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Average Retail Price
$3,350 - $5,375

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

First Take
Like its corporate sibling, the Chevrolet Suburban, the massive Yukon XL can seat up to nine (though eight-place seating is more common), tow a heavy trailer, and swallow more cargo than can most minivans. Handling is commendable for such a large vehicle, though a wide turning circle hinders parking. Other strengths include comfortable seating and a quiet, well-controlled ride. The XL's standard 5.3-liter V8 is powerful but delivered only 13 mpg overall in our tests. For 2002, models equipped with this engine either meet Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) guidelines or can use cleaner-burning ethanol-content fuels. A 320-hp, 6.0-liter V8 and full-time AWD are standard on the uplevel Denali version.

2002 SUVs Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2002 Large SUVs Ratings

$3,350 - $5,375
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$2,925 - $3,450
economy-icon
EPA MPG 18 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,300 - $5,625
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,200 - $5,925
economy-icon
EPA MPG 15 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,100 - $4,350
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    4-door SUV
Seating
3 front, 3 rear, 3 third
Drive Wheels
4WD, AWD, Rear
Engines Available
  • 5.3-liter V8 (285 hp)
  • 6-liter V8 (320 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 4-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2021-
Current Generation

The redesigned 2021 Yukon XL enters the modern era with an independent rear suspension that improved ride comfort, handling and third-row room. This is a massive vehicle that’s very functional, comfortable and high-tech. The standard 5.3-liter V8 is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and together the powertrain supplies plenty of predictable uninterrupted power. The ride is comfortable. Handling is rather ponderous but safe. The enormous cabin is eerily quiet. Cargo capacity is enormous. Controls are very easy to use except for the tricky gear selector. It’s a big step to get into the Yukon XL and the tall hood cuts forward visibility. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection are standard, but blind spot warning, lane departure and lane keeping assistance are optional. Freshened for 2025, the Yukon XL received new exterior styling and an updated interior featuring a vertically-oriented 16.8-inch infotainment screen. The optional diesel engine got a power bump up to 305-hp. GM's Super Cruise active driver assistance system became available as did optional features that make towing easier. The tricky to operate by feel push-button gear selector was replaced by a column stalk selector.

2015-2020
2015 Redesign Year
The 2015 redesign brought a sumptuous and quiet interior, power folding second- and third-row seats, and available advanced safety features. Top-trim Denali versions offer a stronger V8 and plusher interior finishes. The Yukon XL is exceptionally quiet, in fact, it's a lot like a good luxury car. Handling is sound and responsive enough, with no excessive body lean, but the feeling of bulk is ever present. Adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision and lane departure warning are available. Choosing the top Yukon XL Denali trim with its Magnetic Ride Control improves the ride significantly, pays dividends in handling, but gets very pricey. Instead, we'd opt for the Suburban LTZ over the Yukon XL. That model pairs the Magnetic Ride Control suspension with the more efficient 5.3-liter engine, which is a combination unavailable from GMC. Changes for 2016 include available lane-keeping assist.
2007-2014
2007 Redesign Year
The 2007 redesign brought more agility, better steering and brakes, and a more responsive six-speed automatic transmission. The interior was also significantly upgraded, but the third-row seats lack thigh support and don't fold into the floor.
2000-2006
2000 Redesign Year
The Yukon XL is a clone of the Chevy Suburban. It can seat up to nine people and haul massive cargo loads or tow a 10,000-pound trailer. The Yukon XL handles commendably and its brakes work well. It also has a well-controlled ride. ESC arrived in 2003.