2025 GMC Yukon XL

Is the 2025 GMC Yukon XL a Good SUV?

"Most people are more familiar with the Chevy Suburban, but the GMC Yukon XL is the same supersized SUV by a different name, and it offers the Cadillac-adjacent Denali trim to emphasize GMC's slightly more upscale positioning. A thorough refresh for 2025 brings new 16.8-inch central infotainment screen with a portrait-style vertical orientation, distinguishing it from the widescreen-equipped Suburban. A new turbodiesel inline-6 for 2025 burnishes the big GMC's appeal."—Ranked #2 out of 4 Full-Size Extra-Long SUVs

Which 2025 GMC Yukon XL Should I Buy?

MotorDonkey's proprietary vehicle data identifies every significant version of each model so that you can compare and decide. Ordered by price from low to high, here are the versions of the 2025 GMC Yukon XL that you need to be aware of, along with our expert analysis and recommendations.

1. 2025 GMC Yukon XL 5.3 Rear-Wheel Drive

• Base Price: $69,900
• MPG Combined: 17
• Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
• Engine: 5.3-liter V8
• Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 355 
• Torque: 383 lb⁠-⁠ft
• Weight: 5,772 lbs
• Length: 225.2 in
• Towing Capacity: 8,300 lbs

The base Yukon XL starts two grand higher than the base Suburban, so it's worth comparing the spec sheets and determining where the value is for your needs.

2. 2025 GMC Yukon XL 5.3 Four-Wheel Drive

• Base Price: $72,900
• MPG Combined: 16
• Drive Type: Four-wheel drive
• Engine: 5.3-liter V8
• Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 355 
• Torque: 383 lb⁠-⁠ft
• Length: 225.2 in
• Towing Capacity: N/A

The 4WD option does take a bite out of fuel economy (unlike on the regular Yukon, which is a bit suspicious), but we're guessing most buyers would prefer to have 4x4 functionality in this beast. Max towing capacity drops appreciably, though.

3. 2025 GMC Yukon XL 3.0T Diesel Rear-Wheel Drive

• Base Price: $76,000 (est.)
• MPG Combined: N/A
• Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
• Engine: 3.0-liter inline-6
• Aspiration: Turbocharged
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 305 
• Torque: 495 lb⁠-⁠ft
• Length: 225.2 in
• Towing Capacity: N/A

We love the optional diesel for its incredible fuel economy and effortless torque. You do lose a little in terms of max towing capacity, just because the diesel package adds weight to the vehicle.

4. 2025 GMC Yukon XL 3.0T Diesel Four-Wheel Drive

• Base Price: $79,000 (est.)
• MPG Combined: N/A
• Drive Type: Four-wheel drive
• Engine: 3.0-liter inline-6
• Aspiration: Turbocharged
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 305 
• Torque: 495 lb⁠-⁠ft
• Length: 225.2 in
• Towing Capacity: N/A

We still love the diesel with 4WD added, but you pay the price in the towing capacity column. Just something to keep in mind if you plan to tow heavy things. Otherwise, the diesel's a peach.

5. 2025 GMC Yukon XL 6.2 Four-Wheel Drive

• Base Price: $79,195
• MPG Combined: 16
• Drive Type: Four-wheel drive
• Engine: 6.2-liter V8
• Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 420 
• Torque: 460 lb⁠-⁠ft
• Length: 225.2 in
• Towing Capacity: N/A

The 6.2-liter 4WD Yukon XL is technically cheaper to start than the RWD version because the off-road-oriented AT4 offers the 6.2 as an option, whereas the 6.2 RWD is only offered in the pricier Denali trim.

6. 2025 GMC Yukon XL 6.2 Rear-Wheel Drive

• Base Price: $81,000
• MPG Combined: 16
• Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
• Engine: 6.2-liter V8
• Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 420 
• Torque: 460 lb⁠-⁠ft
• Length: 225.2 in
• Towing Capacity: 8,100 lbs

If you want a rear-wheel drive Yukon XL with the big 6.2-liter V8, your only option is the Denali trim, which is why the starting price is so high. The AT4 offers the 6.2 as an option for less coin, but it's an aggressive 4WD-only variant.