2022 GMC Yukon XL vs Yukon

GMC’s legendary Yukon continues to evolve, setting new performance, comfort, and technology standards for the full-size SUV segment. So, if you’re looking at the Yukon to elevate your Woodbridge or Alexandria commute, you’ve come to the right place. 

Today, GMC offers the Yukon in the standard trim and an XL trim. If you’re wondering what differs between them, you aren’t alone. That’s why we created this head-to-head model guide to help you better understand each and make an informed decision.

What’s Different?

The Yukon XL is an extended-length version of the standard Yukon. Both share the same features in technology, comfort, and powertrain options. Both have three rows of seating. As you might expect, the Yukon XL adds 15.2 inches in length, which provides more cargo and passenger room than the regular Yukon.

You get 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of the regular Yukon. When folding down the third row, your cargo area increases to 72.6 cubic feet, and with the second and third rows folded flat, you get a total of 122.9 cubic feet of space.

In comparison, the Yukon XL has 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. With the third row folded flat, the cargo area increases to 93.8 cubic feet and jumps to 144.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

Both trims offer exceptional cargo capacities, yet the Yukon XL makes more sense if you tend to haul gear instead of people. In addition, the Yukon XL’s third-row leg-room increases from 34.9 inches to 36.7 inches over the standard Yukon, making it much more comfortable for third-row passengers.

While both models have the same three powertrain options, the smaller Yukon can tow more than the larger Yukon XL. The added weight of the Yukon XL subtracts from the total gross vehicle weight rating and lowers the amount it can tow. For instance, the Yukon’s 5.3-liter V-8 engine can tow up to 8,400 pounds when properly equipped, but the Yukon XL with the same engine can only tow up to 8,300 pounds. While 100 pounds seems marginal, you should check the weight if you have a heavy camper before deciding.

What’s the Same?

These two vehicles share more features than not. Both offer seating for up to nine people, eight with the second-row captain’s chairs option. In addition, both come in the same four trim levels — SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali.

You have the same three engine options for the Yukon and Yukon XL. The base models have a 5.3-liter V-8 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. 

You can opt for the 6.2-liter V-8 engine on the SLE trim, which comes standard on the Denali trim. This engine mates the same 10-speed transmission with an impressive 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Choosing the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine balances efficiency and power. You get 277 horsepower and a 460 pound-feet of torque.

All Yukon and Yukon XL trim levels come standard with a capable rear-wheel-drive platform. However, those drivers needing off-road capability can upgrade to four-wheel drive on any trim.

The Yukon and Yukon XL models share the same 10.2-inch interactive display screen to operate the GMC Infotainment System. This infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth enabling you to sync your smart devices. In addition, you can access your favorite music playlists, get navigation information, make calls, and more hands-free using intuitive voice commands.

Drivers can add the first-in-class adaptive air ride suspension system for superior driving dynamics. This four-corner system adjusts the vehicle’s damping to smooth out the road’s imperfections. The suspension system also can raise your Yukon to help clear obstacles and lower your Yukon to improve highway driving efficiency and enable easy entry and exit from the vehicle.

Heated and ventilated leather seats and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel come standard on the Denali trims, yet you can add them to any model. Other available features include a class-leading camera system with nine angles and a 15-inch head-up display that sends critical driving data to the windshield before you.

Which Trim Level is Better?

The base model SLE comes nicely equipped with many comfort and convenience features to please the whole family. However, if you prefer upgraded leather upholstery and a few more bells and whistles, the SLT has them. Off-road enthusiasts love the AT4, with its sport-inspired interior and rugged off-road equipment. Those drivers looking for the most refined luxury appointments gravitate toward the top-of-the-line Denali trim. The Denali features signature interior design and leather appointments, including Denali badging inside and out.

Should You Buy the Yukon or Yukon XL?

As always, this type of decision depends on your intended use. Large families that enjoy taking vacations and want the extra space for gear find the Yukon XL a better decision. Smaller families might get by with the Yukon. If they don’t need the third row for passengers, you get nearly twice the space with it folded flat compared to the Yukon XL rear cargo area.

If you need your vehicle for work, mainly if you haul lumber or longer items regularly, the extended length of the Yukon XL has much more suitable proportions. However, if you need the extra muscle for towing, the Yukon does have more, but only marginally.

We hope you found this head-to-head model comparison helpful. It’s our goal to make your shopping experience one you enjoy but also one you’ll want to repeat and recommend to friends. That’s why we offer this information so that you can shop with confidence.

The Koons Experience

At Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC, we understand what SUV drivers want. That’s why we stock an expansive inventory of Yukon SUVs in all trim levels. We invite you to browse our inventory online, or for a more personalized demonstration, you can visit our dealership on Jefferson Davis Highway. One of our friendly, knowledgeable salespeople will show you the different models and let you take your favorite for a test drive.

Image via Flickr by truckhardware

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