2012 GMC Yukon XL 2500

Active Fuel Management Technology
To date, engineers have yet to figure out how to make a massive SUV operate as efficiently as a compact sedan. However, by deactivating four of eight cylinders when less power is needed, the Active Fuel Management system helps drivers save gas whenever possible.

Autoride Suspension
Optional on the Yukon XL SLT and standard on the Denali, this auto-leveling rear suspension system delivers a level of ride comfort that just may cause occupants to forget they're traveling in what is essentially a truck.

Although the basic dash design, seat layout and colors are the same for the base 2012 GMC Yukon as they are for the top-of-the-line 2012 GMC Yukon XL Denali, there are variations on features and trim. All Yukons feature 3-row seating that can accommodate up to nine people. The 2012 GMC Yukon XL SUV's additional length means it provides a far larger cargo bay behind the third-row seat than does the standard Yukon. Front- and second-row passengers will find comfortable seats and decent legroom, although we think the Yukon's molded headliner is a bit low for really tall passengers to be comfortable. The 2012 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL's third-row seat is outdated, requiring it to be removed and stored to obtain a level load floor (the Ford Expedition's third-row seat folds flush into the floor). The third-row seat's design is also bulky, resulting in limited leg and foot room even with the sliding second-row seats moved forward. When the time comes to exit the rear-most seat, however, the second-row seats can fold and tumble forward, clearing a wide path.

If you think the 2012 GMC Yukon SUV looks big, park it next to a 2012 GMC Yukon XL and watch how quickly it disappears. At 222.4 inches in length, the Yukon XL rivals the lengths of the great 1970s land barges like the Cadillac Fleetwood and Lincoln Continental sedan. But, unlike their old Detroit-iron relatives, the 2012 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL are far more efficiently packaged and feature far more sophisticated (and safe) suspension setups. The build quality is quite good, with tight tolerances between body panels and body lines that align perfectly with the corresponding sheetmetal. Denali models take the styling treatment one step further, offering a chrome honeycomb grille, clear-lens headlamps, unique tail lamps and 20-inch polished alloy wheels. Hybrid models have a different front fascia with larger air inlets (to help cool the hybrid system) and squared-off D-pillar edges for improved aerodynamics. The 2012 GMC Yukon Hybrid also features a single-piece tailgate with fixed glass, as opposed to the standard Yukon's 2-piece hatch.

GMC offers its light-duty 2012 Yukon and Yukon XL SLE and SLT models with a 5.3-liter V8 capable of operating on regular gasoline or E85, a mixture of 85-percent ethanol and 15-percent gasoline. Output measures 320 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque with gasoline, or 326 horsepower and 348 lb-ft of torque with E85. The Denali's 6.2-liter V8 is also a flex-fuel engine, though there's no variation in its ratings of 403 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque. Heavy-duty Yukon XL 2500 models are fitted with a 6.0-liter V8 that delivers 352 horsepower and 382 lb-ft of torque. The Yukon Hybrid is fitted with a 6.0-liter V8 paired to a 2-mode system that employs two 60-kilowatt electric motors, three planetary gears sets and four hydraulic wet clutches providing continually-variable operation with four fixed gear ratios.


5.3-liter V8 FlexFuel
320 horsepower @ 5,400 rpm
326 horsepower @ 5,300 rpm (E85)
335 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
348 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm (E85)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21 (gasoline), 11/16 (E85)

6.0-liter V8 FlexFuel
352 horsepower @ 5,400 rpm
382 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 10/16 (2WD), 10/15 (4WD)

6.2-liter V8 FlexFuel
403 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
417 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/18 (2WD, gasoline), 10/15 (2WD, E85), 13/18 (4WD, gasoline), 10/14 (4WD, E85)

6.0-liter V8 hybrid
332 horsepower @ 5,100 rpm
367 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/23

The 2012 GMC Yukon SUV's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) ranges from about $40,000 for a base SLE to more than $70,000 for a fully-equipped Denali. The heavy-duty Yukon XL 2500 starts at roughly $45,500, but can climb well over $60,000 with all-wheel drive and most options included. The 2012 GMC Yukon Hybrid SUV starts around $53,000, with the Denali Hybrid starting at about $61,000. Be sure to check the Fair Purchase Price on kbb.com to determine how much shoppers are paying in your area. In terms of resale value, the 2012 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL are expected to outperform the Ford Expedition EL, equal the performance of the Chevrolet Suburban, and trail the Toyota Sequoia.

To find out what consumers are really paying for this vehicle, first select a style to see the Fair Purchase Price| Calculate payments for this vehicle

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used GMC Yukon XL 2500 vehicles for sale near you.