2021 GMC Yukon XL Review

　　

2021 GMC Yukon XL Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　As you might have surmised from its fantastically literal badging, the 2021 GMC Yukon XL is an enlarged version of the GMC Yukon. Both of these truck-based SUVs are more spacious and have higher tow ratings than three-row crossover SUVs such as GMC's own Acadia. Like the Yukon — and its corporate cousins, the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe ‐ the GMC Yukon XL is fully redesigned for 2021 and aims to be a significantly more appealing SUV than its predecessor.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL SLE 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$213/mo  for Yukon XL SLE

　　Yukon XL SLE

　　SLE 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $53,700 MSRPSLE 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $56,700 MSRPSLT 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $60,700 MSRPSLT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $63,700 MSRPAT4 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $67,800 MSRPDenali 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) - $71,300 MSRPDenali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) (Most Popular) - $74,300 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Chief among the 2021 GMC Yukon XL's upgrades is a fully independent rear suspension. It should provide the Yukon XL with a more supple ride since the previous version had a traditional solid axle. An adaptive air suspension is available for the first time too. It can lower the vehicle's ride height to help with getting in and out or raise it for increased ground clearance. Its load-leveling feature also helps keep the body level while towing.

　　Later in the model year, a new 3.0-liter diesel engine will be added to the options list. Official figures haven't been released yet, but we expect it to offer similar towing capacity to the gasoline engines — 8,000 to 8,4000 pounds, depending on powertrain choice — yet deliver improved fuel economy.

　　Cargo space is also improved compared to the previous generation, with an extra 2.2 cubic feet behind the third row. That isn't a tremendous amount, but the lower load floor makes placing items into the back much easier. Fold the second and third rows down and you have a whopping 144.7 cubic feet of room — an increase of 23 cubic feet — and akin to what you'll find in most minivans.

　　True, a crossover SUV such as the Volkswagen Atlas or Kia Telluride is more comfortable and fuel-efficient. But if you need to haul up to nine people and their gear, or pull a heavy trailer, the 2021 GMC Yukon XL looks to be a worthy choice.

　　

Which Yukon XL does zzdcar recommend?

The Yukon XL is more expensive than the related Chevrolet Suburban, and the benefits aren't truly realized on the lowest SLE trim. As such, consider the midrange SLT. It's nicely equipped with standard equipment and gives you flexibility with options. But if price isn't a huge concern, the range-topping Denali is the best of the bunch. It comes with a more powerful V8 and unique interior styling that further differentiates it from the Suburban. Make sure to opt for the Advanced Technology package, which comes with adaptive cruise control — a feature sorely missed on lower trims.

　　

2021 GMC Yukon XL models

The 2021 GMC Yukon XL is a large three-row SUV that seats seven to nine passengers depending on configuration. It is sold in four trim levels: SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali. Most Yukon models are powered by a 5.3-liter V8 (355 horsepower, 383 lb-ft of torque). Two other engines are also available:

　　The Denali exclusively has a 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft). Later in the model year, GMC will offer an optional turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine (277 hp, 460 lb-ft). All engines are paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is optional except on the AT4, where it's standard.

　　SLE

　　The base SLE trim kicks things off with:

　　18-inch wheels Keyless entry and ignition Eight-person seating configuration (2-3-3) 10.2-inch touchscreen Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto compatibility Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)There are several options for the Yukon XL SLE, including:

　　GMC Pro Safety Plus package Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse) Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position) Max Trailering package Trailer brake controller (helps you adjust the brakes on your trailer) Heavy-duty cooling system If GMC Pro Safety Plus package is ordered, blind-spot monitor extends to cover trailers Two-speed active transfer case (4WD models only) Tire-pressure monitoring sensors for trailer Nine-passenger seating configuration (3-3-3)SLT

　　The midgrade SLT comes standard with:

　　GMC Pro Safety Plus package 20-inch wheels Hands-free liftgate Heated and ventilated front seats Leather upholstery Nine-speaker Bose audio system Wireless charging padAs with the SLE, a number of options are available for the SLT. These include:

　　Rear Media and Nav package Navigation system Rear-seat entertainment system with dual 12.6-inch display screens SLT Luxury package Driver-seat memory settings Heated steering wheel Heated outboard second-row seats Power-folding third row

　　Rear cross-traffic alert system can now detect pedestrians Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Yukon XL and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Max Trailering package The blind-spot monitor extends to cover trailers Seven-passenger seating configuration with second-row bucket seats Tire-pressure monitoring sensors for trailerAT4

　　The AT4 is the Yukon XL's off-road-oriented trim and is offered in 4WD only. Features unique to the Yukon XL AT4 include:

　　Unique front fascia to improve the Yukon XL's approach angle Dark gray wheels with all-terrain tires Front tow hooks and skid plate Heavy-duty air filterOn top of SLT equipment, the AT4 also adds:                                 

　　Adaptive suspension dampers (better ride and handling capabilities) Hill descent control Two-speed active transfer case Driver-seat memory settings Heated steering wheel Heated outboard second-row seats Power-folding third rowOptions for the AT4 include:

　　Technology package Rear cross-traffic alert system can now detect pedestrians Surround-view camera system (gives you a bird's-eye view of the Yukon XL for tight parking situations) Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield) Premium Capability with Active Response 4WD package Air suspension (can raise or lower the ride height of the vehicle) Electronic limited-slip differential AT4 Premium Plus package Max Trailering package Rear Media and Nav package Technology package Premium Capability with Active Response 4WD package Panoramic sunroof Power-retractable side steps Max Trailering package Tire-pressure monitoring sensors for trailerDenali

　　The Denali includes all non-unique AT4 features, though the two-speed active transfer case is reserved for 4WD models. Further additions include:

　　6.2-liter V8 Technology package Navigation system 14-speaker Bose audio systemEven the top-trim Denali doesn't include every feature available for the Yukon. Optional extras include:

　　Advanced Technology package Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Yukon and the car in front) Digital rearview mirror (can display an image from the rearview camera in the mirror) Advanced security system Denali Deluxe package Advanced Technology package 22-inch wheels Rear-seat entertainment system with dual 12.6-inch display screens Denali Premium package Advanced Technology package 22-inch wheels Panoramic sunroof Power-retractable side steps Denali Ultimate package Denali Premium package Max Trailering package Rear-seat entertainment system with dual 12.6-inch display screens Air suspension (rear-wheel-drive models only) Premium Capability with Active Response 4WD (four-wheel-drive models only) Max Trailering package Tire-pressure monitoring sensors for trailer

　　

2021 Yukon XL Highlights

Trim: SLESLTAT4DenaliSLE

　　

Base MSRP	$53,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$213/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	41.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles