2018 GMC Yukon XL Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byDan Frio^{Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.}

Pros

Seats up to nine passengers
Plenty of cargo capacity, even with all the seats deployed
Can tackle rough terrain when fitted with four-wheel drive
High towing ratings

Cons

Size, weight and length make it unwieldy around town
Slow gas pedal response makes engine feel weaker than rated
Cargo space utility is limited by high load floor

What’s new

The 2018 GMC Yukon XL receives only minor changes. The Denali version comes with a new 10-speed automatic transmission that should slightly improve fuel economy and acceleration. Other changes include a new chrome grille design and a new Denali Ultimate package with 22-inch wheels, a sunroof and a large helping of tech add-ons.

Vehicle overview

The 2018 GMC Yukon XL's nine-passenger capacity and strong towing power make it ideal for big families and recreational activities. But the Yukon's imposing mass and traditional SUV design take a toll on maneuverability, fuel economy and ride comfort.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 GMC Yukon XL SLE 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A) 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$228/mo

$254/mo

Avg. Large SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

You expect as much in an SUV of this size. The utility is undeniable. Even with the third-row seats deployed, it has 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space available. Fold down the second and third rows, and you've got a whopping 121 cubic feet of maximum cargo space at your disposal. If towing is your thing, the Yukon XL can lug up to 8,300 pounds.

All of this makes the Yukon XL a fairly mission-specific vehicle. Sure, for a big SUV, we've found it easy to drive — as long as you're going straight. But navigating tight parking lots and city streets requires caution, calculation and some amount of faith in the space around the vehicle.

There's also no escaping the Yukon XL's roots. The truck-based suspension can't deliver the carlike ride comfort of a crossover. Nor is the Yukon a picture of efficiency with an EPA-rated 18 mpg combined for a base four-wheel-drive version. Finally, the price premium attached to GMC vehicles is a little hard to justify given that the related Suburban has nearly all of the same features at a lower price.

That said, the Yukon XL's size, power and style will undoubtedly hit the mark for a very specific buyer.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.5 / 10

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali (6.2L V8 | 6-speed automatic | 4WD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Yukon XL has received some revisions, including a new 10-speed automatic transmission for 2018 Denali trims. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Yukon XL.

Scorecard

Overall	7.5 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	8.5
Interior	7.5
Utility	6.0

Driving

7.0

The 6.2-liter V8 is powerful. There's ample oomph to move the Yukon rapidly. The Denali's adaptive suspension manages the solid-axle suspension well.

Acceleration

7.5

The 6.2-liter V8 sounds good and allows the Yukon to hit 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. There's ample yank for passing at freeway speeds, too. Our test example had the previous six-speed transmission; this year's 10-speed should slightly improve acceleration.

Braking

5.5

Stopping from 60 mph required 134 feet, which is average, if not long, for the class. In regular use, the brakes feel just OK with a relatively soft, long-travel pedal. Many competitors will perform better.

Steering

7.0

Steering weight is adequate if not a bit light. Steering feel is minimal, but response is decent. Keep the Yukon on open roads and steering is predictable and easy.

Handling

6.0

The Denali, with its adaptive suspension, is more controlled when going around turns than a standard Yukon XL or Chevy Suburban. The Yukon's size and weight are there, but it manages pretty well considering those drawbacks.

Drivability

6.0

Though its reactions are slow by the standard of smaller SUVs, the Yukon exhibits decent road manners.

Off-road

7.0

The Denali's standard equipment includes a two-speed transfer case, though this isn't the kind of SUV you'll take off-road because of the big wheels, long wheelbase and running boards.

Comfort

8.5

The Yukon Denali is a luxury SUV, and it treats its occupants accordingly. It is both quiet and comfortable. The solid-axle rear suspension limits ride comfort. Entertainment features are abundant.

Seat comfort

8.0

The front seats are both heated and ventilated and offer ample adjustability and good support. The second-row seats are more than adequate for large passengers. Even the third row will accommodate adults. This is a big SUV. Space is its strength.

Ride comfort

7.0

Body motions are well-controlled in the Yukon Denali, though there's no denying the presence of big heavy wheels and a solid rear axle. Most drivers will be satisfied.

Noise & vibration

9.0

Admirably quiet inside. Active noise cancellation works effectively in the Yukon to deaden interior noise. Wind and road noise levels are insignificant. This isn't Lexus-quiet, but it's close.

Interior

7.5

Materials and build quality are quite high, and there are many comfort and entertainment features. Navigation is standard on Denali. Second- and third-row entertainment displays are available.

Ease of use

8.5

A power tilt-and-telescoping steering column is standard, as are power-adjustable pedals. The audio and climate control buttons and knobs are generously sized.

