Yukon XL

Make
GMC
Segment
SUV

Let's be honest here. The GMC Yukon Denali XL is a very expensive Chevrolet Suburban. Or, on second thoughts, is it better to describe it as a bargain-priced Cadillac Escalade ESV? You could really look at it both ways but we happen to think the Yukon Denali XL offers the best of both worlds: lots of luxury, off-road capabilities, seating for up to eight and without the stigma of being a big Chevy or having a premium price tag for wearing the Cadillac badge.

Like the Escalade ESV, the Yukon Denali XL is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque and paired to an eight-speed automatic. Our tester was very well equipped with goodies such as the $2,680 Open Road Package, featuring a sunroof and rear seat entertainment.

Combined with 22-inch aluminum wheels with chrome inserts, power retractable running boards and Magnetic Ride Control, the Yukon Denali XL does everything its designers and engineers intended for it to do with absolute ease. Towing capacity? Try 7,900 pounds. The final price tag for our tester came to just a hair over $80,000, but consider this: the base price for an Escalade ESV is $77,000 and a top Platinum trim begins at $96,000. Really, why bother with that extended Escalade when there's already a more luxurious Suburban that costs thousands less? Or, alternatively, just opt for the Suburban and accept the fact it's a part of GM's bread and butter brand.