2019 GMC Yukon XL Review: Looming Large In SUV Land

As the name dictates, there's nothing small about the GMC Yukon XL - an SUV with loads of power and space for up to nine, including the driver. There's also plenty of choice within the range, as the truck-based Yukon XL offers four trims, the option of all-wheel-drive, as well as a 6.2-liter V8 delivering a meaty 420 horsepower. Sharing a platform with the likes of the Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Tahoe, the Yukon XL's added length means impressive cargo capacity and more space for passengers. The Yukon XL isn't perfect, however, with those inflated dimensions contributing to an SUV that feels anything but nimble on the road, with tight city spots requiring caution. The GMC's base suspension also contributes to a jarring ride over bumps. But if you want a big, bruising SUV that means business, it'll be right up your (hopefully wide enough) alley.

Yukon XL Exterior

The Yukon XL is a big, blocky SUV, with the 20.5-inch increase in length very much apparent over the regular Yukon. There's the familiar, handsome GMC grille with bold red lettering, ensuring that you won't mistake it for anything else. Fog lamps, daytime running lamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, while higher trim levels have features like 20-inch wheels, a hands-free power liftgate and the availability of a power sunroof. The SLT Graphite special editions ride on monster 22-inch wheels.

Dimensions

The Yukon XL is all about length - it stretches to 224.4 inches, which is a full 20.5 inches longer than the regular Yukon. The wheelbase is 130 inches, with height being 74.4 inches and width without the side mirrors measuring 80.5 inches. Ground clearance is 7.9 inches. Curb weight for the rear-wheel-drive version with the 5.3-liter engine is 5,610 pounds, which is 231 lbs heavier than the equivalent Yukon with the standard wheelbase. The all-wheel-drive version with the base 5.3-liter V8 adds 236 lbs to the total weight.

Yukon XL Performance

Engine and Transmission

Two gas-fed V8 EcoTec3 engines power the Yukon XL. The range starts off with the 5.3-liter producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. For even more urge, a 6.2-liter pumps out peak outputs of 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The lower-powered engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the more powerful version uses a ten-speed auto.

While throttle response isn't the sharpest, both engines have enough power on tap to cope with the heavy XL. The 5.3-liter provides decent performance from a standing start or on the highway, but the 6.2-liter's extra power is certainly welcome, helping the big SUV hit 60 mph in around 6.5 seconds. The ten-speeder's extra ratios also mean that power is more accessible, improving overall drivability. Both transmissions also have a tow/haul mode for improved cooling and reduced shift cycling when a heavier load is being carried or towed. On that note, maximum trailering capacity is rated at 8,300 pounds for the rear-wheel-drive 5.3-liter, but only when equipped with the HD Trailering Package.

Handling and Driving Impressions

The Yukon XL's steering is tuned for a reasonably light and easy feel, which is welcome in such a large SUV where lots of twirling of the wheel will need to be made to maneuver into and out of constricted spots. However, at speed on the highway, a bit of a dead spot close to the center detracts from the otherwise good cruising ability of the SUV. In corners, body roll is well-controlled, but the XL's size prevents you from ever flinging it through a series of twists with real confidence. On smooth roads, the ride quality is pleasant, but bumpier surfaces can send jolts through the chassis and cabin - if you can, go for the available adaptive dampers (optional on the SLT and standard on the Denali) to smooth things out and add more compliance to the standard setup. What is appreciated is the quiet cabin, with little noise to intrude - the engines also settle nicely into the background on the highway. Braking power is adequate, although there's greater pedal travel than average.

Yukon XL Gas Mileage

Fuel-efficiency differs only marginally between the two V8 engines. The most fuel-efficient model is the rear-wheel-drive 5.3-liter, with EPA-rated figures of 15/22/18 mpg city/highway/combined, dropping to 14/23/17 mpg for the 6.2-liter. The all-wheel-drive 5.3-liter's figures are 14/21/16 mpg, with the AWD 6.2-liter returning 14/20/16 mpg. On a 31-gallon gas tank, the RWD 5.3-litre V8 will return a combined cruising range of around 558 miles. The bigger engine and AWD drops that range by around 62 miles per tank. By comparison, you'll get more efficient numbers from a Ford Expedition Max, which returns 17/23/19 mpg when not equipped with all-wheel-drive.

