2025 GMC Yukon XL in Springfield, TN
The 2025 GMC Yukon XL introduces significant structural, mechanical, and technological refinements. Designed as the GMC full-size SUV offering the most interior and cargo space, the 2025 GMC Yukon XL now features an improved range of powertrain options, upgraded driver-assistance systems, and more practical cabin technology. The model also introduces enhanced trim features, including the AT4 Ultimate and Denali Ultimate, for users seeking specific driving needs across off-road, towing, and comfort priorities.
Engine Configurations and Powertrain Performance
The 2025 GMC Yukon XL offers three distinct engine options tailored for a wide spectrum of driving demands. The standard 5.3L V8 engine, available on the Elevation and AT4 trims, delivers 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. It uses a cast aluminum block and cylinder head with overhead valve construction and variable valve timing. Fuel is delivered through a direct high-pressure injection system with Dynamic Fuel Management.
The 6.2L V8 engine, standard on Denali, Denali Ultimate, and AT4 Ultimate, and optional on AT4, delivers increased power with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It features the same aluminum construction and valve design as the 5.3L but has larger bore dimensions and utilizes the same fuel injection and management systems. This engine is designed for drivers requiring more robust towing capability and high-performance driving under load.
An available 3.0L Duramax® Turbo-Diesel engine will be introduced with late availability. It produces 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. The diesel unit incorporates dual-overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and a high-pressure common-rail fuel injection system. Unlike the V8 engines, it uses an electronic throttle valve to manage fuel delivery efficiently under varying load conditions. All engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 3.23 axle ratio.
Dimensions and Weight Characteristics
The 2025 GMC Yukon XL provides extended overall length and wheelbase compared to the standard Yukon. The wheelbase measures 134.1 inches, with an overall length of 225.2 inches on Elevation, Denali, and Denali Ultimate trims, and 225.6 inches on AT4 and AT4 Ultimate. The overall width without mirrors is 81 inches across all variants.
Height measurements vary slightly depending on trim and drivetrain. Elevation stands at 76.5 inches; AT4 and AT4 Ultimate reach 76.1 inches, while Denali and Denali Ultimate with available executive seating come in at 76.1 inches and 76.3 inches, respectively. Front and rear track widths are consistent at 68.4 inches and 68.1 inches.
Ground clearance changes depending on trim and drivetrain setup. Elevation 2WD versions have 7.7 inches of clearance, while AT4 and AT4 Ultimate measure at 7.8 inches. Denali Ultimate sits at 7.3 inches, and other Denali configurations range from 7.4 to 7.6 inches, depending on drivetrain.
Curb weight is 5,772 pounds, with maximum cargo volume reaching 144.7 cubic feet when rear seats are folded. Maximum trailering capacity is rated at 8,200 pounds, depending on configuration and equipment.
Interior Measurements and Cabin Space
The 2025 GMC Yukon XL offers consistent headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and hip room across rows, optimized for passenger comfort and functional cargo layout. First-row headroom measures 42.3 inches without a sunroof and 40.4 inches with a sunroof. Second-row headroom is 38.9 inches, and third-row headroom is 38.2 inches.
Legroom is a critical factor in extended-length SUVs. The first row offers 44.5 inches, the second row provides 42.0 inches, with adjustments depending on the executive seating package. Third-row legroom measures 36.7 inches in the XL configuration. Shoulder room is 65.5 inches in the front, 64.7 inches in the second row, and 62.8 inches in the third. Hip room measurements are 61.5 inches, 61.3 inches, and 49.4 inches across the respective rows.
Advanced Cabin and Infotainment Features
The vehicle's interior centers around a 16.8-inch vertical infotainment screen, providing configurable access to navigation, audio inputs, diagnostics, and system settings. This setup offers compatibility with Bluetooth® and USB-connected smartphones. An optional 8-inch diagonal rear touchscreen allows passengers to independently manage rear climate controls.
The Bose® Performance Series audio system is available with up to 22 speakers. This includes head restraint-integrated speakers for front-row passengers and additional options for rear passengers. Specific trim levels offer unique interior materials. The Denali Ultimate includes open-pore wood décor with etched topographic patterns, chrome detailing, and upgraded leather accents. The AT4 Ultimate includes an Obsidian Rush interior with full-grain leather seating across all three rows and Ash Burl wood trim.
Second-row executive seating, featuring enhanced captain’s chairs, is available on Denali Ultimate and is expected to become available later in the model year. This option reduces third-row legroom but improves second-row comfort and access.
Suspension and Ride Engineering
Suspension design is independent front and rear, using coil-over shock systems with stabilizer bars. The four-corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension is available and standard on select trims. It allows height adjustments up to two inches for ground clearance flexibility, useful in off-road or low-clearance situations. Magnetic Ride Control is also available, allowing continuous damping adjustment based on road surface and vehicle load.
Steering is handled through an electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion system. Turn radius varies slightly depending on tire size, ranging from 12.0 meters for 20- and 22-inch wheels to 12.4 meters for 24-inch options. Braking components include four-wheel vented disc brakes with ABS and Duralife rotors. Front rotor dimensions are 343 mm by 30.4 mm, while rear rotors measure 345 mm by 20.0 mm.
Trailering Features and Vehicle Monitoring Systems
The trailering capacity of the 2025 GMC Yukon XL is supported by several features that enhance awareness and safety. Blind Zone Steering Assist uses sensors to detect other vehicles in extended blind zones caused by trailers and can provide a subtle steering adjustment to avoid potential collisions.
Transparent Trailer View uses a tailgate-mounted camera and an auxiliary trailer-mounted camera to create a composite image of the road behind the trailer. Trailer Reverse Trajectory adds visual guidelines when backing up with a trailer, improving alignment. Jackknife Alert monitors trailer angle in relation to the vehicle to reduce risk during sharp turns. The trailer tire monitoring system includes leak detection, tire life estimates, and over-speed warnings.
Safety Systems and Driver Assistance
Standard and available safety technologies for the 2025 GMC Yukon XL include Night Vision, which uses thermal imaging to identify pedestrians and animals in low-light driving environments. Information is displayed through the head-up display and the driver information center.
Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking is designed to assist in avoiding cross-traffic collisions. Additional systems include Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and Side Bicyclist Alert. These systems use radar and camera-based inputs to detect movement and provide braking intervention when necessary.
Super Cruise® and Hands-Free Functionality
Super Cruise®, an available option, allows for hands-free driving on compatible divided highways across North America. This includes functionality for hands-free trailering, a first for this segment. The system operates through a subscription-based service and will expand to approximately 750,000 miles of roadway coverage by the end of 2025. Functionality is subject to certain restrictions when trailering or in urban environments.
The 2025 GMC Yukon XL also features a presence-based hands-free liftgate, which opens automatically when the key fob is detected near the rear of the vehicle. This system is designed for improved convenience during cargo loading.