2021 GMC Yukon XL Review

The Denali exclusively has a 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft). Later in the model year, GMC will offer an optional turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine (277 hp, 460 lb-ft). All engines are paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is optional except on the AT4, where it's standard.

SLE
The base SLE trim kicks things off with:

• 18-inch wheels
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Eight-person seating configuration (2-3-3)
• 10.2-inch touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto compatibility
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

There are several options for the Yukon XL SLE, including:

• GMC Pro Safety Plus package
• Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)
• Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
• Max Trailering package
• Trailer brake controller (helps you adjust the brakes on your trailer)
• Heavy-duty cooling system
• If GMC Pro Safety Plus package is ordered, blind-spot monitor extends to cover trailers
• Two-speed active transfer case (4WD models only)
• Tire-pressure monitoring sensors for trailer
• Nine-passenger seating configuration (3-3-3)

SLT
The midgrade SLT comes standard with:

• GMC Pro Safety Plus package
• 20-inch wheels
• Hands-free liftgate
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Leather upholstery
• Nine-speaker Bose audio system
• Wireless charging pad

As with the SLE, a number of options are available for the SLT. These include:

• Rear Media and Nav package
• Navigation system
• Rear-seat entertainment system with dual 12.6-inch display screens
• SLT Luxury package
• Driver-seat memory settings
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated outboard second-row seats
• Power-folding third row
  
• Rear cross-traffic alert system can now detect pedestrians
• Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Yukon XL and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Max Trailering package
• The blind-spot monitor extends to cover trailers
• Seven-passenger seating configuration with second-row bucket seats
• Tire-pressure monitoring sensors for trailer

AT4
The AT4 is the Yukon XL's off-road-oriented trim and is offered in 4WD only. Features unique to the Yukon XL AT4 include:

• Unique front fascia to improve the Yukon XL's approach angle
• Dark gray wheels with all-terrain tires
• Front tow hooks and skid plate
• Heavy-duty air filter

On top of SLT equipment, the AT4 also adds:                                 

• Adaptive suspension dampers (better ride and handling capabilities)
• Hill descent control
• Two-speed active transfer case
• Driver-seat memory settings
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated outboard second-row seats
• Power-folding third row

Options for the AT4 include:

• Technology package
• Rear cross-traffic alert system can now detect pedestrians
• Surround-view camera system (gives you a bird's-eye view of the Yukon XL for tight parking situations)
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
• Premium Capability with Active Response 4WD package
• Air suspension (can raise or lower the ride height of the vehicle)
• Electronic limited-slip differential
• AT4 Premium Plus package
• Max Trailering package
• Rear Media and Nav package
• Technology package
• Premium Capability with Active Response 4WD package
• Panoramic sunroof
• Power-retractable side steps
• Max Trailering package
• Tire-pressure monitoring sensors for trailer

Denali
The Denali includes all non-unique AT4 features, though the two-speed active transfer case is reserved for 4WD models. Further additions include:

• 6.2-liter V8
• Technology package
• Navigation system
• 14-speaker Bose audio system

Even the top-trim Denali doesn't include every feature available for the Yukon. Optional extras include:

• Advanced Technology package
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Yukon and the car in front)
• Digital rearview mirror (can display an image from the rearview camera in the mirror)
• Advanced security system
• Denali Deluxe package
• Advanced Technology package
• 22-inch wheels
• Rear-seat entertainment system with dual 12.6-inch display screens
• Denali Premium package
• Advanced Technology package
• 22-inch wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Power-retractable side steps
• Denali Ultimate package
• Denali Premium package
• Max Trailering package
• Rear-seat entertainment system with dual 12.6-inch display screens
• Air suspension (rear-wheel-drive models only)
• Premium Capability with Active Response 4WD (four-wheel-drive models only)
• Max Trailering package
• Tire-pressure monitoring sensors for trailer