Getting in/getting out

8.5

It's tall, but the big door openings, running boards and grab handles ultimately make the Yukon a pretty easy vehicle to get in and out of. The power fold-and-tumble second row makes for excellent access to the third row.

Roominess

7.5

Abundant front and rear leg- and headroom. Depending on seat position, the driver's elbow may make contact with the large center armrest when steering. Otherwise, both second and third rows are on par or ahead of the competition.

Visibility

8.0

Good view out of the front and sides. The windshield pillars are thin. A rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert come standard on the Denali trim.

Quality

8.5

Except for Cadillac, any GMC in Denali trim is the best-built vehicle to come from GM in recent memory. Perforated stitched leather seats are a nice touch. We witnessed no quality problems.

Utility

6.0

This is where the Yukon XL truly shines. With massive cargo space, available nine-passenger seating and a maximum 8,300-pound towing limit, the Yukon XL is nothing if not a master of utility.

Technology

A standard 8-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a solid Bose audio system make the Yukon XL as connected as possible. Optional rear seat entertainment and a full suite of driver assistance features help the Yukon XL keep pace with its tech-minded rivals.

2018 GMC Yukon XL models

The 2018 GMC Yukon XL is a full-size SUV offered in SLE, SLT and Denali trim levels. The smaller Yukon is covered in a separate review.

The SLE base trim starts with a 5.3-liter V8 engine (355 horsepower, 383 pound-feet of torque) paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard; four-wheel drive is optional.

Standard SLE features include 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, side steps, roof rails, front and rear parking sensors, automatic wipers and a trailer hitch receiver with a wiring harness. Standard interior features include tri-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, and 60/40-split folding second- and third-row seats.

Also included is a 110-volt power outlet, an 8-inch touchscreen interface, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, OnStar communications (with a 4G LTE connection and Wi-Fi hotspot), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system with CD player, satellite and HD radio and a USB input. GM's Teen Driver monitoring system, which limits certain vehicle settings for young drivers, also comes standard.

The optional Enhanced Driver Alert package adds forward collision alert with automatic low-speed emergency braking, a vibrating safety-alert driver seat, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning and intervention. The Convenience package adds a power-operated liftgate, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-adjustable pedals and a universal garage door opener.

The SLE also offers an optional front bench seat that increases capacity to nine passengers.

The SLT trim includes all of the features listed above and adds a hands-free liftgate, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, keyless entry and ignition, leather upholstery, a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, power-folding second- and third-row seats, and driver-seat memory functions.

The top-of-the-line Denali trim adds a more powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine (420 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque), a 10-speed automatic transmission, 20-inch wheels, xenon headlights, adaptive suspension dampers, a trailer brake controller, a head-up instrument display, active noise cancellation, second-row bucket seats, a navigation system, a wireless smartphone charging pad and a 10-speaker surround-sound audio system.

The new-for-2018 Denali Ultimate package bundles 22-inch wheels, a sunroof, power side steps, adaptive cruise control, a rear seat entertainment system with DVD player, and an extended satellite radio and traffic information subscription, among other items.

Many of the Denali's features are offered as options on SLT trims, while options for SLE and SLT trims include 22-inch wheels and a heavy-duty trailering package (unique axle ratio, trailer brake controller and a self-leveling suspension).

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3/5Average

#14 out of 16 among Fullsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the GMC Yukon XL from 2008-2022.}

$652/yr

vs. $614/yr
for Average Fullsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.64x/yr

vs. 1.59x/yr
for Average Fullsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

20.4%

vs. 16.7%
for Average Fullsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 GMC Yukon XL.

5 (58%)

4 (6%)

3 (13%)

2 (8%)

1 (15%)

