Yukon Denali and GMC Yukon XL Denali return for 2011, equipped with style, technologies and luxury features that have made these models so popular.
Both Yukon and Yukon XL are available in SLE (cloth trim) and SLT trim (leather appointments), as well as 2WD and 4WD configurations. Yukon XL offers a three-quarter-ton model. A third-row seat is standard on all Yukon models.
For improved fuel economy, Yukon and Yukon XL models feature a 5.3L V-8 with GM’s fuel-saving Active Fuel Management technology.
Side blind zone alert system available on SLT and Denali models. Power-adjustable steering wheel. Third-row DVD entertainment system is available and includes a flip-down screen and system controls for third-row passengers (Yukon XL and Yukon XL Denali only)
Heated/cooled seats available on SLT and standard on Denali models. Integrated brake controller works with the ABS system to provide immediate and measured brake force signaling to electric-controlled trailer brake systems. With it, there is no requirement for external and/or aftermarket brake control systems (Yukon and Yukon XL models only).
A third-row seat is standard on all Yukon models.
The seats have “close-outs” that surround the seat bottoms and seat tracks, creating a more finished appearance. The Yukon and Yukon XL also offer an industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature that eases access to the third-row seat. Yukon and Yukon XL interiors are versatile, too. Standard features include 20-inch wheels, power liftgate, power release second-row fold-and-tumble bucket seats, head curtain side air bags, power-adjustable pedals, electrochromic (auto-dimming) inside mirror, remote start system, rearview camera system and ultrasonic rear parking assist. The interiors of the Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali offer style and luxury, including standard Nuance leather-covered seating with heated first- and second-row captain’s seats, as well as leather trim throughout – including a Denali-exclusive leather-wrapped steering wheel with a host of auxiliary controls. The Denali models also offer several helpful and convenient options, including a power sunroof, power-retractable assist steps and a rear-seat, DVD-based entertainment system, a third-row DVD entertainment system (Yukon Denali XL) and side blind zone alert system.
Yukon rides on a 116-inch (2,946 mm) wheelbase, with an overall length of 202 inches (5,130 mm). Yukon XL models have exterior dimensions similar to the regular models, but are about 14 inches longer in wheelbase and 20 inches longer in overall length.
The ABS system works with the standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard on Yukon and Yukon XL 2WD models, with 17-inch wheels standard on 4WD. Twenty-inch wheels are available – including a chrome-clad design. Yukon HD comes standard with 17-inch wheels, while the Yukon Denali lineup is equipped with 20-inch wheels.
Safety features
The Yukon and Yukon XL offer a 360-degree perimeter safety system of occupant protection and crash avoidance technologies. Standard features include head curtain side air bags for all seating rows and front-seat safety belt pretensioners that are linked to the vehicle’s sensing system to provide segment-exclusive deployment in rear-end crashes. The head curtain air bags include design features that provide increased rollover protection and occupant containment.
Available in SLE, SLT and Denali trim levels, the 2011 GMC Yukon XL allows up to 9 passengers to ride in complete comfort while trekking considerable cargo. Offering rear-wheel and four-wheel drive capability, there are two V-8 engine options are available on the 2011 GMC Yukon XL. Deriving fuel economy of 15 miles per gallon city or 21 miles per gallon highway with unleaded gasoline, the 5.3 liter V-8 powered 2011 GMC Yukon XL is less fuel efficient if E85 fuel is being burned.
The Yukon and Yukon XL are GMC's full-size SUVs. The Yukon XL has a longer-wheelbase than the regular Yukon bigger brother. The heavy-duty Yukon XL 2500 also offers a 6.0L V8 that makes 352 hp and 382 lb-feet of torque.
Buyers who just need plenty of interior space and who don’t plan to tow or go off-road should look at large crossovers, not a large SUV like the Yukon. Many reviewers prefer it to the Yukon because it is a little easier to drive and have a nicer interior. The Yukon’s third row seats have to be muscled out of the car. The base Expedition is also about $1,500 cheaper than a base Yukon.
The GMC Yukon is also available as a hybrid, which is reviewed separately. The Yukon is available in regular length or in the Yukon XL trim, which has a longer wheelbase. The Yukon XL is comparable in size to a Chevrolet Suburban. The Yukon is available in SLE, SLT and Denali trims.