With seating for up to nine passengers, the 2024 GMC Yukon XL is a vehicle for those who need to transport people and cargo in large volumes. Being a traditional body-on-frame SUV, the Yukon XL is also well suited for towing. The "XL" means it has a longer wheelbase than the regular Yukon and is essentially a spin-off of the Chevrolet Suburban. Compared to the Suburban, the Yukon XL has a slightly more premium cabin, but not so much as to step on the toes of the full-luxe Cadillac Escalade ESV.
The 2024 model year should be significant for both the standard Yukon and the Yukon XL. We're expecting them to receive a variety of updates that include freshened styling and a possible interior update with updated technology features. We also think it's likely that GMC will introduce a new and more powerful version of the Yukon's available diesel engine. We'll update our review once we know more later this year.
The GMC Yukon XL competes with other full-size SUVs, including the Ford Expedition Max and Jeep Wagoneer L. The Jeep is perhaps the Yukon XL's closest non-GM rival as it's positioned as a semi-premium offering with upscale materials in the cabin and a long list of standard convenience features. If you need a big truck-based SUV to haul your family, luggage and/or your boat, the GMC Yukon XL is an attractive option.
GMC hasn't released complete official information on the 2024 Yukon XL as of this writing. We'll update our recommendation if anything changes, but based on last year's model we think the Denali is the way to go. If you're buying a Yukon XL instead of a Suburban, you might as well go all in for the experience.
[Editor's note: The following unofficial information is based on last year's Yukon XL. We expect the 2024 model will have a similar lineup and we'll update this section once we have complete information.] The GMC Yukon XL is a full-size SUV that seats seven to nine passengers in three rows depending on the configuration. It's available in SLE, SLT, AT4, Denali and Denali Ultimate trim levels. A 5.3-liter V8 (355 horsepower, 383 lb-ft of torque) is standard on all but the Denali and Denali Unlimited, which get a 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft). The larger V8 is also optional for the AT4 trim.
Additionally, a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine is available at extra cost with the SLE and SLT trims and at a discount with the Denali and Denali Unlimited trims. 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 and Denali Ultimate, where it comes standard.
SLE
Highlights of the base SLE trim level include:
- 18-inch aluminum wheels
- LED headlights, foglights and taillights
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Remote engine start
- Eight-person seating configuration (2-3-3)
- Cloth upholstery
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- 12-inch digital driver information display
- 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto compatibility
- GMC Connected Services and OnStar compatibility
- Satellite radio
- Six-speaker audio system
- Rear seat reminder (alerts you to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle)
Additionally, the SLE includes GMC Pro Safety, a package of driver assist and collision avoidance features including:
- Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
- Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
- Automatic high beams
GMC offers several options for the Yukon XL SLE, including:
- GMC Pro Safety Plus package
- Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
- Max Trailering package
- Camera to make hitching a trailer easier
- Trailer brake controller (helps you adjust the brakes on your trailer)
- Heavy-duty engine cooling system (when combined with 3.0-liter diesel engine)
- Two-speed active transfer case (4WD models only)
- Tire pressure monitoring sensors for a trailer
- Nine-passenger seating configuration (3-3-3)
SLT
The popular SLT trim level comes standard with:
- 20-inch aluminum wheels
- Hands-free liftgate
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Leather upholstery
- Driver's seat memory settings
- Nine-speaker Bose audio system
- Wireless charging pad
GMC Pro Safety Plus package
- Safety alert seat (vibrates the driver's seat to alert the driver to safety-related warnings)
A number of options are available for the SLT. Highlights include:
- SLT Luxury package
- Seven-passenger seating configuration with second-row bucket seats
- Heated outboard second-row seats
- Power-folding second- and third-row seats
- Panoramic sunroof
- Heated, power-folding outside mirrors
- Heated, power-adjustable steering wheel
- Steering wheel and outside mirror memory settings
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear pedestrian alert system
- Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Yukon XL and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
- Rear-seat media system
- Dual 12.6-inch display screens
- Wireless projection via Wi-Fi
- HDMI ports
- Wireless headphones
AT4
The AT4 is the Yukon XL's off-road-oriented trim. It's equipped with standard 4WD and builds on the SLT trim with exclusive features, including:
- Exclusive wheels with all-terrain tires
- Front tow hooks and skid plate
- Heavy-duty air filter
Besides the SLT equipment, the AT4 also adds:
- Adaptive suspension dampers
- Two-speed active transfer case
- Hill descent control
- Heated, power-folding outside mirrors
- Driver's seat memory settings
- Heated, power-adjustable steering wheel
- Heated outboard second-row seats
- Power-folding third-row seat
- Three years of GMC Connected Services
Options for the AT4 include:
- Technology package
- Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
- Surround-view camera system (gives you a bird's-eye view of the Yukon XL for tight parking situations)
- Rear pedestrian alert system
- Premium Capability with Active Response 4WD package
- Air suspension (can raise or lower the ride height of the vehicle)
- Electronic limited-slip differential
- AT4 Premium package
- Technology package features
- Panoramic sunroof
- Power-retractable side steps
- AT4 Premium Plus package
- AT4 Premium package features
- Max Trailering package features
- Premium Capability with Active Response 4WD package features
- Max Trailering package
- Integrated trailer brake controller
- Hitch guidance with hitch view
- Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert
- Enhanced engine cooling
Denali
The Denali includes all non-exclusive AT4 features, though the two-speed active transfer case is reserved for 4WD models. It also includes:
- Exclusive exterior and interior detailing
- Power-sliding front center console
- Second-row bucket seats
- 14-speaker Bose surround-sound system
- Technology package features
Optional extras for the Denali include:
- Premium Capability with Active Response 4WD package features
- Denali Reserve package
- 22-inch wheels
- Electronic limited-slip differential
- Adaptive air suspension
- Panoramic sunroof
- Power-retractable side steps
- Digital rearview mirror (can display an image from the rearview camera in the mirror)
- Integrated trailer brake controller
- Camera to make hitching a trailer easier
- Trailer blind-spot warning
- Super Cruise semi-automated driving system
- Automated parking system
- Advanced security system
- Advanced Technology package
- Super Cruise semi-automated driving system
- Automated parking system
- Automatic braking while in reverse
- Digital rearview mirror (can display an image from the rearview camera in the mirror)
- Advanced security system
- Max Trailering package
- Tire pressure monitoring sensors for trailer
Denali Ultimate
The new Yukon XL top trim comes with standard 4WD and maxes out style with:
- 22-inch wheels
- Unique exterior trim
- Panoramic sunroof
- Upgraded leather upholstery
- 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 18-speaker Bose audio system
- Advanced Technology package
- Max Trailering package
- Premium Capability with Active Response 4WD
