The Yukon XL is a huge, old-fashioned, truck-based SUV, the quintessential family truckster for large families who live beyond the suburbs. What sets it apart from other SUVs is that it provides three rows of seats -- for carrying up to seven, eight, or even nine people -- yet still retains generous cargo space, along with a hefty towing capacity. Add a luxurious and quiet interior and the added traction of four-wheel drive and you get a uniquely capable vehicle.
Based on the frame of the previous generation full-sized GMC Sierra pickup, the Yukon XL -- and its Chevrolet Suburban twin -- is one of the last few SUVs with real truck capabilities in a world where nearly every other SUV has adopted carlike unit-body structures. Despite major updates for 2015, the Yukon XL still delivers a relatively truck-like driving experience and fuel economy compared to better handling car-based SUVs. Then again, none of those "crossovers" can match the Yukon XL's combination of talents.
The interior is now beautifully finished and has all the latest technology. The Yukon XL, and its shorter GMC Yukon sibling, have chiseled looks and get slightly better fuel economy than before.
At over $70,000, our loaded Yukon XL SLT test vehicle competes with many other luxury SUVs that offer a better driving experience and even more luxury, if not quite as much sheer utility.
The first thing you notice when driving the Yukon XL is that it is exceptionally quiet, a lot like a good luxury car. Handling is sound and responsive enough, with no excessive body lean, but the feeling of bulk is ever present. The Yukon XL 's ride is stiff, somewhat snappy with lots of jiggle at low speeds. Choosing the top Yukon XL Denali trim with its Magnetic Ride Control improves the ride significantly and pays dividends in handling, but it adds a hefty $16,000 to the base price.
With its 355-hp, 5.3-liter V8, the Yukon XL seems like it ought to deliver plenty of gusto, but it doesn't. It feels a little underpowered, even with the lower axle ratio that comes with the Max Trailering package. One consolation is its 16 mpg overall, which is a substantial improvement over the previous model and is pretty good for this sized vehicle. The 6.2-liter V8 in the Denali is quicker, but the vehicle still feels sluggish and gets only 13 mpg, according to EPA estimates.
On the plus side, you could almost move into this spacious coach. With the second-row captain's chairs, accommodations are sumptuous for four people. The tight third row has enough room for adults, though we can't say they'll be comfortable.
A new power-folding third-row seat can fold down to make a flat load floor. A new power-release for the second-row captain's chairs makes access to the third-row easier, too. Even though you no longer need to wrestle the third-row seat out of the truck to open up cargo space, it still doesn't fold into a well. So the load floor is higher than it could be, which robs some cargo space and means you have to lift luggage high when loading.
The interior is plush, with lots of soft-touch padded surfaces, highlighted by nice stitching, giving it a tailored, hand-sewn look. The cockpit looks modern with controls that wrap around the driver and a legible and easy-to-understand IntelliLink touch screen that manages the audio, climate, phone, and navigation systems. If it weren't for the '70s-like high-effort, long-reach column shifter and foot-operated parking brake, the interior would look modern enough to justify the Yukon XL's price.
Cabin storage includes a seemingly endless supply of large and small bins, open and covered. Up to six USB ports are available, plus five 12-volt power ports and a 110-volt outlet.