2020 GMC Yukon XL

History/Overview

This year will be the last for the current generation of GMC's largest SUV model, which is a stretched version of the standard Yukon. It's most closely related to the Chevrolet Suburban, but also shares in common with the smaller Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade. This generation of Yukon debuted as a 2015 model.

Available Trims

GMC Yukon XL trim levels are SLE, SLT and Denali. A 5.3L V8 powers the SLE with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, and SLT and Denali get a 6.2L engine making 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The smaller engine comes with a six-speed transmission, and the 6.2L mates with a 10-speed. SLE and SLT are rear-drivers that can be optioned to 4WD; Denali is standard with 4WD.

Standard Features

GMC Yukon SLE trim includes 18-inch wheels, a limited slip rear differential, fog lights, heated side mirrors, 4.2-inch driver information display and 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, 110-volt power outlet, front and rear park assist, leather-trimmed steering wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seats, cloth upholstery, remote engine start and tri-zone climate control.

SLT trim brings lane change alert with blind spot monitor, electric pedal adjustments, passive keyless entry, wireless device charging, power-folding rear seats, a heated steering wheel, forward collision warning with city-speed automatic braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, GM's vibrating safety alert seat, automatic high beams, a gesture-activated power tailgate, auto-dimming mirrors, 12-volt power outlets, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats and power-adjustable steering column.

Denali models gain GM's magnetic ride control suspension, 20-inch wheels, power second-row bucket seats, HID headlights, navigation and a head-up display.

Key Options

A Sun, Sound and Destination group brings navigation, sunroof and rear-seat entertainment system to SLT models. Other extras include second-row power-folding bucket seats.

Buyers can option the SLE with an Enhanced Driver Alert package (forward collision alert, low-speed automatic braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, safety alert seat and automatic high beams).

The top-end Denali can add 22-inch wheels in numerous styles, and an Ultimate package bundles the Sun, Sound and Destination package with an anti-theft system, power-retractable side steps and adaptive cruise control with all-speed automatic braking.

Fuel Economy

GMC estimates Yukon XL fuel consumption at 15.7/10.5 L/100 km (city/highway) with the 5.3L engine and two-wheel drive; 16.8/11.3 with 4WD; and 17.2/11.4 with the 6.2L engine and its standard 4WD system.

Competition

The GMC Yukon XL competes with its GM platform-mate, the Chevrolet Suburban. More direct competition comes from rivals like the Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada. If you're considering the Denali trim, line up the Yukon XL against posh models like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Lexus LX and Infiniti QX80. If you really want to stretch your budget, the Land Rover Range Rover is arguably as prestigious as it gets in a large SUV, even though it's not quite as big as the Yukon XL.