2001 GMC Yukon XL Review
2001 GMC Yukon XL Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Unmatched interior space, strong V8-engine lineup, extensive list of available features, standard all-wheel drive on Denali XL, luxurious interior.
Cons
- Interior fit-and-finish concerns, standard Yukon XL still too similar to the Chevy Suburban.
What’s new
The Yukon XL gets a new top-of-the-line engine in addition to more horsepower for the 6.0-liter V8. Debuting this year is the Yukon Denali XL, which gets a new engine along with standard all-wheel drive and a host of other new features designed to elevate the top-of-the-line GMC above and beyond its more basic Yukon cousin.
Edmunds says
Although it's no longer the biggest sport ute on the block, the all new Yukon XL is easily the best combination of size, power and comfort in a full size SUV.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 GMC Yukon XL 1500 SLE 2WD 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in Wisconsin.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Wisconsin
$292/mo for Yukon XL 1500 SLE
Yukon XL 1500 SLE
vs
$242/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Vehicle overview
When it comes to full-size SUVs, they don't get much bigger than the Yukon XL and its Denali XL stablemate. Coming in at over 18 feet long and weighing almost three tons, this behemoth comes in half-ton and three-quarter-ton models. An imposing sight when viewed from the rearview mirror of your average family sedan, its expansive dimensions do more than inspire fear in the hearts of fellow drivers. The Yukon XL boasts seating capacity for nine and the ability to tow a 10,000 lb. trailer when properly equipped, making it one of the most versatile sport-utes available. Accomplishing such heroic feats of hauling requires serious muscle under the hood and the XL has the goods. Half-ton models get a 5.3-liter V8 rated at 285 horsepower and 325 ft-lbs. of torque, while three-quarter-ton models get a choice of either a revised version of last year's 6.0-liter, now rated at 320 hp, or an all-new 8.1-liter brute that delivers 340 hp and 455 ft-lbs. of torque. GMC points out that even the smaller 6.0-liter engine boasts more power than the V10 available in the Ford Excursion, while the 8.1-liter engine enjoys a solid 30 point lead in both the horsepower and torque race.
All half-ton Yukon XL models utilize an independent torsion bar front suspension and a five-link coil-spring rear setup that delivers a satisfying ride whether you're on the highway or off the beaten path. Three-quarter-ton models utilize the same torsion bar setup up front, but rely on two-stage Smooth Ride leaf springs in the rear that provide a comfortable ride while retaining the capacity for heavier loads. An optional trailering package adds even higher rate springs and retuned shocks for better handling of extreme loads.
Yukon XL buyers can choose between two different trim levels: base SLE or uplevel SLT. SLEs come standard with front and rear air conditioning, aluminum alloy wheels, and deep tinted glass. Add to that power windows, locks and doors, a nine-speaker AM/FM CD stereo, and an electrochromic rearview mirror with an integrated compass and it's easy to see why these make great family vehicles. Step up to SLT trim and you'll enjoy leather upholstery, heated driver and passenger front seats with power lumbar and lateral support, electronic climate control, and the OnStar communications system. Front and side airbags are standard, and an optional traction control system keeps 2WD XLs on the road when the going gets slippery.
Although hardly groundbreaking on the outside, the Denali XL features a monochromatic paint scheme and an exclusive polished metal grille that gives it a distinctive, yet understated look. On the inside, the Denali offers optional second row captain's chairs (reducing capacity to seven). There's a long list of standard features that includes: leather-covered seats, steering wheel and grab handles; a 250-watt 11-speaker Bose stereo system with an in-dash six-disc changer; six-way power driver and passenger seats with dual-zone heating; rear seat audio controls and cupholders; and a multifunction trip computer. The next-generation OnStar communications system is an available option providing not only navigational assistance and concierge services, but also hands-free personal calling and a Virtual Advisor that allows access to Web-based information such as e-mail and stock quotes.
Although the Denali XL coddles its passengers with a luxurious interior, it still packs plenty of high-performance. The standard engine is a 6.0-liter V8 rated at 320 horsepower and 365 ft-lbs. of torque, a step above the Lincoln Navigator's 300 hp V8. As if a class-leading engine and versatile transmission aren't enough, the Denali XL adds the performance and safety of full-time all-wheel drive.
When it comes to providing plenty of room for a large group of passengers, it's hard to beat the Yukon XL or Yukon Denali XL. Although we would like to see higher quality interior pieces and an overall improved level of fit-and-finish, we still love the big sport-ute. The wide-range of engines and high level of standard equipment make it a nice place to spend time on long trips with the family. Even if you're not saddled down with restless rugrats, the Yukon XL will still prove useful with its huge cargo capacity and ability to haul a sizeable trailer with ease.
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Also Consider
2024 GMC Yukon Denali
SLE, SLT, AT4, Denali and Denali Ultimate
Starting MSRP$74,805
See All Trims
GMC.com
*The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees, and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price. Click here to see all GMC vehicles’ destination freight charges.
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Also Consider
Build Your 2024 Yukon Denali
- 7 Colors
- 5 Trims
- 5 Packages
- $74,805starting MSRP
Build & PriceGMC.com
*The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees, and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price. Click here to see all GMC vehicles’ destination freight charges.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 GMC Yukon XL.
5 star(60%)
4 star(30%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(0%)
40 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Great suv
dagger7232, 09/17/2014
2001 GMC Yukon XL 1500 SLE 2WD 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
We have owned this truck since 2003 and have driven it far and hard. We currently have 220,000 miles on it and it is still running strong. has plenty of power and we use it to haul our boat a lot. Tough build quality and durability. Only issues we have had is the parking brake light, and the engine knocking a bit but its at 210,000 miles. We do not have the 4x4 but I have a 2003 … silverado and the 4x4 has had plenty of issues, so I am assuming this would be true for this model also. However for the two wheel drive nothing drive train related has gone wrong all we do is change oil, brakes, and general maintenance. only issue has been parking break light staying on.
4.13 out of 5 stars
'01 YukonXL
Steve, 03/06/2007
2001 GMC Yukon XL 1500 SLE 4WD 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Great vehicle on long trips, not an around town vehicle (gas mileage) Had problems with water leak in front pass floor, dealer said it was sunroof, found problem was spot weld burned thru fender wall, water would collect in fender and leak into passenger area during heavy rain, so much for professional grade. I repaired the problem with GE silicone. Also major problem with windshield … washer pumps. Seems that if the battery leaks acid it will flow down and destroy the pumps which sit right under the battery. Another Professional grade design. I say that because when I brought it to the dealer for repair they asked if my battery leaked. I asked if they have come up with a fix, they haven't
1.88 out of 5 stars
my story
sue smith, 11/13/2003
2001 GMC Yukon XL Denali AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
at first the vehicle was supurb.
after time and almost three years
later the little things are starting
to fall apart. From the beginning I
have had to have most everything
replaced from the seatbelts to rear
wiper hose. I was very upset since
this was a vrand new very expensive
vehicle.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Pros and Cons
Anthony Adigwe, 08/14/2003
2001 GMC Yukon XL 1500 SLE 4WD 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
I was shocked when a perfectly well
maintained and running vehicle just
would not start up the next day. The
problem was the fuel pump. The service
consultant eluded to the fact that this
will happen anytime anywhere. I then
questioned the fact that so many
sensors are available on this vehicle
and wondered why GM has not figured out
one for the fuel pump.
2001 Yukon XL Highlights
1500 SLE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $35,802 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $292/month |
Seating | 9 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Yukon XL include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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