Even in base SLE trim, the Yukon XL is an imposing vehicle: big, bold, and squared-off. While its basic shape mirrors that of its related Chevy Tahoe and Suburban siblings, a grille with six slats with a squared-off chrome surround and LED headlights with C-shape LED daytime running lamps set it apart. SLE models get 18-inch alloy wheels, black side window trim, and body-color door handles, while SLT trims add 20-inch alloys, chrome window trim, and chrome inserts in the door handles.
The middle ground in the Yukon XL range hosts the AT4 trim, which has a more off-road-oriented appearance. It loses the SLT's chrome exterior accents and receives a modified front bumper for a higher approach angle. Its grille is finished with medium-gray paint, but a bright lower bash plate is fitted between two red recovery hooks in the lower fascia. The AT4 can be distinguished by standard black roof rails instead of the bright finish on other models, and a closer look will reveal trim-specific tires as well.
Denali and Denali Ultimate trims feature a wire-mesh front grille, but the standard Denali doesn't receive the Ultimate's Vader (dark chrome) trim pieces and darkened grille, featuring satin chrome bodyside moldings and grille surround instead. Denali trims have 20-inch alloy wheels, but the Ultimate upgrades that to 22-inch ultra-bright machined wheels with chrome accents and dark paint. The top-spec model also gets a standard panoramic sunroof.
Key dimensions for the GMC Yukon XL include a height of 76.5 inches and a width spanning 81 inches. With an overall length of 225.2 inches, the GMC Yukon XL is longer than most of its rivals - almost four inches longer than the Lincoln Navigator L. The Navigator L stands almost two inches higher and 2.6 inches wider, however. Only the Cadillac Escalade ESV manages to stretch beyond the Yukon XL's considerable length at 227 inches from nose to tail. The Yukon XL's wheelbase of 134.1-inches is also by far the longest in this group, which greatly benefits leg room in the middle- and rear seating rows.
The base Yukon XL is a rather heavy machine, starting at 5,622 lbs in RWD V8 SLE trim and running to 6,088 lbs for the 4WD turbo diesel. This doesn't compare favorably to the base Expedition's 5,368 pounds, but the Expedition in this spotlight only has five seats. The seven-seat Lincoln Navigator L is more relevant, and at a base curb weight of 5,926 lbs is quite a lot more than the base Yukon XL.
GMC Yukon XL Trims | SLE | SLT | AT4 | Denali | Denali Ultimate |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Max Width | 81 in. | 81 in. | 81 in. | 81 in. | 81 in. |
Length | 225.2 in. | 225.2 in. | 225.2 in. | 225.2 in. | 225.2 in. |
Height | 76.5 in. | 76.5 in. | 76.5 in. | 76.5 in. | 76.5 in. |
Wheelbase | 134.1 in. | 134.1 in. | 134.1 in. | 134.1 in. | 134.1 in. |
Front Tire | 275/60R20SL |
Rear Tire | 275/60R20SL |
Spare Tire | P265/70R17 |
Wheels Type | Aluminum Wheels |
Front Wheel Size | 20" x 9" |
Rear Wheel Size | 20" x 9" |
Exterior colors for the 2023 GMC Yukon XL number up to ten, with Summit White being the only no-cost color for all trims. The SLE specification has the following optional colors for $495: Onyx Black, Pearl Beige Metallic, Midnight Blue Metallic, Redwood Metallic, Titanium Rush Metallic, and Sterling Metallic. Volcanic Red Tintcoat costs $645 extra and can be ordered for all trim levels.
SLT and Denali trims get two additional options for its paintwork: Frosted Pine Metallic, which also costs $495 extra, and introduces White Frost Tintcoat at $1,095 extra. Opting for the off-road-biased AT4 trim eliminates Frosted Pine and Pearl Beige from the paint options list, while you can't have a Denali Ultimate in Summit White - every color on its specification sheet is an option.
White Frost Tricoat isn't worth the extra cost over the base Summit White in our opinion - it does have a shimmer in ideal light conditions, but unless you look closely, the difference isn't noticeable enough to justify the price premium. Midnight Blue Metallic will look dignified and adds even more visual gravitas to the Yukon XL's substantial bodywork. If you're prepared to spend a little extra when ordering, Volcanic Red Tintcoat looks particularly fetching when paired with the AT4's exterior decorations and contrasts with the Denali Ultimate's Vader Chrome detailing, too.
A dual-panel panoramic powered slide-and-tilt sunroof with a power sunshade is optional from SLT trim upwards and can be ordered for $1,500. Opting for a Yukon XL Denali Ultimate gets you this sunroof as part of the standard equipment list.
Yukon XLs with the 5.3-liter gas or 3.0 turbo diesel engines have a single-outlet exhaust as standard, but can be fitted with a four-outlet exhaust (two outlets on each side) with chrome tips as an option. GMC Yukon XLs with the 6.2-liter engine have dual twin exhaust outlets as standard.
The base SLE features 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, with 20- and 22-inch wheels available as options. SLT, AT4, and Denali trim features model-specific 20-inch alloy wheels as standard, but the SLT and Denali can be optioned with the same expansive range of optional 22-inch wheels as the SLE. The AT4 trim is only available with its uniquely-styled 20-inch units, and the Yukon Denali Ultimate can only be had with trim-exclusive 22-inch machined alloy wheels.