3.9

36 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

XL for empty nesters

Robert Bob, 02/10/2017

2016 GMC Yukon XL Denali 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 8A)

This is a big SUV that doesn't feel big when driving. Easy to park and has a small turning radius. We often have our kids and grandkids with us and routinely haul 7 people in this and love the legroom and cargo room with everyone on board. The ride and quiet cabin are spectacular and the fuel mileage is better than expected. Has tons of torque and pulling our 4,000 lb boat is … effortless. It is easy to back the boat up too with large mirrors and good backup camera. Like the auto leveling rear shocks. My only disappointment in the vehicle is GM's decision to eliminate the ability to pause and rewind live radio that my previous vehicles had. This was available before 2016 but GM eliminated it which is a shame. My 2015 GMC Canyon had this feature but a $70,000 vehicle doesn't. Doesn't make sense! Had trouble with torque converter clutch but dealer was able to resolve with fluid flush and new transmission fluid type. Problem caused shudder or vibration in 8th gear that felt like going over rumble strips. RPM fluctuated between 1600 and 1800 when TCC clutch was not happy. Downshifting into 7th gear would eliminate problem at the expense of poorer gas milage. Problem started at 16,000 miles. Have 17,000 miles on it now and problem is gone after fluid flush and change. Car is very quiet and subsequently any rattles are heard very easily. Chased a problem with a rattling/popping noise that sounded like is was coming from the right side dash area. Disassembled many components inside the glove box/dash area looking for it and finally found the noise was coming from the right front inner fender well! The noise could be duplicated by standing on and off the front part of the running board. The noise was from a loose spot weld on inner fender metal. Placing a section of close cell foam under panel solved the noise! Fixed by owner! Still not happy with GMC 22" wheels that cause harsh and rough ride. 22" wheels should not be an option on this car! Changed to Michelin Defender tires and solved vibration problems with original Bridgestone Dueler tires but this 22" size tire has low profile sidewalls which contributes to tires not absorbing bumps well and transmitting the bumps to the passengers. Car would ride much smoother on 18" or maybe 20" wheels. These wheels were a $2,400 option from GMC and it was a waste of money in my opinion. They are also very hard to keep clean and not very happy with the chrome plastic inserts on the wheels. Just learned the owner can't rotate tires and reset TPMS system without a special tool! This tool should be included with a $70,000 vehicle. Unfortunate that a simple routine simple maintenance task can't be accomplished without the $100 tool or a trip to the dealer or tire shop. If the TPMS system is not updated after wheel rotation, tire positions will not agree with dash display in the event of a tire problem. Have recent issue with powered running boards installed by GMC. They fail to extend when doors are opened occasionally. Both sides are affected. They have been lubricated and problem still exists. Car sits very high on 22” wheels and the running boards are critical for wife or kids to get in. Dealer service visit scheduled to diagnose/repair. Finally got dealer to recognize my intermittent running board problem by taking multiple video captures when they failed to extend or retract. They replaced the motors on both sides and they are now working normally. Torque converter clutch shudder returned at 35,000 miles. Dealer replaced trans fluid with a newer updated fluid that doesn’t absorb moisture. Problem has been resolved for now, again! Noticed leaking left axle seal while rotating tires. Taking back to dealer again to repair! Too bad the dealer didn’t notice this problem while changing trans fluid a week earlier! Still love the car and there is nothing comparable in the marketplace. Average MPG on Hwy is 23 and 19 around town. Added oil "catch can" at 37,000 miles and cleaned intake manifold and valves prior to addition. The catch can captures about 4 oz of breather oil every 4,000 miles. Running Amsoil Signature 0W-20 oil full synthetic with once a year change. Catch can should be installed when new to keep intake valves and manifold clean. GDI engines are prone to carbon buildup on valves due to design.

Dependable, easy to drive, never a problem.

LCH, 05/09/2018

2018 GMC Yukon XL SLE 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A)

I've owned this car for 4 years and it's been, by far, the most reliable car I've ever had. Not one problem. I bought it specifically for the space. It replaced a Ford Excursion, which was large, but gave me nothing but problems. The Yukon is sightly more difficult for me to park, but aside from that, it's a terrific family car. I highly recommend bucket seats in the second row: …

Electrical nightmare / general poor reliability

Mike, 05/27/2018

2016 GMC Yukon XL Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 8A)

Over 15 visits to repair electronics. Random faults would appear and had to replace electrical harnesses in the first year. Replaced front wheel bearings after less than 1 year. Continual reprogramming of software. Electronic transmission was erratic and took 3 times to repair. For almost $80K very disappointed. Traded fo Infiniti QX 80

My3rd Large GM SUV is most expensive and worst yet

J, 02/24/2018

2017 GMC Yukon XL Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 8A)

This is my 3rd Large GM SUV after having a 2001 Tahoe and 2012 Suburban (both of which I love) and owning it has been an absolute nightmare. I've had 6 different warranty issues and the car has spent 21 of the first two months I owned it in Dealership service for warranty work. If I could give "0" stars I would. Issues have been paint related in three areas, a recurring steering column …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 GMC Yukon XL, so we've included reviews for other years of the Yukon XL since its last redesign.

See all 36 reviews of the GMC Yukon XL

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2018 Yukon XL Highlights

Trim:

SLE

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$51,780
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	19 MPG
Cost to Drive	$228/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	39.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Yukon XL models:

Forward Collision Alert: Issues an alert if a potential collision with another vehicle or a pedestrian seems imminent, and can initiate braking if necessary.
Safety Alert Seat: Generates vibrating pulse patterns in the seat cushion to alert the driver to potential collisions on the left or right side of car.
Vehicle Interior Movement Sensor: Part of the optional Enhanced Security Package, alerts the driver before opening the doors if movement has been detected in the vehicle.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover3 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover21.2%

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