Vehicle Overview
GMC’s Yukon XL is the brand’s flagship sport utility vehicle, available in base half-ton (1500) and three-quarter-ton (2500) versions and a top-of-the-line Denali trim. The Yukon XL is available with a choice of V-8 engines, some of which feature fuel-management systems that deactivate four cylinders during low-load situations. The Yukon XL is closely related to its GM cousin, the Chevrolet Suburban; the only other extra-long full-size SUV is the Ford Expedition EL.
New for 2010
There are no significant changes for 2010.
Exterior
The Yukon XL has integrated running boards, and Denali models have a number of features that distinguish them from other models, including a chrome grille and 20-inch wheels.
The Yukon XL measures about 20 inches longer than the regular Yukon, at 222.4 inches long, with a width of 79.1 inches. Its dimensions are nearly identical to the Expedition EL.
Exterior features include:
- Standard power, heated side mirrors
- Chrome honeycomb grille (Denali)
- Optional power liftgate
- Available power-operated retractable running boards
Interior
High-quality fixtures include flush-mounted controls, low-gloss materials and chrome instrument surrounds. For maximum seating capacity, the Yukon XL can have three rows of seats to accommodate up to nine occupants. Cargo volume measures 45.8 cubic feet behind the third row. With the third row removed and the second row folded — made easier by an available power-folding feature — cargo volume is 137.4 cubic feet; that’s compared with the Expedition EL’s 130.8 cubic feet.
- Standard leather-wrapped steering wheel with redundant controls
- Standard XM Satellite Radio with real-time traffic and route advisements
- Available cloth, vinyl or leather-appointed seats
- Available integrated rear camera in rearview mirror
- Available heated/cooled seats
- Available third-row DVD system
Under the Hood
The Yukon XL is available with rear- or four-wheel drive. The Yukon Denali can have a permanent all-wheel-drive system that’s distinct from the available part-time four-wheel drive on the regular Yukon.
There is an integrated brake controller option, which provides proper brake-force signaling to a trailer’s brake systems, and a heavy-duty trailering package. Yukon XL 2500 models replace the five-link coil-spring suspension with heavy-duty multileaf springs. 2500 models also come with a hydraulic brake booster that supplements the braking system with additional pressure. When properly equipped, the 2500 model can tow up to 9,600 pounds; 1500 models can tow a maximum of 8,100 pounds.
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- Power rack-and-pinion steering
- Flex-fuel 310-horsepower, 5.3-liter iron-block V-8 with 335 pounds-feet of torque and available cylinder deactivation (1500)
- Flex-fuel 352-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 with 382 pounds-feet of torque and variable-valve timing (2500)
- Flex-fuel 403-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 with 417 pounds-feet of torque
- Optional variable load-leveling suspension
- Available fuel-saving 3.08:1 axel ratio
Safety
New safety options include a blind spot warning system, a rearview camera system integrated into the rearview mirror, rear parking assist and rain-sensing wipers.
Standard safety features include:
- Front dual-stage airbags with passenger-sensing system
- Side curtain airbags with rollover sensor
- Seat-mounted thorax airbags
- Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes (with hydroboost on 2500 models)
- Electronic stability system with traction control
