2023GMC Yukon XL Exterior and Dimensions

Even in base SLE trim, the Yukon XL is an imposing vehicle: big, bold, and squared-off. While its basic shape mirrors that of its related Chevy Tahoe and Suburban siblings, a grille with six slats with a squared-off chrome surround and LED headlights with C-shape LED daytime running lamps set it apart. SLE models get 18-inch alloy wheels, black side window trim, and body-color door handles, while SLT trims add 20-inch alloys, chrome window trim, and chrome inserts in the door handles.

The middle ground in the Yukon XL range hosts the AT4 trim, which has a more off-road-oriented appearance. It loses the SLT's chrome exterior accents and receives a modified front bumper for a higher approach angle. Its grille is finished with medium-gray paint, but a bright lower bash plate is fitted between two red recovery hooks in the lower fascia. The AT4 can be distinguished by standard black roof rails instead of the bright finish on other models, and a closer look will reveal trim-specific tires as well.

Denali and Denali Ultimate trims feature a wire-mesh front grille, but the standard Denali doesn't receive the Ultimate's Vader (dark chrome) trim pieces and darkened grille, featuring satin chrome bodyside moldings and grille surround instead. Denali trims have 20-inch alloy wheels, but the Ultimate upgrades that to 22-inch ultra-bright machined wheels with chrome accents and dark paint. The top-spec model also gets a standard panoramic sunroof.

Key dimensions for the GMC Yukon XL include a height of 76.5 inches and a width spanning 81 inches. With an overall length of 225.2 inches, the GMC Yukon XL is longer than most of its rivals - almost four inches longer than the Lincoln Navigator L. The Navigator L stands almost two inches higher and 2.6 inches wider, however. Only the Cadillac Escalade ESV manages to stretch beyond the Yukon XL's considerable length at 227 inches from nose to tail. The Yukon XL's wheelbase of 134.1-inches is also by far the longest in this group, which greatly benefits leg room in the middle- and rear seating rows.

The base Yukon XL is a rather heavy machine, starting at 5,622 lbs in RWD V8 SLE trim and running to 6,088 lbs for the 4WD turbo diesel. This doesn't compare favorably to the base Expedition's 5,368 pounds, but the Expedition in this spotlight only has five seats. The seven-seat Lincoln Navigator L is more relevant, and at a base curb weight of 5,926 lbs is quite a lot more than the base Yukon XL.