GMC Yukon XL

As you might have surmised from its fantastically literal badging, the 2021 GMC Yukon XL is an enlarged version of the GMC Yukon. Both of these truck-based SUVs are more spacious and have higher tow ratings than three-row crossover SUVs such as GMC's own Acadia. Like the Yukon — and its corporate cousins, the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe ‐ the GMC Yukon XL is fully redesigned for 2021 and aims to be a significantly more appealing SUV than its predecessor.

Chief among the 2021 GMC Yukon XL's upgrades is a fully independent rear suspension. It should provide the Yukon XL with a more supple ride since the previous version had a traditional solid axle. An adaptive air suspension is available for the first time too. It can lower the vehicle's ride height to help with getting in and out or raise it for increased ground clearance. Its load-leveling feature also helps keep the body level while towing.

Later in the model year, a new 3.0-liter diesel engine will be added to the options list. Official figures haven't been released yet, but we expect it to offer similar towing capacity to the gasoline engines — 8,000 to 8,4000 pounds, depending on powertrain choice — yet deliver improved fuel economy.

Cargo space is also improved compared to the previous generation, with an extra 2.2 cubic feet behind the third row. That isn't a tremendous amount, but the lower load floor makes placing items into the back much easier. Fold the second and third rows down and you have a whopping 144.7 cubic feet of room — an increase of 23 cubic feet — and akin to what you'll find in most minivans.

True, a crossover SUV such as the Volkswagen Atlas or Kia Telluride is more comfortable and fuel-efficient. But if you need to haul up to nine people and their gear, or pull a heavy trailer, the 2021 GMC Yukon XL looks to be a worthy choice.

Which Yukon XL does MatoCar recommend?

The Yukon XL is more expensive than the related Chevrolet Suburban, and the benefits aren't truly realized on the lowest SLE trim. As such, consider the midrange SLT. It's nicely equipped with standard equipment and gives you flexibility with options. But if price isn't a huge concern, the range-topping Denali is the best of the bunch. It comes with a more powerful V8 and unique interior styling that further differentiates it from the Suburban. Make sure to opt for the Advanced Technology package, which comes with adaptive cruise control — a feature sorely missed on lower trims.

The 2021 GMC Yukon XL is a large three-row SUV that seats seven to nine passengers depending on configuration. It is sold in four trim levels: SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali. Most Yukon models are powered by a 5.3-liter V8 (355 horsepower, 383 lb-ft of torque). Two other engines are also available:

The Denali exclusively has a 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft). Later in the model year, GMC will offer an optional turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine (277 hp, 460 lb-ft). All engines are paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is optional except on the AT4, where it's standard.

SLE The base SLE trim kicks things off with:

18-inch wheels
Keyless entry and ignition
Eight-person seating configuration (2-3-3)
10.2-inch touchscreen
Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto compatibility
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

There are several options for the Yukon XL SLE, including:

GMC Pro Safety Plus package

Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)

Max Trailering package

Trailer brake controller (helps you adjust the brakes on your trailer)
Heavy-duty cooling system
If GMC Pro Safety Plus package is ordered, blind-spot monitor extends to cover trailers
Two-speed active transfer case (4WD models only)

Tire-pressure monitoring sensors for trailer
Nine-passenger seating configuration (3-3-3)

SLT The midgrade SLT comes standard with:

GMC Pro Safety Plus package
20-inch wheels
Hands-free liftgate
Heated and ventilated front seats
Leather upholstery
Nine-speaker Bose audio system
Wireless charging pad

As with the SLE, a number of options are available for the SLT. These include:

Rear Media and Nav package

Navigation system
Rear-seat entertainment system with dual 12.6-inch display screens

SLT Luxury package

Driver-seat memory settings
Heated steering wheel
Heated outboard second-row seats
Power-folding third row
Rear cross-traffic alert system can now detect pedestrians
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Yukon XL and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

Max Trailering package

The blind-spot monitor extends to cover trailers

Seven-passenger seating configuration with second-row bucket seats
Tire-pressure monitoring sensors for trailer

AT4 The AT4 is the Yukon XL's off-road-oriented trim and is offered in 4WD only. Features unique to the Yukon XL AT4 include:

Unique front fascia to improve the Yukon XL's approach angle
Dark gray wheels with all-terrain tires
Front tow hooks and skid plate
Heavy-duty air filter

On top of SLT equipment, the AT4 also adds:

Adaptive suspension dampers (better ride and handling capabilities)
Hill descent control
Two-speed active transfer case
Driver-seat memory settings
Heated steering wheel
Heated outboard second-row seats
Power-folding third row

Options for the AT4 include:

Technology package

Rear cross-traffic alert system can now detect pedestrians
Surround-view camera system (gives you a bird's-eye view of the Yukon XL for tight parking situations)
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)

Premium Capability with Active Response 4WD package

Air suspension (can raise or lower the ride height of the vehicle)
Electronic limited-slip differential

AT4 Premium Plus package

Max Trailering package
Rear Media and Nav package
Technology package
Premium Capability with Active Response 4WD package
Panoramic sunroof
Power-retractable side steps

Max Trailering package
Tire-pressure monitoring sensors for trailer

Denali The Denali includes all non-unique AT4 features, though the two-speed active transfer case is reserved for 4WD models. Further additions include:

6.2-liter V8
Technology package
Navigation system
14-speaker Bose audio system

Even the top-trim Denali doesn't include every feature available for the Yukon. Optional extras include:

Advanced Technology package

Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Yukon and the car in front)
Digital rearview mirror (can display an image from the rearview camera in the mirror)
Advanced security system