GMC Yukon vs. Yukon XL: Explaining The Difference Between The Two SUVs
8
Sponsored Links
The GMC Yukon full-size SUV isn’t short on space or practicality, but for those customers that need that a bit more of both, the GMC Yukon XL provides. The question is this – what exactly is the difference between these two models? Now, GM Authority is lining up all the important numbers in the following comparison.
GMC Yukon
GMC Yukon XL
How They Are Similar
To begin, let’s cover what makes the GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL similar. The GMC Yukon nameplate received its latest fifth-generation overhaul for the 2021 model year, introducing all the usual upgrades and changes, including a new exterior design, a new interior, new tech features, and more. Both models ride on the GM T1 platform, reserved for GM’s pickup trucks and body-on-frame SUVs, and both feature an independent rear suspension.
The mechanical similarities extend to the powertrain as well, with both models offering a trio of powerplants, including the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84 gasoline engine (355 horsepower, 383 pound-feet of torque), the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine (420 horsepower, 460 pound-feet of torque), and the 3.0L I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax engine (277 horsepower, 460 pound-feet of torque). Each of these powerplants connects to the GM 10-speed automatic transmission, with both RWD and 4WD offered.
The trim level lineup is also identical, and includes SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali.
GMC Yukon
GMC Yukon XL
How They Are Different
Of course, the biggest difference between the GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL comes down to sizing, with the extended-length Yukon XL offering substantially more interior room than the standard GMC Yukon. Of course, that means the exterior is bigger as well, with the wheelbase stretched out by 13 inches, and the overall length stretched by more than 15 inches.
The front and rear track are wider as well, with the latter a tenth of an inch wider, and the latter two-tenths wider. Unsurprisingly, the turning diameter is wider as well.
| Dimension | 2023 GMC Yukon XL | 2023 GMC Yukon | +/- Yukon XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase (in.) | 134.0 | 121.0 | +13 |
| Overall Length (in.) | 225.2 | 210.0 | +15.2 |
| Overall Width (in.) | 81.0 | 81.0 | 0 |
| Overall Height (in.) | 76.5 | 76.5 | 0 |
| Front Track (in.) | 68.5 | 68.4 | +0.1 |
| Rear Track (in.) | 68.3 | 68.1 | +0.2 |
| Turning Diameter with 18-inch wheels, curb-to-curb (ft.) | 42.3 | 38.1 | +4.2 |
| Turning Diameter with 20/22-inch wheels, curb-to-curb (ft.) | 43.3 | 39.7 | +3.6 |
| Dimension | 2023 GMC Yukon XL | 2023 GMC Yukon | +/- Yukon XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3406 | 3071 | +335 |
| Overall Length (mm) | 5720 | 5334 | +386 |
| Overall Width (mm) | 2057 | 2057 | 0 |
| Overall Height (mm) | 1943 | 1943 | 0 |
| Front Track (mm) | 1740 | 1737 | +3 |
| Rear Track (mm) | 1735 | 1730 | +5 |
| Turning Diameter with 18-inch wheels, curb-to-curb (m) | 12.9 | 11.6 | +1.3 |
| Turning Diameter with 20/22-inch wheels, curb-to-curb (m) | 13.2 | 12.1 | +1.1 |
GMC Yukon Denali
GMC Yukon XL Denali
The extra metal outside the GMC Yukon XL provides more room inside, although passengers won’t necessarily notice it, unless, of course, they’re seated in the third row, where they’ll find an extra 1.8 inches of legroom and an extra 0.1 inches of shoulder room.
| Dimension | 2023 GMC Yukon XL | 2023 GMC Yukon | +/- Yukon XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Row Headroom (in.) | 42.3 | 42.3 | 0 |
| First Row Legroom (in.) | 44.5 | 44.5 | 0 |
| First Row Shoulder Room (in.) | 66.0 | 66.0 | 0 |
| First Row Hip Room (in.) | 61.5 | 61.5 | 0 |
| Second Row Headroom (in.) | 38.9 | 38.9 | 0 |
| Second Row Legroom (in.) | 42.0 | 42.0 | 0 |
| Second Row Shoulder Room (in.) | 64.8 | 64.8 | 0 |
| Second Row Hip Room (in.) | 61.3 | 61.3 | 0 |
| Third Row Headroom (in.) | 38.2 | 38.2 | 0 |
| Third Row Legroom (in.) | 36.7 | 34.9 | +1.8 |
| Third Row Shoulder Room (in.) | 62.8 | 62.7 | +0.1 |
| Third Row Hip Room (in.) | 49.4 | 49.4 | 0 |
| Dimension | 2023 GMC Yukon XL | 2023 GMC Yukon | +/- Yukon XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Row Headroom (mm) | 1074 | 1074 | 0 |
| First Row Legroom (mm) | 1130 | 1130 | 0 |
| First Row Shoulder Room (mm) | 1676 | 1676 | 0 |
| First Row Hip Room (mm) | 1562 | 1562 | 0 |
| Second Row Headroom (mm) | 988 | 988 | 0 |
| Second Row Legroom (mm) | 1067 | 1067 | 0 |
| Second Row Shoulder Room (mm) | 1646 | 1646 | 0 |
| Second Row Hip Room (mm) | 1557 | 1557 | 0 |
| Third Row Headroom (mm) | 970 | 970 | 0 |
| Third Row Legroom (mm) | 932 | 886 | +46 |
| Third Row Shoulder Room (mm) | 1595 | 1593 | +2 |
| Third Row Hip Room (mm) | 1255 | 1255 | 0 |
GMC Yukon
GMC Yukon XL
The biggest difference between the GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL can be seen in cargo room, where the Yukon XL offers more than 21 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the first and second rows, and an extra 16 cubic feet behind the third row. Critically, the Yukon XL is also down on max payload capacity, although fuel tank capacity is up by 4 gallons.
