2003 GMC Yukon XL Review
Price Estimate: $1,213 - $1,986





+24
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Huge interior space, strong V8-engine lineup, Quadrasteer four-wheel steering system, extensive list of available features.
Cons
- Some cheap interior materials considering the price, questionable build quality.
What’s new
The Yukon XL gains numerous functional enhancements for 2003. The Quadrasteer four-wheel steering system is now available on 3/4-ton models for increased maneuverability and better stability when towing, while 1/2-ton versions now offer the Stabilitrak stability control system. Also this year, buyers get a choice of two new optional exterior mirrors: a multifunction power fold-away version with puddle lamps and integrated turn signal lights or extended camper mirrors that are also power foldable. The interior gets numerous upgrades that include tri-zone climate control, an enhanced driver-information center and a redesigned center console and instrument panel. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls are now optional, as are second-row captain's chairs and power adjustable pedals. A revised lineup of entertainment options offers buyers a Bose audio system as well as XM Satellite Radio and a DVD-based entertainment system. Finally, for increased safety, the Yukon XL now features a standard front-passenger-sensing system, dual-stage airbags and three point seatbelts for all positions in the first and second rows.
Edmunds says
One of our favorite SUVs thanks to strong engines, functionality and features.
For sale near Cedar Rapids, IA
26 listings
- Photos not available
- 236,988 miles
- 1 accident, 5 owners, personal use only
- 8 Seats, 11 City / 15 Hwy MPG
- Buena Vista Auto Sales (186 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Leather Seats
- Third-row seating
- Power Driver Seat
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
Close
Located in Storm Lake, IA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
13 Combined MPG (11 City/15 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1GKFK66U13J169061
Stock: 169061
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-27-2025 - Price DropPhotos not available
- 135,940 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 9 Seats
- Tailgate Motor Co (251 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Third-row seating
- Power Driver Seat
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
- Auto Climate Control
Close
Located in Fremont, NE
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 3GKGK26U73G145071
Stock: 19450s
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-08-2025
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 GMC Yukon XL 1500 SLE Rwd 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 $2.96 per gallon for regular unleaded in Iowa.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Iowa
$250/mo for Yukon XL 1500 SLE
Yukon XL 1500 SLE
vs
$214/mo
Avg. Large SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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GMC Yukon XL Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(55%)
4(26%)
3(15%)
2(2%)
1(2%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
After 7.5 years
4 out of 5 starsRoman Nowwakiwsky, 07/24/2010
2003 GMC Yukon XL 1500 SLE 4WD 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
The practicality of this vehicle is excellent. We tow a 4500 lb boat, live in the mountains with tons of snow, travel a lot in the summer heat, and this truck has served us well. Many drivers, wife, sons, daughter, all enjoy never having to ask "can we take this". GM has been poor on service, replaced costly front hub, speedo stopped working after warranty. Truck has 99k miles and … working well with regular maintenance at non-dealer shop. All shops know Chevy engine so they can maintain it. Replaced battery, windshield washer hose, brakes, tires & snow tires, as usual. I believe there is not another utility vehicle out there as a choice for roomy loading and comfort. Leather seats last.
I can't part with it!
4.75 out of 5 starsMike, 08/11/2007
2003 GMC Yukon XL Denali AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
I bought my Denali new and do a lot of hard driving with it. I tow trailers, take road trips fully loaded and take trips to the mountains in the snow. All I can say is, Wow! This is a great vehicle! I literally have had no problems with it except one battery and one set of tires at 40k. This mule will jerk my 6,000lb boat out of the water on a wet ramp with authority. (I laugh at other … vehicle skidding with much lighter loads). Acceleration, ride, comfort and reliability have been exceptional. What really surprises me is the reliability. No issues. Much more reliable and durable that Japanese makes I have owned. No squeeks or rattles. I would buy another; I just can't part with this one!
Transmission trouble
3.25 out of 5 starsshane45, 08/23/2011
2003 GMC Yukon XL 1500 SLE Rwd 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
I have had my 2003 yukon xl 2wd for five and a half years.I bought it used with 22000 miles on it.It now has 103000 miles. At 65000 miles the transmission went out,a $2200 repair. At 77000 miles the instrument cluster lost gauge function one by one,this is a recalled issue up to 75000miles. The dealer wanted $800 to repair it.I purchased a used repaired one on ebay for $150. At 90000 … miles the transmission went out again,another $1800 for repair. The power window motor went out on passenger side,drivers side is now moving slowly,so if I do it myself $300 repair. It seats 9,handles mountian roads great,but repair costs has lost my faith in GM. Save up for repair costs,you may need it.
A real SUV that can stand the miles
3.88 out of 5 starsHigh Miler, 03/03/2010
2003 GMC Yukon XL Denali AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
I am approaching 140k miles on my Denali. It's a great truck with a great motor and trans with 0 issues to date. Is it perfect? No. Yes, you'll do wheel hubs anywhere from 40k onward. Big deal, I don't fret about a bearing. All vehicles have these types of issues. Right now, toyota can't seem to get a gas pedal to work. The steering column rattle I had replaced under a GM pilot … part program. Same with my diesel truck. It's been flawless since. GM large SUV's and trucks share the same parts and platforms. People forget how much this truck really weighs and what it can do and that wearing parts don't last forever.
2003 Yukon XL Highlights
1500 SLE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $37,960 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $250/month |
Seating | 9 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 45.7 cu.ft. |
rear wheel drive | |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Yukon XL include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- 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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