2009 GMC Yukon XL Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.44/5 Average
10 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

For 2009, the GMC Yukon XL sees the six-speed automatic transmission fitted across the line, the debut of Bluetooth connectivity and XM Real Time Traffic, a more powerful engine for the Denali and a gaggle of new wheel options.

Pros:
  • Seating for up to nine passengers, massive interior space, smooth road manners, attractive interior with quality materials, powerful 6.2-liter V8 in the Denali.
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 10.00
  • Unexplained Sudden Acceleration - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
    By -

    Purchased our vehicle new in 2009. Generally satisfied with the SUV. In December 2012 the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated without explanation. The car was towed to dealer - who could not re-create the defect. The vehicle has a bulletin out on a throttle defect but claim that it is due to a loss of power rather than a sudden acceleration. The manufacturer declined to pay for the cost of analysis of the defect, in spite of the throttle bulletin indicating they will pay the cost of the repair. Have 75K mi. on car but now wrestling with keeping it due to the concern. Expected another 2 years out of the vehicle, especially at this price for car - but now may have to find another option.

  • King of full size SUVs! - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
    By -

    There is no real comparable full size SUV to challenge General Motors, but that hasnt kept GM from continuously improving the Yukon XL. We traded an 2004 Suburban for this brand new and now with 155,000 miles on it, this baby still runs and drives like a new one. Being totally honest, there are two weaknesses for these trucks. 1st is the displacement on demand or active fuel management. This is supposed to increase your gas mileage, but it causes your motor to consume oil after about 60,000 miles or so. And if youre not the type that keeps an eye on your oil level, you can run too low and burn your motor up. I have always kept a close eye on this and finally had the dod deleted and Ive had zero problems. My mileage is the same, maybe even a little better, and no more oil consumption. 2nd weakness is the transmission torque converter design. Due to a design issue, these 6 speed trannys will give you problems between 100k and 125k miles. Mine made it to 153k and then it cost approximately $1300 to have the fix done. The good thing is my guy went through the entire tranny and all was good except the torque converter and another part, the name of which slips my mind. A complete rebuild would have cost $2500-$3500, but because my tranny guy is honest, he fixed only what needed fixing. Bad part is that the design flaw is still there and in another 120k miles, Ill be looking at doing it again. Overall, this vehicle is awesome. Still looks good and havent had any other issues with it except for what Ive mentioned. Granted, some people will drive them even when they know theres a problem and this will wind up costing them a lot more in the long run. But for those that get luckier and catch these two issues quickly, this vehicle will give you many, many trouble free miles and will do so efficiently and in style.

  • Great driving vehicle - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
    By -

    The handling is great. Great improvement with the Nav-- gives great definition to detail. The heated seats work great. Backup camera gives excellent details to items behind your vehicle and is a great help to hooking up to the boat trailer. Vehicle is a whole lot more than I expected.

  • Fun to Drive - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
    By -

    Bought our Yukon in Sept. to have another towing vehicle and for family trips. Its been great. We are enjoying the cylinder shut down feature (v8 to v4) as it gets mileage around 17 when warmed up. Comfort and ride are great (go for the autoride). Enjoying the dual row heated seats and the autostart. Would like to see more details for the money (blind spot monitoring or mirrors, pin lights for night time cabin lighting, more cubbies for storage). I too would suggest moving the compass/temp back to the center. The overall fit and finish has been very good with only one problem with a plate cover in the inside the door handle. Vehicle has met our needs for volume, handling and comfort.

  • Best SUV youll ever own !!! - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
    By -

    We recently bought the 2009 GMC Yukon XL, and we love it, we are very glad we got the XL version also. I would strongly recommend this SUV to anyone who is looking for spacious, comfortable, somewhat luxurious, and fun to drive. We also got the top of the line version and we love the power liftgate, its costs extra but worth it.Does not get as good gas mileage as the Tahoe or the standeder Yukon gets, but its worth it, also It is harder to get into tight parking spaces, and sharp turns, but you get used to it.Overall ,Great SUV.

  • Great Size and Power - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
    By -

    We bought this vehicle purely for the size and passenger capacity. From that aspect, the vehicle is great - love all the room, the overall design, and general looks of the vehicle. Also love the power and "go anywhere" feel of the vehicle. We have, however, had this car in the shop more than any vehicle weve owned. Constant accessory / electrical issues (power seats, vented seats, heated seats, power door locks, driver air, power mirror). It still looks great and we still enjoy taking it on long trips when its working, but if there was another good option with this much space and power, wed take it.

  • Love it - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
    By -

    Wife drives an 07 Suburban, and I traded my 08 MDX in on this Denali XL when we had baby #4 (too hard to use the 3rd row). Love the Denali, but have to say the 07 Suburban is faster off the line by a considerable amount, even after giving up about 90 HP. Must be the AWD and 20" wheels on the Denali. And as much as I love the exhaust note on the Denali, some folks may not appreciate that and go for the relatively quiet 5.3L engine in the Suburban or Yukon XL.

  • An okay SUV - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
    By -

    Bought the 09 to replace my 05. My biggest complaints relate to interior space use usability. There are no storage spaces for things like sunglasses. The 05 wasnt great, but it has thee good storage spaces in the dash. For some reason GMC decided to go with tiny buttons to control climate and radio. It has taken me a while to get used to the new layout, but the buttons are just bad, especially if you have gloves on. I am looking forward to towing my 30 camper. The 05 did well, I hope the 09 does better.

  • Large comfortable SUV - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
    By -

    Just replaced 2007 Suburban LTZ and cant hardly believe the difference. Denali is far more fun and quick. Plan to haul trailer of about 7000lb. So that 6.2L motor will be a blessing. Really impressed by a guy who has had over 80 vehicles from Ferrari to Volkswagon.

  • Love It! - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
    By -

    I recently traded in my 2001 Yukon XL Denali (which I really enjoyed) for a 2009, because I wanted the latest safety features (side air bags, stability control, and digital OnStar). This Denali is well-made (thanks, American auto-workers!) and has many new features (such as rain- sensing blades). Yes, I know it doesnt get the politically-correct mileage (14 in town/17 highway) but at least now Ive consolidated down to only one vehicle. I bought now because I assume the now-Government owned GM would force fuel-savings changes into the design that consumers dont want (e.g., no more spare tires).

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