After a full redesign for the 2021 model year, the 2022 GMC Yukon XL carries over mostly unchanged. The Yukon XL is the extended-wheelbase version of GMC’s Yukon full-size SUV, which is a corporate cousin of the Chevrolet Suburban. The 2021 redesign left exterior dimensions mostly the same while expanding usable interior space and improving the ergonomics of cargo loading and unloading. The trim lineup, consisting of SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali, carries over unchanged, though the AT4 is newly available with a larger V8 engine. The other update for this year is that a 12-inch driver information display now comes standard across the Yukon XL lineup.
Last year saw the addition of a turbodiesel 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine to the powertrain lineup, joining the gas 5.3-liter V8 and gas 6.2-liter V8 (newly optional on the AT4 model and standard on the Denali). All engines come paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with a dash-mounted push-button gear selector, and all three engines can be paired with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), though not all combinations are available in all trim levels.
The diesel powertrain is rated for 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 5.3-liter V8 is rated for 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, and the 6.2-liter V8 is rated for 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both gas engines feature stop/start technology and dynamic cylinder deactivation to optimize fuel economy ratings. The 5.3-liter V8, when paired with RWD, offers the lineup’s maximum towing capacity of 8,300 lbs when properly equipped. The available ProGrade trailer system provides unobstructed views of the trailer apparatus, and the trailer’s tire pressure and temperature can be monitored from the cabin as well.
The Yukon XL rides on a multi-link independent rear suspension system and is available with an optional magnetic ride control system. An available air suspension system allows four inches of ride height travel, an advantage during trail driving. Other off-road features include optional electronic limited-slip differential and optional two-speed transfer case.
The cargo hold of the 2022 GMC Yukon XL has a volume of 41.5 cubic feet, which opens up to a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. Other interior features include unique upholstery designs and color options for AT4 and Denali models, a power-sliding center console in all but the base trim, a sliding second-row seat, standard automatic emergency braking, optional rear cross-traffic alert, an optional surround-view camera system, and an optional 15-inch head-up display.
The 2022 GMC Yukon XL is available now at GMC dealerships. This SUV starts at an MSRP of $61,995 for the base SLE model with RWD, and prices climb steeply from there based on trim level and powertrain configuration. Examples include the upscale AT4, designed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts and therefore available only with 4WD: It’s offered with a choice of the 5.3-liter V8 engine (MSRP $75,300) or the 6.2-liter V-8 (MSRP $77,920). The luxurious Denali Ultimate, also available only with 4WD, has an MSRP of $98,095 for the Duramax Turbo Diesel model and an MSRP of $99,150 when equipped with the 6.2-liter V8 engine.