Overview

What's New for 2013:

• Powertrain grade braking operates in normal transmission mode
• Champagne Silver exterior color

Exterior Features
The 2013 GMC Yukon XL is sold in 1500 or heavy-duty 2500 models with SLE, SLT or Denali (1500 model only) trim levels. The SLE trim includes 17-inch aluminum wheels, dark-tinted rear glass, and heated power exterior mirrors. Standard on the Yukon XL 2500 model are 8-lug wheels with all-terrain tires.

Interior Features
The Yukon XL SLE trim level is equipped with triple-zone automatic climate control, OnStar telematics with 6 months of free service, and a Bose premium sound system with Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and a USB port.

Optional Features
The Yukon XL SLT trim has Ultrasoft leather, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, remote engine starting, Homelink universal remote, rear park-assist sensors, and a reversing camera.

The Yukon XL Denali trim features a power tailgate, Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system, and a side blind-zone alert system. Inside, the Denali is equipped with heated and cooled 12-way power front seats, heated second-row bucket seats, and a heated steering wheel, while the outside features 20-inch wheels and a chrome grille.

Under the Hood
A 5.3-liter V-8 engine equipped with Active Fuel Management cylinder-deactivation technology is standard on Yukon XL SLE and SLT trims. A 6-speed automatic transmission delivers 320 horsepower and 335 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear (2WD) or all 4 wheels (4WD).

The Yukon XL Denali trim is equipped with a 6.2-liter V-8 engine delivering 403 horsepower and 417 lb.-ft. of torque. Standard on this trim is full-time all-wheel drive (AWD).

The Yukon XL 2500 model is equipped with a 6.0-liter V-8 engine creating 352 horsepower and 382 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with a heavy-duty 6-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is available.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 GMC Yukon XL are:

• Yukon XL 1500 5.3-liter V-8 2WD: 15/21/17 mpg (city/highway/combined)
• Yukon XL 1500 6.2-liter V-8 2WD: 14/18/16 mpg
• Yukon XL 1500 5.3-liter V-8 4WD: 15/21/17 mpg
• Yukon XL 1500 6.2-liter V-8 4WD: 13/18/15 mpg
• Yukon XL 2500 2WD: 10/16/12 mpg
• Yukon XL 2500 4WD: 10/15/12 mpg

Safety
The 2013 Yukon XL is equipped with 6 air bags, but the side curtains only protect occupants in the first two rows of seats. Also standard are 4-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control system, and OnStar Automatic Crash Response service. Rear park-assist sensors and a reversing camera are included on all trims except the SLE. The Denali exclusively offers a side blind-zone alert system.

In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests, the 2013 Yukon XL 1500 received an overall rating of 4 (out of 5) stars, with 3 (out of 5) stars rollover resistance ratings for both the 2WD and the 4WD models. As this overview was written, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not tested the 2013 Yukon XL.