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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2010 GMC Yukon XL 2500

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 GMC Yukon XL 2500

Overview

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2010 GMC Yukon XL 2500 Review

By KBB.com Editors

Essentially mechanically identical to Chevrolet's Suburban, the 2010 GMC Yukon XL rides on General Motors' full-size SUV platform. Half-ton 1500 and heavy-duty 2500-series models are available, with rear-, four-wheel or all-wheel drive. The standard engine size is a 5.3-liter V8 that can operate on either gasoline or E85; 2500 models feature a 6.0-liter V8. Buyers who step all the way up to an extravagant Yukon Denali gain a class-leading 403-horsepower 6.2-liter V8, available all-wheel drive and upgraded level of features and luxury appointments.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you frequently need to carry plenty of cargo along with a sizable group of passengers, the full-size 2010 GMC Yukon XL is one of the few available choices. Yukon XLs are loaded with equipment, but the sticker price rises rapidly if you select a few options – or move all the way up to the plush, top-of-the-line Denali.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you like to breeze past gas stations without worrying about what it's costing you to get down the road, a Yukon XL won't bring smiles – despite the new multi-displacement system that improves fuel economy.

What's New for 2010

New for 2010 is OnStar 8.2 with long range remote and traffic control, a center console-mounted USB port and enhanced battery charger for some handheld devices. Under the Yukon's hood, the 5.3-liter V8 is now E85 compatible, while the big Yukon Denali's 6.2-liter V8 gains Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. Other mechanical changes include a new 3.08 rear axle on Denali for improved fuel economy and an available two-speed transfer case on four-wheel-drive models.

Driving the Yukon XL 2500

Driving Impressions The Yukon XL – especially in Denali form – is a refined, if flamboyantly oversized, family and cargo hauler. The six-speed automatic transmission, now standard on all XLs, responds with...

less harshness than the old four-speed and with less-noticeable delays. We also noticed a richer exhaust note from the 6.2-liter V8 than the 5.3-liter engine. Despite energetic start-off acceleration, it's not quite as vibrant when passing. Ride quality in the Denali is hardly truck-like at all, and it feels secure in curves. Expressways are the Denali's strong point, where an appealing ride blends with excellent stability and easy control.

Favorite Features

Active Fuel Management Technology
Don't expect gas-mileage miracles from the new cylinder-deactivation system, but, when dealing with heavy vehicles, even a modest fuel-economy improvement is worth the effort.

Autoride Suspension
Available real-time damping lets a Yukon XL cross the line from acceptable ride comfort into a tempting – perhaps even delightful – road experience. You won't forget you're in a truck, but an Autoride-equipped Yukon XL promises more pleasant hours on long hauls.

2010 GMC Yukon XL 2500 Details

Interior

With space for up to nine occupants, depending upon the seating configurations for the individual rows, the 2010 GMC Yukon XL delivers great passenger comfort in a spacious interior. A lower-positioned instrument panel helps add leg space, front seats have fore-and-aft and recline travel and second-row seats recline, as well. There is ample second-row leg and knee room, third-row headroom and second- and third-row shoulder room. The third-row seats fold, but not flush into the floor as on the Ford Expedition. The spilt third-row-seat sections are removable, but can prove awkward and heavy. The Yukon's glove boxes are huge, and available power fold-and-tumble second-row seats ease third-row access.

Exterior

The Yukon XL boasts wraparound front and rear fascias and integrated running boards. GMC claims this is the most aerodynamic Yukon to date, helped by a sleek 57-degree windshield angle. The XL's 130.0-inch wheelbase and 222.4-inch overall length compare to 116.0 and 202.0 inches, respectively, for regular-size Yukons. Wide tracks enhance stability. Doors extend over the rocker panels and large headlamps deliver maximum lighting spread. The XL Denali gets chrome accents, a distinctive honeycomb grille, unique headlamps with etched GMC logos, clear-lens taillamps and 18-inch polished wheels.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The SLE includes Stabilitrak, head-curtain airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear air conditioning, XM Satellite Radio, heated power mirrors, roof rails, side steps, E85 compatible 5.3-liter V8 engine, a six-speed automatic transmission and rear privacy glass. SLT versions have leather appointments and front bucket seats, remote engine start and a cargo cover. The XL Denali includes Autoride suspension, the 6.2-liter V8, a power liftgate, power release second-row fold-and-tumble bucket seats, power-adjustable pedals, heated windshield washers, an auto-dimming inside mirror, RainSense wipers, remote start, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, a six-CD changer, Bose 10-speaker Centerpoint Surround Sound audio, "Nuance" leather-covered seats, heated first- and second-row captain's chairs and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with genuine wood accents. All Yukon XL models have GM's OnStar 8.2 which is Bluetooth-compatible.

