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- Massive Cargo Space – One of the biggest trunks in the full-size SUV segment, even with the third row in use. It's perfect for strollers, sports gear, groceries, and family road trips.
- Comfortable Third Row – Unlike many SUVs, adults and older kids can actually sit comfortably in the third row thanks to the generous legroom and headroom.
- Google Built-In Infotainment System – The touchscreen is intuitive and includes wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the ability to display split-screen views.
- Available 360-Degree Camera System – Makes parking this large SUV much less intimidating by providing multiple camera angles and a bird's-eye view around the vehicle.
The Exterior
The Yukon received a complete redesign in 2021, and in my opinion, GMC absolutely nailed it.
Compared to competitors like the Ford Expedition Max, I actually prefer the Yukon XL's styling.
It's:
- Bold
- Modern
- Muscular
- Clean
- Sophisticated
The chrome accents on the SLT trim give it just enough luxury without feeling over the top, and the black exterior paired with the chrome trim looks especially sharp.
If exterior styling matters to you, I think the Yukon XL is one of the best-looking full-size SUVs on the market.
Yukon XL vs. Yukon: What's the Difference?
The biggest difference is size.
The Yukon XL adds 15 inches of length compared to the standard Yukon, and nearly all of that extra space goes toward the cargo area.
If you regularly use your third row, the XL is absolutely worth considering.
First Row
Interior Design: Simple, Practical, and Family-Friendly
Inside, the Yukon XL keeps things refreshingly simple.
Instead of overwhelming you with flashy technology or dozens of different materials, everything feels clean, intuitive, and easy to use.
Some of my favorite interior features include:
- Digital instrument cluster
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Google Built-In
- Google Assistant
- Alexa integration
- Wireless phone charger
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Large panoramic sunroof
One feature I especially appreciated was the split-screen infotainment display.
Being able to see navigation and media controls at the same time makes everyday driving much easier.
Easy-to-Use Technology
Not every family wants a vehicle loaded with overly complicated technology.
The Yukon XL strikes a great balance.
Everything feels logical and easy to find while you're driving.
I also love the physical climate control knobs.
Sometimes simple really is better, especially when you're trying to adjust the temperature while managing kids in the back seat.
Storage Throughout the Cabin
The Yukon XL offers plenty of everyday storage.
Highlights include:
- Large door pockets
- Long storage shelf in the driver's door
- Wireless charging tray
- Deep center console with organizer tray
- Multiple USB-C ports
- Front and rear cup holders
The center console is especially impressive and easily swallows everything from snacks to wipes to charging cables.
Second Row
Car Seat Review
As a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, this is always my favorite part.
Captain's Chairs
The model I reviewed featured second-row captain's chairs.
Each seat includes:
- Lower LATCH anchors
- Top tether anchor
I installed an UPPAbaby Mesa infant seat behind the driver's seat.
Even with my driver's seat positioned for my six-foot height, there was still outstanding front-to-back clearance.
That's excellent news for parents with rear-facing babies.
Bench Seat Option
The Yukon XL is also available with a second-row bench.
This bench is incredibly wide and can accommodate three car seats in many situations.
One thing to know is that it's a 60/40 split bench, meaning two seats move together while the third seat folds independently.
That's different from the Ford Expedition, where each second-row seat operates independently.
Neither setup is necessarily better—it just depends on your family's needs.
Family Comfort
The second and third rows are loaded with features families appreciate:
- Ceiling-mounted air vents
- Heated second-row seats
- Rear climate controls
- USB-C charging ports
- 12-volt outlet
- Multiple cup holders
The only thing missing?
Sunshades.
I continue to be surprised that manufacturers leave rear sunshades off many full-size family SUVs.
If you're building vehicles specifically for families, this seems like an easy feature to include.
Third Row
Third Row: Surprisingly Comfortable
Many SUVs advertise a third row that really only works for small children.
The Yukon XL isn't one of them.
Even sitting in the third row myself, I had:
- Excellent legroom
- Plenty of headroom
- Comfortable seating position
Honestly, it feels more like sitting in the second row of a midsize SUV.
If you regularly carry older kids, teenagers, or adults, this is one of the best third rows you'll find.
Third Row Car Seat Setup
I installed a Graco SlimFit LX3 in the center position of the third row.
While I wouldn't recommend trying to fit three car seats across the back, I was pleasantly surprised that I could comfortably sit beside the installed car seat.
The Yukon XL includes:
- No lower LATCH anchors in the third row
- Three top tether anchors
That flexibility opens up several family-friendly seating configurations.
One Safety Concern
There's one feature I'd really like GMC to change.
Like many other General Motors vehicles, the Yukon XL does not include a head restraint in the center third-row seat.
Head restraints play an important role in reducing the risk of whiplash during a crash.
Because of that, I recommend using that seating position only for:
- A child in a harnessed car seat
- A high-back booster with built-in head support
I would avoid placing an adult or someone using a backless booster in that position.
Trunk
Cargo Space: Best in Class
This is where the Yukon XL truly separates itself.
With the third row up, I loaded a Zoe Twin double stroller—and it fit laying flat with room to spare.
That's incredibly impressive.
If your family regularly carries:
- Double strollers
- Sports equipment
- Hockey bags
- Golf clubs
- Large grocery hauls
- Road trip luggage
…the Yukon XL delivers.
There's also additional underfloor storage for smaller items.
Power-Folding Seats
Need even more cargo room?
The Yukon XL allows you to power-fold both the second and third rows directly from the cargo area.
Within seconds, you're left with an enormous flat load floor.
Honestly, it feels more like a cargo van than an SUV.
You could easily fit large furniture, bikes, or even a queen-size mattress in the back.
Safety
When it comes to safety, the 2023 GMC Yukon XL earned an overall 4 out of 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA. It received 4 stars in frontal crash testing, a perfect 5-star rating in side-impact testing, and 3 stars for rollover resistance.
Every Yukon XL comes standard with GMC Pro Safety, which includes the driver-assistance features I expect to see in a family SUV, like Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist, and Following Distance Indicator. If you move up to higher trim levels or add certain packages, you can also get features like Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control, which are some of my favorite features for everyday family driving.
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