GMC Yukon XL

Name: 2009 GMC Yukon XL
Brand: GMC

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

This extended-length version of the Yukon is a twin of the Suburban. Interior quality is good, and there is room for up to nine, but typical versions seat seven. Unlike the Ford Expedition, the third-row seat sits too low and is uncomfortable. The Yukon XL can tow a heavy trailer and swallow more cargo than most minivans. The standard 5.3-liter V8 is just adequate and returned 14 mpg overall. The Denali model has a powerful 6.2-liter V8. Both engines use a standard six-speed automatic. Four-wheel-drive models have a selectable full-time system that can remain engaged at all times. ESC is standard.

Reliability Details

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2009 SUVs Reliability

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GMC Yukon XL

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

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Driving Experience

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GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

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2009 Large SUVs Ratings

2009 GMC Yukon XL

$5,975 - $7,500

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Chevrolet Suburban

$6,025 - $8,950

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe

$4,500 - $8,250

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Chrysler Aspen

$4,350 - $4,950

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Dodge Durango

$5,275 - $7,850

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Ford Expedition

$4,925 - $6,875

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Ford Flex

$3,425 - $4,600

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 GMC Yukon

$3,050 - $7,400

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Infiniti QX

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Nissan Armada

$4,625 - $5,725

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Saturn Outlook

$4,350 - $5,500

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Toyota Sequoia

$7,875 - $10,975

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

3 front, 3 rear, 3 third

4WD, AWD, Rear

5.3-liter V8 (320 hp)
6-liter V8 (352 hp)
6.2-liter V8 (403 hp)

6-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2021-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2021 Yukon XL enters the modern era with an independent rear suspension that improved ride comfort, handling and third-row room. This is a massive vehicle that’s very functional, comfortable and high-tech. The standard 5.3-liter V8 is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and together the powertrain supplies plenty of predictable uninterrupted power. The ride is comfortable. Handling is rather ponderous but safe. The enormous cabin is eerily quiet. Cargo capacity is enormous. Controls are very easy to use except for the tricky gear selector. It’s a big step to get into the Yukon XL and the tall hood cuts forward visibility. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection are standard, but blind spot warning, lane departure and lane keeping assistance are optional. Freshened for 2025, the Yukon XL received new exterior styling and an updated interior featuring a vertically-oriented 16.8-inch infotainment screen. The optional diesel engine got a power bump up to 305-hp. GM's Super Cruise active driver assistance system became available as did optional features that make towing easier. The tricky to operate by feel push-button gear selector was replaced by a column stalk selector.

2015-2020

2015 Redesign Year

The 2015 redesign brought a sumptuous and quiet interior, power folding second- and third-row seats, and available advanced safety features. Top-trim Denali versions offer a stronger V8 and plusher interior finishes. The Yukon XL is exceptionally quiet, in fact, it's a lot like a good luxury car. Handling is sound and responsive enough, with no excessive body lean, but the feeling of bulk is ever present. Adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision and lane departure warning are available. Choosing the top Yukon XL Denali trim with its Magnetic Ride Control improves the ride significantly, pays dividends in handling, but gets very pricey. Instead, we'd opt for the Suburban LTZ over the Yukon XL. That model pairs the Magnetic Ride Control suspension with the more efficient 5.3-liter engine, which is a combination unavailable from GMC. Changes for 2016 include available lane-keeping assist.

2007-2014

2007 Redesign Year

The 2007 redesign brought more agility, better steering and brakes, and a more responsive six-speed automatic transmission. The interior was also significantly upgraded, but the third-row seats lack thigh support and don't fold into the floor.

2000-2006

2000 Redesign Year

The Yukon XL is a clone of the Chevy Suburban. It can seat up to nine people and haul massive cargo loads or tow a 10,000-pound trailer. The Yukon XL handles commendably and its brakes work well. It also has a well-controlled ride. ESC arrived in 2003.