Yukon XL Interior

Seating and Interior Space

Most Yukon XL models seat eight passengers in a 2+3+3 configuration, but there are a couple of additional possibilities. On the SLE, a 40/20/40-split front bench seat is optional and increases the overall seating capacity to nine. On other trims, the second-row bench seat can be replaced by two bucket seats, decreasing seating capacity to seven.

For the driver, a commanding seating position suits the large XL's size. The seat itself is comfortable and widely adjustable, although you do have to contend with broad roof pillars, so visibility isn't perfect. The XL's real advantage is in its increased length, providing good legroom for all passengers, even those in the third row. In fact, there's a full 9.7 inches of additional legroom in the XL's third row relative to the standard-wheelbase model. Headroom is also good, and in general, a full complement of passengers won't feel cramped. Seats are also comfortable, although those in the second row could do with more lateral support. With the second row of captain's chairs specified, there's a convenient walk-through to the third-row bench.

Yukon XL Trunk and Cargo Space

There's more good news for the Yukon XL's cargo capacity. Even behind the third row, there's a generous 39.3 cubic feet of space, an excellent number for a three-row SUV. Fold the third row of seats down, and there's 76.7 cubes available - an increase of 25 cubes over the standard Yukon. With the second row of seats folded down as well, a vast 121.7 cubic feet of space makes the Yukon XL a superb cargo-hauler. The only issue is a high load floor, which means some more muscle is necessary for loading heavier items. On the SLT, the 60/40-split second-row bench can be folded down with the touch of a button. On the range-topping Denali, the second-row bucket seats also fold down electrically.

Space for small items is also good, highlighted by a center console compartment that is particularly large. An available front console organizer contains two tiers of storage for more versatility. Overall, this is one highly versatile SUV for a large family and all their paraphernalia.

Features

Driver and passengers should be pleased with the number of standard features fitted to the Yukon XL. The base trim has remote keyless entry, remote start, a ten-way power driver's seat, limited power adjustment for the front passenger seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, a 110-volt power outlet, and a rear vision camera. Front and rear park assist are welcome considering the XL's size. Work your way up the trim levels, and features like power-adjustable pedals, heated front and second-row seats, lane keep assist, and a hands-free power liftgate become available. The fully-loaded Denali also has wireless charging and a power release for the second-row bucket seats.

Infotainment

GMC's standard infotainment system is intuitive and has fast responses. It's highlighted by an eight-inch high-resolution touchscreen. Standard infotainment equipment encompasses both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming and phone connections, SiriusXM radio with a three-month trial and voice controls. HD radio, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and a single-slot CD/MP3 player are part of the package as well. The Denali has the same system but includes navigation. A nine-speaker Bose premium audio system does a good job of filling the expansive cabin with rich sound, while a rear-seat entertainment system with a DVD or DVD/Blu-Ray player can be optioned on. The Denali has an enhanced Bose Centerpoint surround sound system with SurroundStage signal processing. GMC's Connected Services allows owners to link their mobile devices to their Yukon XL, with access to driving data and more. Together with OnStar, emergency services are within easy reach.

Yukon XL Problems and Reliability

A J.D. Power rating of 83/100 for the Yukon XL may be behind the Ford Expedition Max, but not by much. No serious mechanical maladies have been found, although there have been some recalls related to safety equipment. 2018-2019 models were recalled by the NHTSA for a problematic rear seatbelt retractor that may not lock, which poses a risk for children in child seats. 2015-2017 models, meanwhile, were recalled for frontal airbags which may not deploy.

The Yukon XL range is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and corrosion protection for the same time period/mileage. Rust-through cover is for six years or 100,000 miles. The powertrain/drivetrain limited warranty extends to five years or 60,000 miles, with qualified fleet purchases receiving cover for up to 100,000 miles. Finally, there's five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance, with qualified fleet purchases getting assistance for five years or 100,000 miles.

Warranty

Yukon XL Safety

The GMC Yukon XL missed out on the usual five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA by one star. In the rollover resistance test, it managed three stars. Rivals like the Ford Expedition have superior overall safety ratings. The IIHS has only rated the Yukon XL for child seat anchors, for which it achieved an Acceptable rating for ease of use. Standard across the range are seven airbags (when bucket seats are specified) and a tire pressure monitoring system. Driver-assist aids encompass a rear vision camera and front and rear parking assist, while more expensive trims have forward collision alert, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and lane change alert with side blind zone alert. Optionally available is in interior movement sensor, plus an inclination sensor for tracking vertical motion when towing.

Verdict: Is The 2019 GMC Yukon XL A Good SUV?

