2011 GMC Yukon XL Review

GMC Yukon XL

The 2011 GMC Yukon XL is an excellent choice for large families who need a full-size SUV with maximum seating, towing and cargo capacities. The 2011 GMC Yukon receives only minor feature updates. Other options (depending on trim) include 20- and 22-inch wheels, a sunroof, a navigation system, a side blind-zone alert system, second-row captain’s chairs and a rear-seat entertainment system. Three V8s see duty in the GMC Yukon XL. Properly equipped, a Yukon XL 2500 can tow up to 9,600 pounds.

The GMC Yukon XL cavernous cabin also offers plenty of cargo room, with nearly 49 cubic feet of room behind the third-row and a whopping 137.4 cubic feet with the third-row seats removed and the second-row seats folded.

The GMC Yukon XL suspension also offers a comfortable ride quality that, combined with the relatively quiet interior, makes the GMC Yukon XL a fine road trip machine.

The 2011 GMC Yukon XL is virtually the same vehicle in most respects to the GMC Yukon; the only difference and what the XL stands for is that it's an extended-length version. The GMC Yukon XL adds about 20 inches of overall length and 14 inches of wheelbase, which is useful in some respects and not so much in others. The 2011 GMC Yukon receives only minor feature updates.

The 2011 GMC Yukon XL full-size SUV is available in 1500 and heavy-duty 2500 models, which are available in three trim levels: SLE, SLT and Denali (1500 only).

The top-shelf Denali gains unique styling touches that include lower body cladding and a unique grille, 20-inch alloy wheels, a power lift gate, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats with a power-folding feature, a larger display for the rearview camera, a navigation system and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system.

Other options include 20- and 22-inch wheels, a sunroof, a navigation system, a side blind-zone alert system, second-row captain's chairs and a rear-seat entertainment system. Three V8s see duty in the GMC Yukon XL. The GMC Yukon XL Denali features a more powerful 6.2-liter V8 that's rated at 403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. Properly equipped, a Yukon XL 2500 can tow up to 9,600 pounds.

Arguably the strongest selling point for the 2011 GMC Yukon XL is an interior that offers seating for up to nine passengers, a number bested only by full-size vans. The three-person third-row seat is standard.

The GMC Yukon XL cavernous cabin also offers plenty of cargo room, with nearly 49 cubic feet of room behind the third-row and a whopping 137.4 cubic feet with the third-row seats removed and the second-row seats folded.

With its big V8, the 2011 GMC Yukon XL models feel fairly quick for such a big vehicle. The GMC Yukon XL suspension also offers a comfortable ride quality that, combined with the relatively quiet interior, makes the GMC Yukon XL a fine road trip machine.