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The Exterior
First Impressions
The 2021 Yukon received a complete redesign, and overall, GMC did a great job modernizing the look.
The Yukon XL definitely has a commanding presence on the road. Compared to previous generations, the body has softer curves and cleaner lines while still maintaining that bold SUV appearance.
The Denali trim I tested was loaded with chrome accents, LED lighting, and beautiful 22-inch wheels.
One design element I'm still undecided on is the shorter front end. From certain angles, it almost looks like the front was compressed slightly. Overall, I still think it's a handsome SUV—but I'd love to hear what other families think.
First Row
Interior: Built for Busy Families
One thing becomes obvious immediately...
This SUV is BIG.
The power running boards make climbing inside much easier, especially for kids and shorter adults.
Once inside, the seats are wide, supportive, and incredibly comfortable.
I also appreciated the abundance of storage throughout the cabin.
Some of my favorite features included:
- Deep door pockets
- Dedicated phone storage
- Massive center console
- Hidden storage compartment with wireless charging
- USB-A and USB-C ports
- Multiple cup holders throughout the cabin
As a mom, I always appreciate places to stash snacks, phones, wipes, and all the little things that somehow end up in the car.
Technology Highlights
The Yukon Denali comes loaded with technology.
Some standout features include:
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Wireless phone charger
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- Heads-Up Display
- Digital rearview mirror
- HD surround-view camera system
One feature I especially loved was the digital rearview mirror.
Even if the third row is full of passengers or tall car seats, you still have a completely unobstructed view behind the vehicle.
The surround-view camera system is another huge win. Parking a vehicle this large can be intimidating, but having multiple camera angles—including views of the hitch—makes maneuvering much easier.
Driver Visibility
While the Yukon offers every modern safety feature you'd expect, visibility isn't perfect.
Because the vehicle is so large, the rear pillars create noticeable blind spots.
Thankfully, blind-spot monitoring and the camera system help compensate, but it's something worth noting if you're moving from a smaller SUV.
Second Row
Car Seat Test
This is where families really want the details.
I tested several different car seat configurations.
Second Row
The Yukon XL offers captain's chairs or a bench seat.
My test vehicle had captain's chairs.
Each captain's chair includes:
- Lower LATCH anchors
- Top tether anchor
I installed:
- An UPPAbaby Mesa infant seat
- A Graco Extend2Fit forward-facing convertible
Both installed easily with plenty of room.
Even with my driver's seat positioned for my six-foot height, the rear-facing infant seat still had excellent clearance.
Third Row
Third Row
The third row surprised me.
Unlike many full-size SUVs, there was actually enough space to comfortably install a rear-facing convertible seat using the seat belt.
That's impressive.
There are no lower anchors in the third row, but there are three tether anchors.
One downside?
The center seat does not have a head restraint.
If someone plans to sit there regularly, I'd strongly recommend using a high-back booster or forward-facing harness seat instead of a backless booster.
Third Row Access
If you don't have a car seat installed, accessing the third row is simple.
With a car seat installed, however, it becomes a little trickier.
Fortunately, the captain's chair aisle is wide enough that many families will simply walk between the seats instead.
Trunk
Cargo Space
This is where the Yukon XL really shines.
The extra length compared to the standard Yukon makes a huge difference.
With all three rows up, I easily fit:
- Three Trader Joe's grocery bags
- An UPPAbaby Vista stroller
…and still had room left over.
The power-folding third row is incredibly convenient, allowing you to quickly create more cargo space when needed.
For large families, sports equipment, road trips, or Costco runs, this SUV delivers.
Safety
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