GMC Yukon XL 1500

Suburban to Yukon

Until 2000, General Motors produced Suburbans under both the Chevy and GMC brands.  In 2000, the GMC Suburban was renamed the Yukon XL.  It stands as the big sibling to the GMC Yukon, just as the Suburban is the Chevy Tahoe’s bigger counterpart.  The current model is 20 inches longer, with a 14 inch longer wheelbase than the Yukon.  The Yukon XL can also be thought of as an even more upscale version of the Suburban. 

When it was introduced in 200, the Yukon XL featured many amenities that made it stand out as a top of the line SUV, including four wheel disc brakes and a spare tire stored underneath the vehicle instead of in the cargo area.   The higher trim SLT models included puddle lamps on the mirrors, self-leveling suspensions, and electronic climate control.  Edmunds described the Yukon XL’s interior as “warehouse sized.”

The Yukon XL, like the Suburban, was available as both a half ton 1500 model and a ¾ ton 2500 model.  The 2500 model featured hydroboost brakes.  This hydraulically assisted braking system was adopted on the 1500 model in 2004. 

The Next Generation Yukon XL

GM introduced the redesigned Suburban and Yukon XL for the 2007 model year at 2006’s Los Angeles Auto show.  The new models were marked by a less boxy look.  It also featured three-zone climate control, Bluetooth, and a USB port for the stereo system.  They were available with 5.3L or 6.0L V8s, or a 6.2L for the Yukon XL Denali.  The Yukon XL was also made available in a color not available on the Suburban: Deep Indigo Metallic. 

Differentiating the Yukon XL

The Yukon XL and the Suburban were redesigned again for 2015.  On the outside the two looked very similar other than the grille and front design.  The Yukon XL differentiates itself with a slew of new interior features, though.  The seats have extra-firm foam, Bose speakers are standard and more effort has gone into sound-proofing the cabin, compared to its Chevy counterpart.  From 2015 on, the Yukon XL is only available in a half-ton model.  No ¾ model is available. 

With a huge and very comfortable interior, the Yukon XL has proved itself as a classy and comfortable way to move eight of your favorite friends or family members along with cargo.