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For when big isn’t big enough.

GMC’s Yukon XL, like its Chevrolet Suburban sibling, is a remnant of an earlier age when size mattered and fuel economy didn’t. Still, it does a great many things well, and it continues to sell. Like the Yukon, the Yukon XL was last redesigned for the 2007 model year, which in automotive terms is a very long time ago. The Yukon XL is powered by the same line of V-8 engines as its little brother, but its longer wheelbase means it has more cargo-carrying capacity. Like its slightly smaller sibling, the Yukon XL’s first two rows can be configured to carry either two or three passengers, and a third-row bench has three seating positions. With the second and third rows folded, the Yukon XL’s voluminous cargo area measures 137.4 cubic feet. The interior is not extravagant, but it’s comfortable and has many modern amenities, such as trizone air-conditioning, a USB port, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-month subscription to OnStar. The upmarket Denali model adds wood paneling, leather, navigation, a touch-screen display, and a Bose surround-sound system. The Denali comes with a penalty in maximum towing capacity, however: non-Denali models can cart up to 1700 more pounds than their glitzier sibling can.

COMPETITORS

Ford Expedition

Infiniti QX56

Nissan Armada

Toyota Sequoia

new for 2013

The Yukon XL adds available champagne silver metallic paint and automatic engine braking in all transmission modes.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Front and side curtain air bags are standard, as are ABS, traction and stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

MPG

CITY 10–15

HWY 15–21

PRO

Seriously large

Six-speed transmission

Available four-wheel drive

CON

Fairly low gas mileage

Choppy ride

Base Price Range: $44,200–$61,405

SPECIFICATIONS

DRIVE: Rear-wheel, 4-wheel

TRIM LEVELS: SLE 1500, SLT 1500, SLT 2500, Denali

BODY STYLE: SUV, 7- to 9-passenger

ENGINES: 5.3L V-8, 320/326 hp, 335/348 lb-ft (E85 capable)

6.0L V-8, 352 hp, 382 lb-ft

6.2L V-8, 403 hp, 417 lb-ft (E85 capable)

TRANSMISSIONS: 4- or 6-speed automatic, continuously variable

CAPACITIES: Towing: 7800–9600 lb; cargo (behind third/middle/front seats) 45.8/90.0/137.4 cu ft