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Used 2021 GMC Yukon XL SUV Trims Comparison

Trim level differences

The 2021 GMC Yukon XL is a large three-row SUV that seats seven to nine passengers depending on configuration. It is sold in four trim levels: SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali. Most Yukon models are powered by a 5.3-liter V8 (355 horsepower, 383 lb-ft of torque). Two other engines are also available:

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

Which Yukon XL trim does Edmunds recommend?

The Yukon XL is more expensive than the related Chevrolet Suburban, and the benefits aren't truly realized on the lowest SLE trim. As such, consider the midrange SLT. It's nicely equipped with standard equipment and gives you flexibility with options. But if price isn't a huge concern, the range-topping Denali is the best of the bunch. It comes with a more powerful V8 and unique interior styling that further differentiates it from the Suburban. Make sure to opt for the Advanced Technology package, which comes with adaptive cruise control — a feature sorely missed on lower trims.

Compare trims side-by-side

Comparing average pricing near
Tempe, AZ
Vehicle
Yukon XL SLE
Yukon XL SLT
Yukon XL AT4
Yukon XL Denali
Vehicle
SLE
5.3L 8cyl 10A
See all Yukon XL SLE for sale
AT4
5.3L 8cyl 10A
See all Yukon XL AT4 for sale
Denali
6.2L 8cyl 10A
See all Yukon XL Denali for sale
5 for sale near you
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Section Title

Features

Features

Features

Features

Bluetooth
standard
standard
standard
standard
Navigation
standard
standard
standard
standard
Satellite radio
standard
standard
standard
standard
Keyless Ignition
standard
standard
standard
standard
Cruise control
standard
standard
standard
standard
Adaptive cruise control
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
optional
Parking assistance
standard
standard
standard
standard
Upholstery
cloth
leather
leather
leather
Heated seats
Not Available
standard
standard
standard
Cooled/Ventilated seats
Not Available
standard
standard
standard
Folding rear seats
standard
standard
standard
standard
Sunroof
Not Available
optional
optional
optional
Section Title

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Drivetrain
rear wheel drive
rear wheel drive
four wheel drive
rear wheel drive
Engine power
355 hp @ 5,600 rpm
355 hp @ 5,600 rpm
355 hp @ 5,600 rpm
420 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Engine torque
383 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm
383 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm
383 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm
460 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm
Engine displacement
5.3 l
5.3 l
5.3 l
6.2 l
Engine configuration
v8
v8
v8
v8
Transmission
10-speed shiftable automatic
10-speed shiftable automatic
10-speed shiftable automatic
10-speed shiftable automatic
Tire size
265/65R18
275/65R20
275/60R20
275/65R20
Wheel size
18 X 8.5-in
20 X 9.0-in
20 X 9.0-in
20 X 9.0-in
Wheel type
painted alloy wheels
polished alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
polished alloy wheels
Run flat tires
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Section Title

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

City/Hwy/Combined MPG
16 / 20 / 18 MPG
16 / 20 / 18 MPG
15 / 19 / 17 MPG
14 / 20 / 16 MPG
City/Hwy/Combined MPGe
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Fuel Capacity
28.0 gal.
28.0 gal.
28.0 gal.
28.0 gal.
Driving Range (city/hwy)
448 / 560 miles
448 / 560 miles
420 / 532 miles
392 / 560 miles
Fuel Type
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
premium unleaded (recommended)
Section Title

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Turning circle
42.3 ft.
43.3 ft.
43.3 ft.
43.3 ft.
Curb weight
5,633 lb.
5,633 lb.
5,841 lb.
5,780 lb.
Ground Clearance
Overall Width with Mirrors
Overall Width without Mirrors
81.0 in.
81.0 in.
81.0 in.
81.0 in.
Height
76.5 in.
76.5 in.
76.5 in.
76.5 in.
Length
225.2 in.
225.2 in.
225.2 in.
225.2 in.
Wheelbase
134.1 in.
134.1 in.
134.1 in.
134.1 in.
Seating Capacity
Cargo Space
41.5 cu. ft.
41.5 cu. ft.
41.5 cu. ft.
41.5 cu. ft.
Front Head Room
42.3 in.
42.3 in.
42.3 in.
42.3 in.
Front Leg Room
44.5 in.
44.5 in.
44.5 in.
44.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room
66.0 in.
66.0 in.
66.0 in.
66.0 in.
Rear Head Room
38.9 in.
38.9 in.
38.9 in.
38.9 in.
Rear Leg Room
42.0 in.
42.0 in.
42.0 in.
42.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room
64.8 in.
64.8 in.
64.8 in.
64.8 in.
Section Title

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

True Cost to Own®
$69,216
$72,161
$77,199
$82,733
Average Cost Per Mile
$0.92
$0.96
$1.03
$1.1
Depreciation
$24,140
$25,627
$26,888
$29,173
Financing
$7,930
$8,746
$10,367
$9,933
Taxes & Fees
$5,163
$5,694
$6,746
$6,463
Fuel
$15,169
$15,169
$16,061
$20,218
Insurance
$5,872
$5,893
$6,010
$5,914
Maintenance
$7,983
$8,073
$7,927
$8,073
Repairs
$2,959
$2,959
$3,200
$2,959
Section Title

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Interior
Dark Walnut/Slate, cloth
Jet Black, cloth
Dark Walnut/Slate, leather
Jet Black, leather
Jet Black, leather
Brownstone/Jet Black, leather
Dark Walnut/Very Dark Ash Gray, leather
Jet Black, leather
Teak/Light Shale, leather
Exterior
Cayenne Red Tintcoat
Pearl Beige Metallic
Midnight Blue Metallic
Dark Sky Metallic
Smokey Quartz Metallic
Summit White
Onyx Black
Satin Steel Metallic
Cayenne Red Tintcoat
Pearl Beige Metallic
Midnight Blue Metallic
Dark Sky Metallic
Smokey Quartz Metallic
Summit White
White Frost Tricoat
Onyx Black
Satin Steel Metallic
Cayenne Red Tintcoat
Midnight Blue Metallic
Dark Sky Metallic
Smokey Quartz Metallic
Summit White
White Frost Tricoat
Onyx Black
Satin Steel Metallic
Cayenne Red Tintcoat
Pearl Beige Metallic
Hunter Metallic
Midnight Blue Metallic
Dark Sky Metallic
Smokey Quartz Metallic
Summit White
White Frost Tricoat
Onyx Black
Satin Steel Metallic