| Dimension | 2023 GMC Yukon XL | 2023 GMC Yukon | +/- Yukon XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Volume Behind First Row (cu. ft.) | 144.7 | 122.9 | +21.8 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Second Row (cu. ft.) | 93.8 | 72.6 | +21.2 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Third Row (cu. ft.) | 41.5 | 25.5 | +16 |
| Max Payload Capacity with 5.3L V8 L84 (lbs.) | 1698 | 1792 | -94 |
| Max Payload Capacity with 6.2L V8 L87 (lbs.) | 731 | 1671 | -940 |
| Max Payload Capacity with 3.0L I6 LM2 (lbs.) | 709 | 1671 | -962 |
| Max Towing Capacity with 5.3L V8 L84 (lbs.) | 8300 | 8400 | -100 |
| Max Towing Capacity with 6.2L V8 L87 (lbs.) | 8100 | 8200 | -100 |
| Max Towing Capacity with 3.0L I6 LM2 (lbs.) | 7800 | 8100 | -300 |
| Fuel Tank (gal.) | 28 | 24 | +4 |
| Dimension | 2023 GMC Yukon XL | 2023 GMC Yukon | +/- Yukon XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Volume Behind First Row (L) | 4098 | 3480 | +618 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Second Row (L) | 2656 | 2056 | +600 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Third Row (L) | 1175 | 722.2 | +452.8 |
| Max Payload Capacity with 5.3L V8 L84 (kg) | 1698 | 813 | +885 |
| Max Payload Capacity with 6.2L V8 L87 (kg) | 1612 | 758 | +854 |
| Max Payload Capacity with 3.0L I6 LM2 (kg) | 1563 | 758 | +805 |
| Max Towing Capacity with 5.3L V8 L84 (kg) | 3765 | 3810 | -45 |
| Max Towing Capacity with 6.2L V8 L87 (kg) | 3674 | 3720 | -46 |
| Max Towing Capacity with 3.0L I6 LM2 (kg) | 3538 | 3674 | -136 |
| Fuel Tank (L) | 106 | 91 | +15 |
Subscribe to GM Authority for more GMC Yukon news, GMC news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Sponsored Links
I find this particularly stupendous article ilrevilent in nature. Plus they didn’t do a very good job of editing it, before posting on here. The 5.3 was given the highest payload and tow ratings of the 3 engines available, which would be totally dead wrong.
I own a 2019 Yukon XL 5.3. It had a higher tow rating and payload than the 6.2 engine. The reason then was the 6.2 had a 3.08 ratio I believe and nothing higher. That was to help mpgs. My 5.3 had a tow package which includes a 3.42 axle ratio and was lighter overall. The payload is determined by the shipping weight. Most if not all 6.2 are higher option vehicles. Hence a smaller payload. A 2wd also has a higher tow rating because of the weight factor. Axle ratios and weight determine your vehicle limits. This is true for all mfgs. The TRX Ram is lower rated and the same goes for the new Hummer. Both have lots of power but very heavy too.
The TRX and HUMMER are in their own respective category in this case. Transmission gearing and axle ratios , suspension all play a big role in capability of any vehicle. Also the daily driving habits of individuals, have more to do with economy, than the engines themselves. Unfortunately manufacturers concentrate more on hp and torque, than actual efficiency and reliability . Also DEF systems currently in use on all diesels produced today, are actually creating more pollution from the resources needed to make the parts and the Def with its packaging also, than they reduce from the tailpipes of said engines.But somehow it all makes sense to the GREENIES!
Last but not least, suspension and spring rates also have a lot to do with capability of said vehicles. Used to be that buyers had choice in axle ratios on truck based vehicles also. Now they limit those, while forcing you buy a bloated package of things you don’t want or need, to get the things that you do want or need.
I not going to put any effort in to research but just a guess the weight difference between the two
engines might be the reason why.
So the XL has more cargo capacity for the 3.0L and 6.2L when its weighed in kilograms.
So !!!
I am just happy to see this site have an article about the Yukon … Now, ‘maybe’ they will address the 2024 units & some of the expected upgrades & changes …
I am ready the buy one; if they would just start addressing what will be removed from the option listing and building them…
As for a 4th row seat, I cant imagine that would be a good idea, leg room would be zero to none. why even suggest it, when we all know it to be impossible.
One of the best articles! Need more info on cargo areas (i.e. Traverse vs Tahoe). After 7 Suburbans and finally down-sizing, I need the largest cargo area below the Tahoe. Where’s the Traverse Hybrid? New Grand Highlander has 98 cu ft behind the front seat like the Traverse, all options, comp. price. But the Palisade/Telluride offer 100K warranties….it’s going to be close…..but still culture shock.