2026 GMC Yukon XL

If size, space, and capability are on your list of priorities for your next family hauler, then the GMC Yukon XL deserves your consideration. As the biggest SUV in the GMC lineup, the Yukon XL has a massive 3-row interior with spacious seating, class-leading cargo space, and premium options. It also has the latest in optional tech features, including the ProGrade trailering system and the Super Cruise hands-free driving feature. While turbocharged 6-cylinder engines begin to dominate this class, the Yukon XL still offers two good old-fashioned V8 options and a class-exclusive diesel. For one rig that does it all, the GMC Yukon XL is a top choice. The non-XL version of the Yukon is reviewed separately.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of full-size SUVs, including the GMC Yukon XL.

The GMC Yukon XL gets a new Key Card feature for 2026. A card that fits in your wallet can be used to lock, unlock, and start the SUV in lieu of a traditional key fob.

Since it’s somewhere between mainstream and luxury, the GMC Yukon XL is priced on the higher end of full-size SUVs. The lower trims are competitive with the Ford Expedition MAX and Jeep Wagoneer L, while the upper trims with 6-digit price tags rival the Lincoln Navigator L and Jeep Grand Wagoneer L. The Yukon XL’s mechanical twin, the Chevy Suburban, has a notably lower base price.

Before buying a Yukon XL, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. GMC Yukon XL resale value is above average for the segment. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The 2026 GMC Yukon XL is powered by a 355-horsepower V8 engine matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD). This aging engine isn’t as powerful as the turbo 6-cylinder engines in its Ford and Jeep rivals, but it still has plenty of thrust, and it’s adequate for daily family-hauling duties.

Drivers seeking more muscle for towing regularly or just because they want more oomph will be interested in the bigger 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 hp or the Duramax turbodiesel 6-cylinder pumping out 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. We know most of you will go for a V8, but we’re partial to the diesel, which has both the highest torque rating and best fuel economy in the Yukon XL’s engine lineup. GMC and Chevy are the only brands that offer a diesel in this class.

One of the reasons families love the GMC Yukon XL is its ride quality on long highway trips. The long wheelbase and compliant suspension (especially with the optional Magnetic Ride Control system) create a truly premium feel for the driver and passengers alike. The available Super Cruise hands-free highway driving system makes the Yukon XL an even better road tripper.

Fuel Economy

The standard V8 in the Yukon XL returns 15 city/20 highway/17 combined mpg. The bigger 6.2-liter V8 is almost equally efficient, but requires premium gas, yielding much higher fuel cost estimates. Meanwhile, the only diesel in this class gives the Yukon XL up to 21 city/26 highway/23 combined mpg. That’s a slightly better combined fuel economy rating than the hybrid Toyota Sequoia.

The turbocharged 6-cylinder engines in the Ford Expedition MAX and Jeep Wagoneer L – neither of which requires premium gas — are both more efficient than the V8s in the Yukon XL.

If you’re shopping for a full-size SUV, space is probably important to you, so let’s start there. The GMC Yukon XL boasts 42 inches of second-row legroom and 36.7 inches of third-row legroom. That leaves more than enough room for average-sized adults in all three rows.

Second- and third-row legroom in the Yukon XL are about the same as the Ford Expedition MAX and Jeep Wagoneer L, but cargo space is a strength for the GMC. The Yukon XL has 41.5 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row (more than the Ford, slightly less than the Jeep) and class-leading maximum cargo capacity of 144.7 cubic feet.

The centerpiece of the Yukon XL’s interior is a 16.8-inch infotainment display with Google built-in. Speaking of screens, an 8-inch climate control screen in the second row is also available. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard, and a few desirable interior options include Bose 22-speaker audio, a power-sliding center console, a head-up display, and Woodland Mahogany full-grain leather upholstery.

The Yukon XL’s Executive Seating package gives the second row first-class accommodations with heated, cooled, and massaging seats, a rear entertainment system with two screens, and a center console with wireless charging. This is a package you can’t get in the more mainstream Chevy Suburban.

The big screen and fancy seats are terrific, but last year’s interior update we’re most excited about is the shifter’s relocation away from the awkward button layout in earlier versions of the Yukon XL. This SUV is now shifted via a more user-friendly stalk on the steering column.

At 18.8 feet long, the Yukon XL full-size SUV takes up the same kind of space as the Ford Expedition MAX. It’s big. But we think big is beautiful in this instance. The Yukon XL got a midcycle refresh last year that included a revised front end and available 24-inch wheels. It helped keep this SUV looking fresh and modern.

Google built-in
The Yukon XL’s 16.8-inch central infotainment display is home to a Google built-in interface that’s feature-rich and user-friendly. It’s pre-loaded with our favorite Google apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. Plus, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay are standard.

Air ride adaptive suspension
The perfect addition to one of the more luxurious Yukon XL trims. As well as the enhanced comfort, it has adjustable heights for easy entries and exits and for instances like increasing ground clearance over tricky terrain.

Super Cruise
General Motors’ hands-free adaptive cruise control now works on more than 400,000 miles of roads in North America. We’ve used this a lot in Cadillacs, and it’s now available in GMC and Chevy vehicles. It’s one of our favorite systems of its kind.

ProGrade trailering system
Plenty of Yukon XL owners will be happy to get some really useful help from this optional feature when they hitch up a trailer and go to the lake or wherever. It includes trailer-specific blind-spot monitoring.

Rugged AT4 models
The AT4 trim of the Yukon XL brings a stylish and functional appearance package plus Magnetic Ride Control and off-road tires, while the AT4 Ultimate is both rugged and luxurious with Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, Super Cruise, massaging seats, full-grain leather seats, and Bose 18-speaker audio.

Luxurious Denali models
Denali has long represented luxury in the GMC brand, and the Yukon XL Denali lives up to its reputation with a power-sliding center console, a head-up display, and heated/ventilated leather seats. Meanwhile, Denali Ultimate is even fancier, with Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, Super Cruise, 24-inch wheels, and full-grain leather seats.

The base engine for the 2026 GMC Yukon XL remains the 5.3-liter V8, making 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims offer the option of a 6.2-liter V8 developing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The other alternative — and a rarity for the class — is a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel inline-6, which delivers 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. We’re happy to report that the diesel is available in every trim of the Yukon XL.

A 10-speed automatic transmission is employed throughout. Rear-wheel drive is standard; 4-wheel drive is optional, or standard with the AT4, AT4 Ultimate, and Denali Ultimate. The maximum towing figure is 8,400 pounds, achieved by a rear-drive model with the 5.3-liter V8. If this is important, the Jeep Wagoneer L can tow up to 10,000 pounds, while both the Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia go past the 9,000-pound mark.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

GMC’s new vehicle warranty lasts three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. These terms are typical among mainstream manufacturers. The first scheduled service is also included.

Safety Ratings

This generation of Yukon XL has earned the top 5-Star overall rating in crash testing carried out by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, Blind Zone Steering Assist, and more.