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2021 GMC Yukon XL 1500 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

GMC Yukon XL 1500 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Good pulling power from both available V8 engines
  • Upmarket cabin has capacity for up to nine passengers
  • Lots of cargo space even with all seats up

Cons

  • Large size makes driving around town very awkward
  • High load floor affects total cargo space
  • Throttle response is not as sharp as it should be

Mileage (EPA estimate)

14 city, 19 highway, 16 combined

Pricing for current inventory

From $53,998 - $54,998*

Price
Year
Mileage

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All GMC Yukon XL 1500 years

What is new for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL 1500?

  • The Yukon XL 1500 is available in a new trim called the AT4.
  • The SLT Standard Edition trim has been discontinued for 2021.
  • Yukon XL 1500 trims have been upgraded with Automated Cruise Control, Turbo Diesel Engine, and Quad Seats as standard equipment this year.
  • Remote Start, Power Mirrors, Heated Steering Wheel, Rear Seat Heaters, Power Folding Third Row, Panoramic Sunroof, Heated Mirrors, Memory Seat(s), Adjustable Suspension, Blind Spot Monitor, and Front Seat Heaters features are now available as options on select trims.

2021 GMC Yukon XL 1500 trims

Curious how GMC Yukon XL 1500 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SLE:

  • 277-hp, 460-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
  • 355-hp, 383-lb-ft of torque 5.3L
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Power Seats
  • Cloth Seats
  • Smart Key
  • Power Mirrors
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • View our GMC Yukon XL 1500 SLE inventory

SLT:

  • Includes all features available on the SLE
  • Memory Seats
  • Leather Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • A/C Seats
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • View our GMC Yukon XL 1500 SLT inventory

AT4:

Denali:

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3
Average

RepairPal gave the GMC Yukon XL 1500 an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks GMC Yukon XL 1500 14th out of 16 among Fullsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the GMC Yukon XL 1500

GMC Yukon XL 1500 features and specs

SLT 4D Sport Utility 2WD

Standard Features

  • Power Windows
  • Side Airbags
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Traction Control
  • Third Row Seat
  • ABS Brakes
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear Defroster
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Remote Start
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Power Locks
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Rear View Camera
  • Air Conditioning
  • Power Mirrors
  • Smart Key
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Tow Hitch
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Running Boards
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Turbo Diesel Engine
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • BOSE Sound System
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Power Mirrors
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Quad Seats
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Power Folding Third Row
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Navigation System
  • Rear Entertainment System

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.0L

Horsepower

277

Torque (ft-lbs)

460

Engine type

Turbo Diesel

Fuel capacity

28

Wheelbase

134.1"

Overall length

225.2"

Width

81"

Height

76.5"

Leg room

F 44.5"/M 42"/R 36.7"

Head room

F 42.3"/M 38.9"/R 38.2"

Front tires

275/60R20

Rear tires

275/65R20

Seating capacity

8

Max towing capacity

780/8300 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2021 GMC Yukon XL 1500 FAQ

The 2021 GMC Yukon XL 1500 has a maximum towing capacity of between 7900 and 8300 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
The 2021 GMC Yukon XL 1500 has received an average 5.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 GMC Yukon XL 1500, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 GMC Yukon XL 1500 Reviews.
The GMC Yukon XL 1500 received a rating of 3 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks the GMC Yukon XL 1500 as 14 out of 16 among Fullsize SUV
Here is what's new for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL 1500:
  • AT4
  • Quad Seats
  • Turbo Diesel Engine
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Panoramic Sunroof
The 2021 GMC Yukon XL 1500 offers the following fuel efficiency options: • Diesel: 21 city / 27 highway MPG (Denali trim) • Diesel: 21 city / 27 highway MPG (SLE trim) • Diesel: 21 city / 27 highway MPG (SLT trim) • Gas: 14 city / 20 highway MPG (Denali trim) • Gas: 16 city / 20 highway MPG (SLE trim) • Gas: 16 city / 20 highway MPG (SLT trim) • Gas: 15 city / 19 highway MPG (AT4 trim) Actual mileage may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle condition, and driving habits.

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* Price excludes tax, title, tags and $225 documentary fee (not required by law). Price assumes that final purchase will be made in the State of TX, unless vehicle is non-transferable. Vehicle subject to prior sale. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions. Limited warranty is 30 days. See store for details. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.