The GMC Yukon XL makes up for two of the standard Yukon's major shortcomings: a cramped third row of seating and limited cargo capacity. The extra length makes a significant difference to the XL, transforming it into a comfortable and spacious seven-, eight- or nine-seater, without any compromises. Large families will also appreciate the refined cabin and, with the Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension fitted, a smooth ride which adds up to an accomplished long-distance cruiser. The more powerful 6.2-liter V8 is also the engine to have, as the base engine is adequate but can be a bit on the lazy side. Away from the open road and within the confines of the city, the Yukon XL is a bit more of a chore to maneuver around, while the standard suspension doesn't cope well with bumpy roads. It should also have more driver-assist safety features fitted as standard. These points keep the Yukon XL from being a class-leader, as the Ford Expedition Max does a lot of the same but with a more efficient V6 turbo. Still, the Yukon XL makes a decent case for the argument that bigger is indeed better.

What's the Price of the 2019 GMC Yukon XL?

The GMC Yukon XL range starts off with the SLE at an MSRP of $52,400. Next is the SLT Standard Edition at $57,600, followed by the SLT at $60,400. Topping the range is the fully-loaded Denali at $69,500.

All models feature rear-wheel drive as standard, but all-wheel drive can be added for an extra $3,000. A 5.3-liter V8 is standard on all trims besides the Denali, which gets a 6.2-liter V8. On the SLT RWD, this higher-powered engine costs an extra $9,065. On the SLT AWD, the bigger engine costs $9,165. The priciest model is the Denali AWD which will set you back $72,500.

For 2019, GMC has introduced two special editions as options on the SLT trim. The $3,070 Graphite Edition includes 22-inch wheels, a Black chrome mesh grille, and a suspension package. The Graphite Performance Edition throws in the bigger V8, along with a navigation system, 22-inch black wheels, a trailer brake controller, Magnetic Ride Control, a 170-amp alternator and a two-speed transfer case (4WD only) for $5,995.

All prices exclude tax, licensing, registration, and a destination freight charge of $1,295.

What GMC Yukon XL Model Should I Buy?

The inconvenience of the GMC Yukon XL's range structure is that some of the SUV's best bits can't be combined. So, while there is a practical nine-seater option, this is restricted to the base SLE trim. And, while we recommend the bigger V8 engine, it's only available with the pricier SLT and Denali trims.

We'll start with what not to do: the SLT with the optional 6.2-liter V8 engine makes little sense, as it costs a mere $35 less than the lavishly equipped Denali. It's rare to pick the range-topper as the first choice in the range, but that's what the Denali is. High price aside, it's a good large SUV with a smooth ride, thanks to those standard adaptive dampers. And, if you don't need to seat nine, there's loads of room for eight occupants and plenty of toys to play with. If you can't stretch to this model, the SLT Standard Edition with the smaller V8 engine is a good pick.

2019 GMC Yukon XL Comparisons

2019 GMC Yukon XL vs Chevrolet Suburban

Sharing the same pair of V8 engines and seating arrangement, choosing between these two full-size SUVs could come down to whether you prefer the GMC or Chevrolet brands, or which styling job is more to your fancy. There's a bit more to consider, however, with the Suburban's equivalent trims costing nearly $2,000 less than the Yukon XL's. Considering the price difference, there's little reason not to go for the Suburban, as it shares the Yukon's strengths and weaknesses. Both have spacious cabins, strong engines, and a large cargo area. But both also suffer from rather cumbersome dynamics due to their size. For the saving over the Yukon XL, you can spend more money on attractive options with the Suburban.

2019 GMC Yukon XL vs Ford Expedition Max

One of the GMC Yukon XL's chief rivals, Ford shows its prowess in the full-size SUV segment with the Expedition Max. Starting within a few hundred dollars of the Yukon XL, the two are priced similarly. At base level, the Expedition's turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 is good for 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, and it feels sprightlier than the Yukon's base V8 while also being lighter on fuel. Another version of the 3.5-liter V6 delivers 400 horsepower in the Expedition, which doesn't quite match the Yukon's burly 6.2-liter. The Ford has the edge for transmissions, though, with a ten-speed unit standard throughout the range, while the Yukon XL makes do with a six-speeder for its smaller-engined variants. The Ford Expedition also benefits from Ford's impressive Sync 3 infotainment system, which is superior to the unit in the GMC. Together with the Ford's even more spacious third row of seats and better towing capacities, it's the SUV we'd choose between these two.