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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2020 GMC Yukon XL Review
Our experts tried the GMC Yukon XL on for size. Learn what we thought about the interior, drivetrain, and entertainment options.
2020 GMC Yukon XL – media.gmc.com | Shop 2020 GMC Yukon XL on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2020 GMC Yukon XL?
The 2020 GMC Yukon XL has some minor changes from 2019. GMC has included a new color in Carbon Black Metallic while getting rid of Pepperdust Metallic. The Denali Ultimate Package has also been replaced by the similar Denali Premium Package
The Breakdown
Lots of space
Easy to use infotainment
Sharp but classy exterior
Great towing capabilities
Ride isn’t that comfy for the price
Underwhelming number of standard features
Doesn’t compare well to other high-end SUVs
Lots of space but lacks options and a smooth ride
2020 Yukon XL Specs
- 355 horsepower from base engine
- 383 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 39 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 121.7 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Rear seat media system
- Complimentary first oil change and tire rotation
2020 GMC Yukon XL Powertrain
GMC equips the Yukon XL with a pair of optional engines: Either a 5.3-liter 8-cylinder with 355 hp and 383 cu-ft of torque, or a more powerful 6.2-liter 8-cylinder with 420 hp and 460 ft-lb of torque. These are paired to either a 10-speed for the Denali or a standard 6-speed automatic transmission. The Yukon is available with either rear wheel drive or four wheel drive.
The 6.2-liter engine will make the Yukon XL, despite its size, actually feel like a fast SUV. GMC’s transmission works quickly to keep up, but you hardly feel the shifting.
For such a big SUV, it drives like a smaller one. The steering feels light compared to the size of the Yukon XL, which is great for parking in what will always feel like tight spots. There is an optional magnetic dampening feature that reacts automatically at low and high speeds – some aren’t a big fan of the resulting ride – you should try it yourself before buying.
Towing & Payload
The 2020 GMC Yukon XL can tow up to 8,500 lbs. with a 2WD model and the 6.2-liter engine. The 4WD model with the 5.3-liter engine can tow up to 6,000 lbs.
2020 GMC Yukon XL Fuel Economy & MPG
The GMC Yukon XL’s fuel economy is not bad for a large SUV. You should be able to get 14 mpg city and 21 highway with the 5.3-liter 8-cylinder with 4WD on. The 6.2L engine expectedly brings the fuel economy down to 14 city and 20 highway.
The gas mileage is about the same as its sister in the Chevrolet world, the Suburban.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The Yukon XL is called the XL for a reason, and recent changes to the Yukon have made it bigger and better. With three rows of seats capable of seating 9, the Yukon used to have an issue with leg space in the last row. GMC managed to add 9.7 inches of legroom to the last row, making it comfortable for most adults too.
With three rows of seats, the Yukon XL also makes it easy to fold everything down. Buttons located inside the vehicle allow for motors to recline the seats pretty easily.
The driver and passenger get plenty of space too. Even better, the Yukon XL tunes out sound pretty well. You’ll be able to hear the kids in the back without having to shout, unless of course, you want to.
You’ve got a bit of a choice when it comes to interior material: either leather or cloth. With kids, we’d likely opt for the easier to clean leather.
Entertainment & Technology
If the GMC Yukon had one bright spot besides space, the infotainment system would be it. GMC made their screen big, but not too huge at 8-inches. They also gave it big, easy to read graphics that won’t require much more than a tilt of your head to see. The system offers plenty of customization while not going over the top. You can also hook up your phone with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay to get navigation from your home and stream music. The Yukon XL does wonders just making their system easy to use, and that’s what we need!
Safety Features
The GMC Yukon XL has plenty of available safety features, including forward collision alert and low-speed emergency braking. Lane departure warning and lane keep assist are also available. Finally, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert are available.
The challenge here is that the lowest level SLE Yukon XL only has front and rear park assist. We would appreciate more standard features without going to an SLT.
Otherwise, the NHTSA tested the Yukon XL at a 4-star crash test rating, which is good for a large SUV and pretty much on par with competitors.
2020 Yukon XL Trims and Pricing
SLE – $53,400
The SLE seats up to nine. Standard safety features include front-and-rear park assist. You’ll also stay comfy with tri-zone climate control, and even get BOSE speakers standard. This comes with the standard 6-speed automatic transmission and 5.3-liter 8-cylinder engine.
SLT Standard Edition – $57,600
The SLT brings you the option of leather seating and heated front seats. Safety Alert seat can also buzz you to any impending problems, and Lane Keep Assist now comes standard.
SLT – $63,500
Yes, there are two SLT types. This one adds a few amenities including available ventilated seats with 12 way power adjustments. You can also get keyless entry, push button start, and a hands free liftgate.
Denali – $73,600
Denali has always stood for the best GMC has to offer. Add the optional 6.2-liter 8-cylinder engine and a lot more. You’ll get a unique grill, projector beam headlights, Magnetic Ride suspension, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. A heads up display and wireless charging for your phone are also available.
Warranties
GMC’s new vehicles get a 3 year, 36,000 mile limited warranty and a 5 year or 60,000 mile powertrain warranty. The warranty comes with one complimentary oil change, tire rotation, and inspection.
What we think
2020 GMC Yukon XL – Nothin’ But Car Reviews on youtube.com | Shop 2020 GMC Yukon XL on Carsforsale.com
The GMC Yukon XL is a good option for families seeking lots of space. Our only issue is with value. The Denali pushes a new 2020 GMC Yukon XL up to nearly $75,000, which puts it in range of competitors who offer more standard amenities and a nice rider. Overall, if we were to choose a GMC Yukon XL trim, we would side with the SLT for its combination of extras for a price less than the Denali.
For a bit of a different ride, you should also check out the new Jeep Wagoneer or the Ford Expedition. You can also see what else GMC offers with the 2021 GMC Yukon. Also, consider more Yukon options here.
