recommended services. In the cabin, the tires sound like a monster truck at 50 mph. The dealship answer - normal wear for these tires on a GM vehicle. Their advice - replace the Firestones with Michelins - at my cost! At least Ford/Firestone paid for the replacement on an Explorer.

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  Best bang for the buck...by far - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Billy_C - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Want a big, luxury SUV? Deck out an XL with SLT trim and save some big $$. Lexus and Caddillac cannot show me 20+K worth of advantages over this ride. Its got big power, lots of room, all creature comforts and a feel- good vibe. Best vehicle Ive ever purchased.

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  Fine truck. Car like ride. - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Marty Sodak - September 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Denali, coming off a 2001 Excursion. I do miss the interior room, but this is a much more advanced vehicle. It is comfortable, quiet, well appointed, and less expensive than the Escalade. Fuel economy is only 15, but not surprising with all that power. Also, the climte control with dual sided controls works quite well.

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  GMC Yukon XL Denali - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By mascot - September 5 - 2:06 am

  The only thing that seems to be missing is the "back-up warning system". Why GMC and Chevrolet have not included this feature (especially for such large vehicles) is beyond me.

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  Never Again - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By riser - September 1 - 4:03 am

  Bought it brand new. 3 days after driving off the power windows failed and dealer said they already knew of the problem. 6k miles, front tires wore out, 4 sets of tires by 20k miles before warranty replaced the entire front end and steering column, 1st year - fuel pump failed, starter failed, elect system shorted - 4 sets of ball joints, 3 sets of tie rods and transmission failed within 97k miles, rear end is failing now at 202k, great gas mileage though and comfortable when its running - dealer service abysmal, 1st answer from them on tires was "that is a big vehicle and youre going to have some tire wear", warranty on transmission was GMCs own and poor - never again for GMC

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  Not luxury, but serves a purpose - 2012 GMC Yukon XL
  By rob_k - August 28 - 5:51 am

  Traded in Toyota Sienna Limited to better accomodate our family - my wife and I plus four young kids. We have 7,500 miles on our 2012 Yukon XL Denali. Price was $60K even before trade, with the additional screen for the third row. Since we bought the car a few months ago, the DVD player has broken (only used it once) and now the back up camera is broken. Suprisingly little knee room for the second row, and less, as expected, for the third row. You cant move the 2nd or 3rd row seat back and forth, like you could in the mini-van. You can turn the Heat/AC for the rear on and off from the front of the car, but you cant control the temperature. Bad idea Regretting this purchase

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  Big and comfortable - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Money Green - August 24 - 10:00 am

  One of the best family vehicles you could ever own. I had an Envoy but it proved to be a little to small for family road trips. The Denali XL fits the bill. Big, powerful, and comfortable what more can you ask for. Gas mileage could be better but who cares. If you can afford to buy one of these monsters you diffenently should be able to afford the gas.

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  Great Vehicle - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By paulin - August 11 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle on the market to travel. Incredible smooth ride, good gas mileage (20 mpg on highway), pleanty of room and very comfortable. Very pleased with this vehicle.

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  Soccer Mom Mobile - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By glue - August 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Yukon XL Denali after comparing it to a custom suburban and an Escalade. I know I made the right choice. It is quick, has a smooth ride and a tremendous sound system. It is stylish but not to flashy. I feel comfortable driving it anywhere and not having to worry about it. As of yet I have had no problems and am excited to say have good gas milage (I also have a 2000 Ram 2500 which gets 10 miles per gallon). Although I am a single male and drive a soccer mom mobile, I would strongly recomend this vehical to anybody.