2008 GMC Yukon XL Review

Written By: MyRide.com
Reprinted under license.

A smooth and refined hauler.
The GMC Yukon XL is GMC's version of the Chevy Suburban. As its name suggests, the XL is extra-long, 20 inches longer than the standard-length Yukon. The Yukon XL is offered in half-ton or three-quarter ton capacities, and luxurious Denali models are available.

The Yukon XL is a great choice for towing cars, boats, horses, and travel trailers. A Yukon XL 1500 is rated to tow up to 8200 pounds, while the heavy-duty 2500 version can tow up to 9700 pounds. With its long wheelbase and heavy-duty construction, the Yukon XL is a highly stable platform for towing while offering the interior cargo advantages of a full-size SUV. The standard 5.3-liter V8 offers excellent horsepower and torque, and a 6.0-liter V8 is available for more towing power.

The Yukon XL seats six to nine people, depending on the seating configuration. There are many vehicles that seat seven people without taking up so much space to do it, but few quite so comfortably, nor with so much room left over for cargo.

The optional leather seats are wonderfully comfortable for long distances. The driver sits way up high and feels like he or she is master or mistress of his or her domain. The pedals adjust for long or short legs. The instruments and gauges are stylish. Interior small items storage is intelligently designed and all over, including a huge center console.

Those in the second row will find a lot of leg room. Bucket seats with a center console between them are available for the second row, turning them into first-class accommodations; and there is an optional power folding option, making it easier for third-row passengers to climb in. There's even decent legroom and good headroom in the third row, something few SUVs can claim.

At the top of the line is the Yukon XL Denali. The Denali is almost a separate breed. It has its own engine, a 6.2-liter V8 rated at 380 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque. The Denali also offers a more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. The Denali comes standard with the AutoRide active electronic suspension, which is optional on the regular Yukon XL.

A liftgate is available that raises and lowers under power, a Bose sound system, a navigation system, and a DVD rear-seat entertainment system are available, in addition to a rearview monitor that improves safety and makes it easier to hook up trailers.

The Yukon XL was completely redesigned for 2007. The 2008 Yukon XL models come standard with curtain side airbags. Yukon XL 2500-series models get a six-speed automatic for 2008, and a new 2WD version of the Yukon XL Denali is available.

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