2018 GMC Yukon XL
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
2018 GMC Yukon XL pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which Yukon XL does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
7.5 / 10The 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.
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.
2018 GMC Yukon XL configurations
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).
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.
Driving
7.0Acceleration
7.5Braking
5.5Steering
7.0Handling
6.0Drivability
6.0Off-road
7.0Comfort
8.5Seat comfort
8.0Ride comfort
7.0Noise & vibration
9.0Interior
7.5Ease of use
8.5Getting in/getting out
8.5Roominess
7.5Visibility
8.0Quality
8.5Utility
6.0Technology
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 GMC Yukon XL.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Yukon XL safety features:
- 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.
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See your car's valueWhile car-based crossover SUVs of all sizes have taken over the automotive landscape, there are still drivers who seek an old-school full-size SUV that still puts the "U" in SUV. With up to nine-passenger seating and the ability to haul heavy loads and tow serious trailers, the 2018 GMC Yukon XL fits the bill nicely.
The luxury-trimmed cousin of the Chevrolet Suburban, the Yukon XL offers a full host of comfort and convenience features. Its 19-foot length means it can offer three rows of seats plus the ability to stow 39.3 cubic feet of cargo, even with all seats occupied. Fold down the seats and the space expands to a 121.7-cubic-foot maximum capacity. If towing is your thing, the Yukon XL can haul up to 8,300 pounds, enough to handle a horse trailer or boat.
Of course, there's only one way to make an SUV this capable and that is to base it on a truck. The Yukon XL shares its bones with General Motors' pickup trucks. It rides comfortably and quietly, with the optional Magnetic Ride Control suspension doing a great job of soaking up bigger bumps and thumps (though it can't stop the smaller ones from sending vibrations into the cabin). But the Yukon XL never lets you forget you're driving a truck, especially if you have to make an emergency swerve.
The Yukon XL offers the choice of two stout V8 engines: a 5.3-liter that develops 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque and, only on the Denali trim, a 6.2-liter rated at 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both come with automatic transmissions (six speeds for the 5.3 and 10 speeds for the 6.2), and both are available with either rear- or four-wheel drive.
For 4WD models, a low-range transfer case is available on the 5.3-liter and standard with the 6.2-liter. The low-range case enhances off-road abilities, but the Yukon XL's big size and long wheelbase are bound to be limiting factors.
GMC offers the Yukon XL in three models. The cloth-trimmed SLE receives a full host of creature comforts, while the SLT adds leather, a power liftgate, power-folding mirrors and more. The top-of-the-line Denali gets a bigger engine, xenon lights, an adaptive suspension and other luxury features. If you need a luxurious SUV with above-average hauling and towing capabilities, Edmunds can help find the perfect 2018 GMC Yukon XL for you.
2018 GMC Yukon XL Overview
The 2018 GMC Yukon XL is offered in the following submodels: Yukon XL SUV. Available styles include Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A), SLT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A), Denali 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A), SLT 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A), SLE 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A), SLE 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A), SLT Standard Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A), and SLT Standard Edition 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A).
What do people think of the 2018 GMC Yukon XL?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 GMC Yukon XL and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Yukon XL 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 Yukon XL.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 GMC Yukon XL and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Yukon XL featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Edmunds Scorecard
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2018 GMC Yukon XL?
2018 GMC Yukon XL Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A)
The 2018 GMC Yukon XL Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $83,505. The average price paid for a new 2018 GMC Yukon XL Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) is trending $12,683 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $12,683 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$70,822.
The average savings for the 2018 GMC Yukon XL Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) is15.2% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 13 2018 GMC Yukon XL Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 GMC Yukon XL SLT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
The 2018 GMC Yukon XL SLT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $73,805. The average price paid for a new 2018 GMC Yukon XL SLT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A) is trending $11,120 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $11,120 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$62,685.
The average savings for the 2018 GMC Yukon XL SLT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A) is15.1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 8 2018 GMC Yukon XL SLT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 GMC Yukon XL SLT Standard Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
The 2018 GMC Yukon XL SLT Standard Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $70,570. The average price paid for a new 2018 GMC Yukon XL SLT Standard Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A) is trending $10,709 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $10,709 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$59,861.
The average savings for the 2018 GMC Yukon XL SLT Standard Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A) is15.2% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 2 2018 GMC Yukon XL SLT Standard Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 GMC Yukon XL Denali 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A)
The 2018 GMC Yukon XL Denali 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $80,245. The average price paid for a new 2018 GMC Yukon XL Denali 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) is trending $8,309 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $8,309 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$71,936.
The average savings for the 2018 GMC Yukon XL Denali 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) is10.4% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2018 GMC Yukon XL Denali 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2018 GMC Yukon XLS are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 GMC Yukon XL for sale near. There are currently 36 new 2018 Yukon XLS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $60,150 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 GMC Yukon XL. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $12,775 on a used or CPO 2018 Yukon XL available from a dealership near you.
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 GMC Yukon XL?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out GMC lease specials