2023 GMC Yukon XL

The 2023 GMC Yukon XL builds on the solid foundation of its predecessors and is one of the most capable full-size domestic SUVs in the USA. Equipped with a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 gas engine as standard on the base trim, even the entry-level Yukon XL has enough power to motivate it with conviction, but economy-minded buyers may want to consider the optional torquey 3.0-liter inline-six turbo diesel if the base V8's fuel consumption is too difficult to stomach. High-end Yukon XL models feature a 420-hp 6.2-liter gas V8 either as standard or as an option, which turns this big SUV into one of the quickest vehicles in its class.

Built alongside the Chevy Tahoe in Arlington, Texas, the fifth-generation Yukon first arrived in 2021, and this expanded-length variation provides extra interior volume for cargo and passengers. Competitors to the GMC Yukon XL include the Ford Expedition Max, Cadillac Escalade ESV, and Lincoln Navigator L, with the latter claiming oodles of luxury and comfort, to. The segment is hotly contested, however, a top-end GMC Yukon XL Denali Ultimate's price tag puts it in the company of the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, where its value- and prestige proposition could start to get a bit shaky, extra length or not.

The 2023 GMC Yukon XL range opens with the SLE 2WD, which has a starting MSRP of $60,100, and upgrading to 4WD bumps the MSRP to $63,100 with the 5.3-liter gas engine. Selecting the 3.0-liter Duramax turbo diesel adds $995 to the base price on SLE and SLT derivatives. One step up in the range is the GMC Yukon XL SLT with a base price of $66,800 in 2WD form; for 4WD, add $3,000.

The AT4 is 4WD only and costs $73,405 with the 5.3-liter V8; $2,620 is needed to upgrade to the bigger eight-cylinder. 2WD Denali models with the Duramax diesel engine are priced at $78,505 and $77,005, with the 6.2-liter V8 - adding 4WD costs $3,000. At the top of the pile is the 4WD-only Denali Ultimate, with a sticker price of $97,255. Adding the diesel engine requires a further $1,550.

Destination charges for all 2023 GMC Yukon and XL models amount to $1,795, so remember to add that cost to the listed MSRP.

Given the GMC Yukon XL's curb weight of up to 6,088 pounds and its extra length, it's obvious that sports car-like handling is never going to be on the menu. Traction- and stability control tries to help it around corners, but the Yukon XL's long-travel suspension and high center of gravity mean that lots of body roll with early-onset understeer is the default cornering mode. The Denali Ultimate's air suspension, optional on all other models, does its best to mitigate this tendency, but there's only so much any clever engineering could do about mitigating the sheer heft of this big SUV. The steering is light to operate, but it doesn't communicate any meaningful measure of road feel, either.

While the Yukon XL's driving dynamics bow down to the laws of physics, the performance on tap doesn't. When equipped with the 6.2-liter V8, acceleration from rest is frankly amazing. Count on a low-six-second 0-60 mph dash, excellent throttle response, and strong in-gear acceleration, helped along by a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission.

The GMC Yukon XL is up against very accomplished opponents, but it has enough virtues and features to stand tall in this crowded marketplace. Exceptional passenger space in all three seating rows, a massive cargo bay, a very quiet and comfortable ride, lots of modern conveniences, and a long list of available options means that a 2023 Yukon XL can slot into the role of sumptuous family SUV just as well as it will be able to tow a heavy load up a mountain. Selecting the optional 6.2-liter V8, available from AT4 trim upwards and standard in the Denali variants, will even give it surprising straight-line performance.

It's not all good news, though. The V8 engines are both very thirsty, and many of the nicest features can only be had as options or high up the model hierarchy. The Yukon XL is also a lumbering behemoth in crowded spaces, and the high-spec models are priced against some very classy machinery with nicer badges. Its own Chevy Suburban sibling is perhaps the Yukon XL's main challenger, because it costs significantly less than the GMC while offering essentially the same package, apart from an older dashboard design.

While the Denali trims offer some awesome features, most of them don't offer much practical value, and most of the features can be had as options on lower-trim Yukon XL models. With this in mind, value-conscious buyers will likely be very happy with the SLT trim with some added options like the power-folding second-row seats, the Max Trailering Package, adaptive cruise control, enhanced parking assist, and maybe the rear-seat entertainment system. This way, you can have most of the comfort features, driver assistance systems, and towing abilities of a Denali for a good $7,000 less. Otherwise, the AT4 will satisfy most of your cravings, look good while going off-road, and carry a reasonable price tag.