2021 GMC Yukon XL Review
What’s new for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL?
Everything is new for the 2021 GMC Yukon and that includes a new independent suspension in the rear as well as an optional adaptive suspension. New tech inside modernizes the experience for passengers too.
2021 GMC Yukon XL – media.gmc.com | Shop 2021 GMC Yukon XL on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Excellent on-road comfort
Spacious interior
Not a bad engine in the bunch
Suburban is a slightly better value
Cheapish feeling buttons
Not enough standard safety equipment
Could use a hybrid version
2021 Yukon XL Specs
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- 355 horsepower from base engine
- 383 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 26 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 144.7 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- 8,400-lb towing capacity
- Standard Android and Apple Connectivity
- Standard forward-collision warning
- One complimentary maintenance visit
2021 GMC Yukon XL Powertrain
With three different engines to choose from, the GMC Yukon offers something for just about every prospective buyer. The base model uses a 355-horsepower 5.3 liter V8. That’s not a lot for a vehicle that weighs around 6,000-pounds. Nevertheless, that engine also features 386 lb-ft of torque so it’s more than capable of standing up to the task.
Above that is a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine with only 277-horsepower but 460 lb-ft of torque. If you’re planning to tow or take lots of long-haul trips, it’s the one to go with as it provides satisfying grunt and the best fuel economy of the bunch. Sitting atop the range is the 6.2-liter 420-horsepower V8 found in the Denali trim alone. Of course, AT4 buyers can option it if they’d like.
It’s a proper riot to drive and will quickly have you wondering how a vehicle that weighs as much as a large White Rhinoceros can move so fast. Every engine uses the same 10-speed automatic that’s pleasant to use and fast to shift without sending shock waves into the cabin. We do wish GMC offered some sort of hybrid powertrain that could offer better fuel economy.
Towing & Payload
When properly equipped, the GMC Yukon XL can tow up to 8,400-pounds. GMC added additional cooling components to make sure it would be reliable with a load like that too.
2021 GMC Yukon XL Fuel Economy & MPG
That’s because the 6.2-liter V8 gets an EPA estimate of 13 mpg in the city and just 19 on the highway when equipped with 4WD. The smaller V8 can achieve numbers as high as 16 city and 20 highway. The diesel beats them both with a maximum estimate of 21 city and 27 highway.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The only bugaboo with regard to the interior of the Yukon XL is the quality of the materials used for the switchgear. It’s still cheap plastic in many spots and happens to be totally indistinguishable from the Suburban. Look past that disappointment, and the rest of the interior is a real treat. It’s spacious, laid out in a modern and fashionable way, and features comfortable seating.
Both front chairs feature more than enough adjustability to find a comfortable fit for just about any driver. The rear benches aren’t bad either and the optional second-row captain’s chairs are almost as good as the front seats. That’s a huge asset for a vehicle that’s meant to see all three rows used regularly and it makes it the better buy between itself and the shorter Yukon. Climate control does a nice job of adjusting temperature in each zone without being overly loud too.
Cargo space is monstrous if we’re honest. 26 cubic feet is more than enough for a family’s gear on a road trip and for those who want to use the rear cargo space with the seats folded down can get more than 140 cubic feet to work with.
Entertainment & Technology
A large 10.2-inch infotainment system is the cornerstone of the infotainment setup in the 2021 GMC Yukon. It’s identical in each trim and features both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Usability is above average and screen response times are pretty quick too. GMC also includes a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot on each trim too. Buyers can add fancier equipment like integrated navigation as well as a premium Bose audio system.
Rear seat passengers can benefit from the optional rear-seat entertainment system. It adds a pair of 12.6-inch displays in the second row. Perhaps one of the most disappointing technology failures with regard to the Yukon is the lack of standard advanced safety technology on even the most expensive Denali model. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure mitigation, and rear cross-traffic alert are all features that much cheaper options offer as standard. To see all of them as additional options on any Yukon trim is disappointing.
Safety Features
The NHTSA gave the Yukon XL four stars in its crash testing protocol. The IIHS has yet to release any information about the score this GMC gets.
2021 GMC Yukon XL Trims & Pricing
SLE – $52,595
The base Yukon starts out with 18-inch wheels, keyless entry, seating for eight passengers, and a 10.2-inch infotainment system. Forward collision mitigation is the only advanced safety feature that comes standard. Buyers can add a bunch of different packages. The Pro Safety Plus package adds more safety features, the Max Trailering package adds all you might need for towing. And there’s even a front bench seat that’s available. It’s powered by a 5.3-liter V8 but the 3.0-liter diesel is also available on all trims except the AT4.
SLT – $59,520
The SLT starts out with larger 20-inch wheels, a hands-free liftgate, leather upholstery, a wireless charging pad, heated and ventilated seats, a Bose sound system, and the Pro Safety Plus package. Buyers can add features like navigation, the rear-seat entertainment package, and heated outboard second-row seats.
AT4 – $66,620
As the rugged trim of the Yukon, the AT4 automatically comes with 4WD. The 6.2-liter V8 is also available as an option. It also adds front tow hooks, a skid plate, special wheels with all-terrain tires, and a different front fascia which improves approach angle.
Denali – $70,120
Step up to the Denali and you’ll get a 6.2-liter V8, integrated navigation, a 14-speaker Bose sound system, rear cross-traffic alert, a heads-up display, and a surround-view camera system. Buyers can then add features like a digital rearview mirror, adaptive cruise, 22-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof for additional cash.
Warranties
GMC offers a three-year or 36,000-mile Limited warranty on every Yukon XL. They also provide five years or 60,000-miles of powertrain coverage. Very few automakers offer less than that but some do offer considerably more. GMC also covers a single maintenance visit.
What we think
2021 GMC Yukon XL – media.gmc.com | Shop 2021 GMC Yukon XL on Carsforsale.com
The GMC Yukon XL is a great family road trip car in many ways. It’s not a technological tour-de-force or one of the safest but it’s also far more comfortable than the average large SUV. None of the available powertrains feel sluggish and despite being tough to maneuver in tight spaces, the Yukon XL provides great visibility too. It’s also not much more expensive than its Suburban cousin so if you can pay a few thousand more you have the freedom to choose between both brands with nearly identical features but different interior styling.
