GMC Yukon XL
While car-based crossovers have been the trend for the last few years, the Yukon XL (along with the standard-length version, the Yukon) soldiers on as one of the few remaining truck-based SUVs. Underpinned by a sturdy body-on-frame chassis that's borrowed from GMC’s full-size Sierra pickup, the Yukon XL offers strong V8 power, a cavernous interior, and lots of available creature comforts. Those attributes, along with its serene ride, are rated among the model’s top qualities according to owners. On the downside, owners cite fuel economy and third-row comfort (or lack thereof) among its most notable disappointments.
While car-based crossovers have been the trend for the last few years, the Yukon XL (along with the standard-length version, the Yukon) soldiers on as one of the few remaining truck-based SUVs. Underpinned by a sturdy body-on-frame chassis that's borrowed from GMC’s full-size Sierra pickup, the Yukon XL offers strong V8 power, a cavernous interior, and lots of available creature comforts. Those attributes, along with its serene ride, are rated among the model’s top qualities according to owners. On the downside, owners cite fuel economy and third-row comfort (or lack thereof) among its most notable disappointments.
GMC Yukon XL Model Lineup
The Yukon XL is an extended-length variant of the GMC’s full-size SUV, the Yukon. It’s the largest sport-ute in the automaker’s lineup, measuring 15-20 inches longer than the standard-length Yukon (depending on the year). Most versions offer room for up to eight passengers across three rows, but note that the base-level SLE can be optioned with a front-row bench, increasing capacity to nine, while opting for second-row captain’s chairs reduces capacity to seven. The Yukon XL shares a platform and some components with the Chevrolet Suburban, built by GMC’s sister company within General Motors. Maximum towing capacity is 8,300 pounds.
GMC sells the Yukon XL in four trims: the base-level SLE, the mid-range SLT, the off-road-oriented AT4 (which first appeared in 2021), and the top-of-the-line Denali. Standard equipment includes front and rear parking sensors, three-zone automatic climate control, remote start, power front seats, and a fold-flat third row. Its infotainment system gained Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration in 2016 and was upgraded from an 8.0- to a 10.2-inch display for 2021. That’s also the year forward collision mitigation joined the standard-feature list. Additional active safety features, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning, are available as options. Other notable options include heated and ventilated front seats, a sunroof, navigation, a rear seat entertainment system, a surround-view camera, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
Under the hood, the Yukon XL comes standard with a 5.3-liter V8 engine that produces 355 horsepower and is mated to an automatic transmission, which was upgraded from six to 10 speeds starting in 2021. A larger and more powerful 6.2-liter V8 (with 420 hp) comes standard on the top-tier Denali trim and can also be fitted to the mid-level SLT or the trail-oriented AT4 trims as an option. It’s backed by an automatic transmission that was upgraded from a six- to a 10-speed unit in 2018. GMC introduced an optional six-cylinder turbodiesel powerplant in 2021, which pairs exclusively with a 10-speed automatic. All Yukon XL versions send power to the rear wheels unless equipped with available four-wheel drive (which comes standard on the AT4).
Popular Trims
GMC Yukon XL Owner Reviews
Average Rating for 2015
4.2
76 verified owner reviews
Top 2015 Reviews
Kenneth W. from CA
Verified Owner · Oct, 2015
2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali 1500 4WD
Have had more initial mechanical problems with this vehicle than most of my previous GM purchases.
Blayne M. from TX
Verified Owner · Sep, 2015
2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali 1500 2WD
Nonadjustable headrests required us to turn them backwards. The slant is much too forward.
Stephen B. from TN
Verified Owner · Aug, 2015
2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali 1500 2WD
I have a couple feedback items for the GM manufacturers/designers of the Denali: 1. I miss the Intellibeam option (Auto headlight dimming). I am told it's only available on the Cadillac vehicles. This did not stop me from purchasing the GMC, but it certainly could improve the desirability of the vehicle for those that are used to having this feature. There is no reason that it should not be offered on the GMC vehicles. 2. The Adaptive Cruise control is jerky, and unpredictable, not at all smooth. If the speed input to the Cruise Control is reduced incrementally by the driver too rapidly, the brakes slam on unexpectedly. Car should experience a "natural" coast down to the new speed. My Chrysler 300C handles this (and all other adjustments on the road) beautifully.
Darin F. from MT
Verified Owner · Jul, 2015
2015 GMC Yukon XL 1500/2500 4WD
It seems like it's already starting to rattle apart.
James Z. from NC
Verified Owner · Jun, 2015
2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali 1500 2WD
Needs more cupholders in front. Electronic programming of throttle way too mushy/slow to engage. Front seat was initially uncomfortable/too narrow though it has softened up.
William V. from CA
Verified Owner · May, 2015
2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali 1500 4WD
This 2015 Yukon XL Denali is my 5th GMC/Chev Suburban type vehicle purchased. It fits my needs and I have therefore been loyal to the product. The GMC was bought this time because I wanted the 6.2 engine only available in the Yukon XL Denali and I also wanted the top end of the product line other than the Escalade. My main complaint about the design is the layout of the compartments in the front area. There should be inserts available for customers to tailor each compartment for their individual needs and not one design fits all. Have driven the vehicle 6000 miles since purchase with no problems.
Francisco S. from TX
Verified Owner · Apr, 2015
2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali 1500 4WD
Not completely satisfied.
Leland W. from ND
Verified Owner · Apr, 2015
2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali 1500 2WD
Don't like that you have to push the brake in to start vehicle if passenger doesn't have fob and even if you did it won't start without going to the driver's side to get in and push on brake. Don't like the looks of the fold-out running boards and cant get mud flaps with them.
Trena M. from FL
Verified Owner · Mar, 2015
2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali 1500 2WD
There is one safety issue that was overlooked on the 2015 Denali: the front passenger seat has two hand rests that can be held by the person in the seat. The one above the seat is fine. However the one located in front of the seat, when being held by the passenger, the driver's view is blocked from being able to see out the side mirror in order to change lanes. My husband uses it a lot and I have to ask him to please move his arm because I can't see the right lane
Loren S. from CA
Verified Owner · Mar, 2015
2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali 1500 2WD
My navigation system broke almost immediately after we purchased our new Yukon. This makes me less likely to buy another GMC product in the future.