When in doubt, make an already large SUV even larger. At 222 inches in length, the 2010 GMC Yukon XL is the stretched version of its standard-length (202 inches) siblings. This plus-size Sport Ute is a four-door, cargo-packing, trailer-towing beast that can seat up to nine passengers with plenty of legroom, even in the usually tight third row. The XL is available in two trims, the well-endowed SLE and the palatial SLT. Both are delivered with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or weather-beating, part-time four-wheel-drive (4WD), and each boasts a half-ton or three-quarter-ton version. A significant downside to this limo-length Ute is trying to park it in a crowded lot, and forget about tight maneuvering in city traffic. Oh, and a bigger garage may be in order. Competition for the Yukon XL comes mainly in the form of Ford’s Expedition EL and Toyota’s Sequoia.
The standard engine for the SLE and SLT half-ton Yukon XL trims is a 5.3-liter V8 that combines with a six-speed auto-manual transmission to put out 320 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque. Capable of towing some 5,500 pounds when properly equipped, the 5.3-liter, with Active Fuel Management, is estimated to get 15/21 mpg with RWD. Standard in both three-quarter-ton trim levels is a 6.0-liter V8 and six-speed automatic that combine for 352 hp, 382 lb-ft of torque, and 9,600 pounds of towing capacity in RWD trims. Mileage figures are unavailable for the 6.0-liter V8, but rest assured, they’re not pretty. An option for the SLT trims is a 403-hp, 417-lb-ft/torque 6.2-liter V8 that is alleged to get 14/20 with RWD version and 13/20 with 4WD.
Like their standard-length brethren, the 2010 Yukon XL trims are loaded with standard appearance, comfort, and convenience features, while offering a veritable cornucopia of options. For the Yukon XL SLE, standard goodies include a trailer hitch and wiring, 17-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, step running boards, premium cloth front bench seats, a six-way-adjustable power driver’s seat, remote power door locks, power windows, and heated mirrors, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, dual-zone air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a single-CD player with six speakers and satellite radio, OnStar/Bluetooth telecommunications technology with hands-free phone, and a USB connection. The SLT adds premium leather upholstery, front bucket seats, remote start, rearview camera system, a universal remote garage door opener, tri-zone climate control, nine Bose premium speakers, separate rear audio, and OnStar navigation with voice directions. Options for the SLE trim level include most of the SLT’s standard amenities, while rear-seat DVD entertainment, DVD navigation, and heated front and rear seats, as well as a power sunroof and parking sensors are available to both trims. Additionally, the Yukon XL SLT offers an available active suspension, blind-spot alert system, and power-retractable side assist steps.
Despite its solid size and weight, the 2010 Yukon XL sports such standard safety features as four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, standard-for-2010 dual front side-mounted airbags, front, rear, and third-row head airbags, daytime running lights, dusk-sensing headlights, remote anti-theft alarm, and a post-collision safety system. Additionally, the SLT features standard front fog/driving lights and parking assist sensors, which are optional on the SLE trim. Turn-signal-integrated mirrors are available for both trim levels.
Owners of the 2009 Yukon XL find a lack of cabin storage cubbies to be a drawback, as well as that pesky third-row seat, which must be removed rather than simply folded for extra cargo space. Mileage is also a downer for some owners, though all are aware of the economics involved in operating a vehicle of this size. A hefty base price and expensive options, while not ordinarily deal-breakers, have nevertheless caused a frown or two. Positives such as a potent exterior design, interior room and layout, decent handling, scads of standard creature comforts, better-than-adequate towing and payload numbers, a stellar safety record, and a smooth, reasonably quiet ride, however, ensure a place in the driveway for this super-sized Sport Ute.