Freshened for 2025, the Yukon XL gets a new grille, headlights, and lower front fascia.
It also gets an updated interior featuring a vertically-oriented 16.8-inch infotainment screen and new column-mounted gear selector.
The 355-hp, 5.3-liter V8 and 420-hp, 6.2-liter V8 carry over, but the 305-hp, 3.0-liter inline-six turbodiesel is now more powerful.
All three engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The three-row SUV is available in rear-wheel and four-wheel drive, and it has a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds.
An adaptive suspension is available using GM's clever magnetic shocks to respond to road conditions, and an air suspension is available on the AT4 Ultimate trim that can automatically level the SUV and allow ride-height adjustments.
AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, BSW, RCTW, and rear AEB are standard.
The Super Cruise hands-free active driving assistance system, active parking assist, occupant detection system, and trailer-compatible blind-spot warning are available for 2025.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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