Optional Equipment

Some tempting extras are available for the Yukon XL, including a power liftgate, sunroof, remote starting system, navigation system, DVD entertainment and heated steering wheel. Heated seats are offered for the first and second rows. Other options include power-retractable articulating assist steps (running boards), 20-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, a rearview camera system and Autoride, GM's real-time damping suspension. Exclusive to the Denali trim are heated and cooled front seats, a Side Blind Zone Alert system and a power-tilt steering wheel.

Under the Hood

The Yukon XL 1500 has a standard iron-block 5.3-liter V8 that produces 310 horsepower, and a 6.2-liter V8 is optional. Yukon XL Denali models have a 6.2-liter V8 that generates 403 horsepower. In the heavy-duty 2500 series, an iron-block 6.0-liter V8 with variable valve timing makes 352 horsepower. With the exception of the 2500's iron-block 6.0-liter engine, all XL V8s operate with Active Fuel Management technology, and the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8s are available with E85 compatibility.

5.3-liter V8 Flex Fuel (iron block)
310 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
335 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 (2WD), 14/19 (4WD)

5.3-liter V8 Flex Fuel (aluminum block)
310 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
335 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 11/16 (4WD, E85), 14/19 (4WD, gasoline)

6.0-liter V8
352 horsepower @ 5400 rpm
382 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

6.2-liter V8 (Active Fuel Management)
403 horsepower @ 5700 rpm
417 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 (gasoline), 10/16 (E85)

6.2-liter V8
403 horsepower @ 5700 rpm
417 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/19 (2WD,gas), 12/18 (4WD, gas), 9/14 (E85)

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Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2010 GMC Yukon XL Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 355 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.7/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.2/10

problems, nothing but

By BDS (ME) on Saturday, April 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 72,000

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Interior"

Cons: "too many to list"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Owned a Chevy Tahoe, then bought the Denali. Both were constantly in the shop. Unfortunately we bought the Denali for the nice interior and room it provided. That's where it ends for these vehicles. Problem after problem and we're done with Chevy and GMC for good. Both vehicles had all kinds of problems. Mechanical, engine, suspension, etc etc. The Denali looks great but you'll end up spending more in the shop."

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My Yukon rocks- love its style comfort performance

By chacha (WY) on Wednesday, April 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 28,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "COMFORT, SAFETY, FAIR PRICE, VERY GOOD LOOKING"

Cons: "GAS PRICES NOTWITHSTANDING, STILL A CHOICE RIDE"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Looking good is great but dependability and safety rates high on the list. Turning heads is inevitable, so get ready for that. Comfort is max, great for family excursions!"

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Best vehicle I've ever had

By Aaron (MN) on Sunday, March 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 47,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've owned about every type of SUV out there and my Yukon Denali Hybrid tops them all. It's not even a comparison. To be able to average 22 mpg while having great power and comfort is unbeatable. When you drive it, it is clear it is such a solid truck. I bought it used and have never had any issues with it at all."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Bittersweet!

By guntherboy (VA) on Monday, March 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 135,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Drove very nice. Ample room. Great turning ratio"

Cons: "Pricey. Tend to have mechanical issues over time."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I bought my 2007 SLE 2x2 new and have babied it with regular maintenance. I rarely put more than 3500 miles on it before an oil change and go by the book with recommended maintenance. It now has 135,000 miles on it and looks like new. I started getting a "service traction control" reading and took it in for service. A funny thing happened on my way to get it serviced. The engine (5.3 liter V8) developed a small miss. I asked the dealership to check the miss out as well. They called and advised me that it dropped a valve and they found metal in the oil pan. Long story short it requires a new engine. Granted I have 135000 miles on it which are 50/50 highway and city but I know of three other people who have had a similar experience. The dealership where I get mine serviced had one the day before I took mine in as well. It had 115000 miles on it. Otherwise I loved this SUV. It was a pleasure to drive and I got 22 miles per gallon when on the road and around 17-18 in town. Will I buy another one? Probably not. I am not willing to make a $40-50k mistake."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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I love my car

By Rose (CA) on Saturday, March 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 76,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned my Yukon for the last 5 years and haven't had any issues with it besides normal maintenance. It very comfortable to drive, turning radius is great and makes it very easy to drive and move in small parking areas. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants or needs a large vehicle."

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I have had it for 5 mon.

By Pat (OH) on Thursday, January 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 28,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"It is a great car. No doubt. I bought it in October of 2012. It is a 2012 modle. I got the SLT 4X4 modle. The gas is tough, but I need a Car this big since I have 4 kids. My family gave it the nickname "couches on wheels" Do to how spacious and comfortable it is. It is the best Car I have ever had. The only problem I have had with it is the trunk. It makes noises. We took it back to the shop. They said the brackets were lose. We had had no further problem with it. I would reccomend this car to many people. It is very trustfull."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 355 reviews