2022 GMC Yukon XL Review

When it comes to carrying lots of people, hauling plenty of cargo, and towing a bunch of weight, nothing but a traditional full-size SUV will do. Among them, the 2022 GMC Yukon XL is one of the biggest and most accommodating, an extended version of the standard Yukon that provides more third-row seat room and additional cargo volume in exchange for small reductions in payload and towing capacity.

This year, the Yukon XL lineup adds a standard digital driver information display and an infotainment system with Google built-in natural voice recognition technology. GMC also makes its more powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine available with the AT4 off-road-oriented trim for 2022, swaps its former trailering app for new trailering features, and adds a new Buckle to Drive function to the SUV's Teen Driver safety technology.

GMC positions the Yukon XL as a premium-brand offering, which makes it more expensive than its near twin, the Chevrolet Suburban. Choosing between the GMC and Chevy comes down to personal styling preferences because the two SUVs are otherwise largely identical. However, when you get the 2022 GMC Yukon XL Denali, it comes with a more upscale and sophisticated dashboard design not available in the Chevrolet.

Other than the Suburban, the Yukon XL's only direct competitor is the Ford Expedition Max. If you're willing to give up some interior volume, the Jeep Wagoneer is also a worthy alternative.

The 2022 GMC Yukon XL is a full-size SUV that seats seven to nine passengers in three rows of seats, depending on configuration. It is available in four trim levels: SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali. A 5.3-liter V8 (355 horsepower, 383 lb-ft of torque) is standard with all but the Denali, which gets a 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft). The larger V8 is an option with the AT4 trim. Additionally, a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine (277 hp, 460 lb-ft) is available at extra cost with the SLE and SLT trims and at a discount with the Denali trim. All engines use a 10-speed automatic transmission to power the Yukon XL's rear wheels. Four-wheel drive is optional across the entire model line except on the AT4, where it's standard.