2023 GMC Yukon XL Performance

With a choice of three engines and 2WD or 4WD, the 2023 GMC Yukon XL's performance varies between acceptable and surprisingly brisk. The base 5.3-liter V8 engine will suit most buyers very well, but be aware that both V8 engines have extravagant drinking habits. Expect the GMC Yukon XL's 0-60 mph sprint in about 7.2 seconds with the 5.3-liter and around 6.1 seconds with the 6.2-liter. Depending on the engine choice, drivetrain and tires, you could expect a top speed in the region of 113 mph. A stout 460 lb-ft of torque available in two Yukon XL variants should also ensure decent towing ability, as confirmed by its official braked towing rating of 8,200 lbs.

The 3.0-liter turbo diesel six-cylinder will take about 8 seconds to reach 60 mph, but its fuel efficiency more than compensates for the slower performance. GMC Yukon XL towing capacity is very good, with the 4WD diesel capable of towing up to 7,700 lbs, and the 2WD 5.3-liter topping out at a healthy 8,300 lbs. They are all overshadowed in this regard by the Ford Expedition Max, however, which can tow up to 9,000 lbs.

If anyone wants to take their Yukon XL for some serious off-roading, they'd be better off choosing a normal Yukon or something smaller overall. However, even the base Yukon XL without air suspension has an approach angle of 24.5 degrees, rising to 34.5 degrees for an AT4 with its optional air suspension at maximum extension. This is at least 2 degrees better than a Lincoln Navigator L's 22.5 degrees, although Yukon XL models without air suspension have a smaller breakover angle than that of the longest Lincoln.

Two V8 engines are available, along with a Duramax turbo diesel. GMC Yukon XL horsepower ratings vary between 277 hp and 420 hp, and all engines are mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Yukon XL drivetrains include model-dependent choice between 2WD, automatically-controlled AWD, and automatic 4WD with a two-speed transfer case. Additionally, the Denali Ultimate receives an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential on the rear axle, while other models feature a mechanical limited-slip differential.

The 5.3-liter V8 delivers 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.2-liter V8 bumps that to 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. With the top engine option, the 2023 GMC Yukon XL performance can be surprisingly brisk, but the lower-powered models aren't as impressive. The diesel option has a displacement of only 3.0-liters. It's down on power compared to the V8s, with just 277 hp on tap, but its torque of 460 lb-ft matches that of the largest V8 option, so it should have decent overtaking acceleration and trailering abilities. Helped along by the responsive Yukon XL transmission that keeps the diesel engine in its optimal operating range, initial acceleration is hamstrung slightly by a moment of turbo lag, but it manages well enough once it gets going, and its strong torque should make it decent off road as well.

One thing a Yukon XL won't do very well is conserve fuel. Even with its VVT, direct injection and cylinder deactivation, both the V8 Yukon XL have pretty poor gas mileage. EPA ratings for city/highway/combined gas mileage for the 5.3-liter V8 in 2WD are 15/20/17 mpg while the 6.2L V8 fares slightly worse at 14/19/16 mpg. The 4WD 5.3L loses one mpg for highway and combined driving, while the 4WD 6.2L V8 manages 14/18/16 mpg. The turbo diesel GMC Yukon XL mpg figures are somewhat better, with EPA ratings of 20/21 mpg in the city, 26/27 mpg on the highway, and a combined figure of 22/23 mpg for 2WD/4WD configurations.

This means that the 3.0-liter turbo diesel has a range of between 616 and 644 miles from its 28-gallon fuel depending on the drivetrain selected. Gas Yukon XLs have the same fuel capacity, so should have between 420 miles and 476 miles of range depending on what it has under the hood.