2020 GMC Yukon XL Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The GMC Yukon XL, a long-wheelbase full-size SUV, offers seats for up to 9 people. It goes into 2020 mostly unchanged. It competes with the...

The GMC Yukon XL, a long-wheelbase full-size SUV, offers seats for up to 9 people. It goes into 2020 mostly unchanged. It competes with the likes of the Ford Expedition Max.

The Yukon XL’s standard engine is a 5.3-liter V8 engine capable of 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a 6-speed automatic transmission. If you need even more power, GMC offers a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft on tap, along with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Whichever engine you choose, you’ll get active fuel management that allows the engine to save fuel by switching to 4-cylinder mode. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) comes standard, while 4-wheel drive (4WD) with a 2-speed transfer case is an option. The 5.3-liter engine can tow as many as 6,300 lbs, while the 6.2-liter can handle 8,100 lbs.

GMC spreads the Yukon XL’s options across SLE, SLT Standard Edition, SLT, and Denali trims. The base SLE comes with the 5.3-liter engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bose premium audio with 9 speakers, 3-zone climate control, satellite and HD radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

The SLT Standard Edition includes leather front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and power-adjustable pedals. To this, the SLT trim adds the option of the 6.2-liter engine, heated front and outboard second-row seats, a power-folding third row, a power liftgate, keyless open and start, and a power-adjustable steering column.

The Denali tops the range with the 6.2-liter engine, HID lights, unique chrome exterior appointments, 20-inch wheels, a head-up display (HUD), an 8-inch instrument cluster, navigation, and active noise cancellation.

The Yukon XL’s standard safety equipment consists of a reversing camera, the Teen Driver monitoring system, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear-seat reminder. Forward-collision alert, automatic high beams, a safety alert seat, and automatic emergency braking come with the SLT Standard Edition and above trims. It hasn’t been tested by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but that’s not unusual for SUVs of this size.

For a large SUV that can get the job done, set your sights on the GMC Yukon XL.