Name: 2026 GMC Yukon XL
Brand: GMC

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Road Test

The freshened Yukon XL, twin to the Chevrolet Suburban, is an extremely functional, comfortable, and quiet large three-row SUV. This American icon is the answer for those who need seven- or eight-passenger capacity, cavernous space, and the ability to tow a boat or camper.

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

GMC Yukon XL

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Basic

3 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Long stopping distances

Long stopping distances
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Not tested in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Not tested in IIHS side crash test

Not tested in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Not tested in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2016

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2021

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2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Basic

3 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Long stopping distances

Long stopping distances
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Not tested in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Not tested in IIHS side crash test

Not tested in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Not tested in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Basic

3 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Long stopping distances

Long stopping distances
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Not tested in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Not tested in IIHS side crash test

Not tested in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Not tested in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Large SUVs Ratings

2026 GMC Yukon XL

$72,600 - $106,900

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Chevrolet Suburban

$63,700 - $86,700

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Chevrolet Tahoe

$54,500 - $83,700

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Ford Expedition

$57,700 - $87,360

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 GMC Yukon

$69,600 - $103,900

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

$63,200 - $96,515

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Jeep Wagoneer

$59,945 - $76,945

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Nissan Armada

$58,840 - $80,550

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Toyota Sequoia

$64,825 - $85,235

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

See All Large SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear, 3 third

4WD, AWD, Rear

3-liter 6 turbodiesel (305 hp)
5.3-liter V8 (355 hp)
6.2-liter V8 (420 hp)

10-speed automatic

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

Basic NA
Drivetrain NA
Corrosion NA
Roadside Aid NA
Maintenance NA

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Model History

2021-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2021 Yukon XL enters the modern era with an independent rear suspension that improved ride comfort, handling and third-row room. This is a massive vehicle that’s very functional, comfortable and high-tech. The standard 5.3-liter V8 is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and together the powertrain supplies plenty of predictable uninterrupted power. The ride is comfortable. Handling is rather ponderous but safe. The enormous cabin is eerily quiet. Cargo capacity is enormous. Controls are very easy to use except for the tricky gear selector. It’s a big step to get into the Yukon XL and the tall hood cuts forward visibility. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection are standard, but blind spot warning, lane departure and lane keeping assistance are optional. Freshened for 2025, the Yukon XL received new exterior styling and an updated interior featuring a vertically-oriented 16.8-inch infotainment screen. The optional diesel engine got a power bump up to 305-hp. GM's Super Cruise active driver assistance system became available as did optional features that make towing easier. The tricky to operate by feel push-button gear selector was replaced by a column stalk selector.

2015-2020

2015 Redesign Year

The 2015 redesign brought a sumptuous and quiet interior, power folding second- and third-row seats, and available advanced safety features. Top-trim Denali versions offer a stronger V8 and plusher interior finishes. The Yukon XL is exceptionally quiet, in fact, it's a lot like a good luxury car. Handling is sound and responsive enough, with no excessive body lean, but the feeling of bulk is ever present. Adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision and lane departure warning are available. Choosing the top Yukon XL Denali trim with its Magnetic Ride Control improves the ride significantly, pays dividends in handling, but gets very pricey. Instead, we'd opt for the Suburban LTZ over the Yukon XL. That model pairs the Magnetic Ride Control suspension with the more efficient 5.3-liter engine, which is a combination unavailable from GMC. Changes for 2016 include available lane-keeping assist.

2007-2014

2007 Redesign Year

The 2007 redesign brought more agility, better steering and brakes, and a more responsive six-speed automatic transmission. The interior was also significantly upgraded, but the third-row seats lack thigh support and don't fold into the floor.

2000-2006

2000 Redesign Year

The Yukon XL is a clone of the Chevy Suburban. It can seat up to nine people and haul massive cargo loads or tow a 10,000-pound trailer. The Yukon XL handles commendably and its brakes work well. It also has a well-controlled ride. ESC arrived in 2003.