2005 GMC Yukon XL | Review | Buying Guide
While the regular length GMC Yukon is undeniably capable and plenty rugged, its larger sibling is just a bit stronger, roomier and more versatile. That’s both because of its size, and the variety of XL configurations you can purchase.
To begin with, the Yukon XL can be had as a half-ton 1500 and as a three-quarter-ton 2500 model. The other Yukon is only offered as a 1500. Fourteen inches are tacked on to the regular length Yukon’s wheelbase with XL models, resulting in more people and cargo-carrying ability.
All Yukons are big—standard seating goes all the way up to nine. Front bucket seats are available for Yukons in place of a three-person bench seat. In addition, twin second-row bucket seats are optional to replace another three-person bench.
Under the Hood
Yukon XLs in the 1500 segment are fitted with a 5.3-liter Vortec V8 engine. It produces 295 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 335 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. Optional with 1500s and standard with larger 2500s is a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 with 325 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 365 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm.
If you are interested in the 2500, but somehow feel as though a 325-horsepower engine isn’t strong enough for your tastes, there’s always the optional 8.1-liter Vortec V8 with 320 horsepower at 4200 rpm and 440 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm.
2005 Yukons are offered with rear-wheel drive with standard traction control and limited-slip differential, or with General Motors' Autotrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing.
The StabiliTrak stability enhancement system is an option on all Yukons for 2005. Quadrasteer 4-wheel steering is reserved for 2500 models. Both systems increase the handling precision and safety of their vehicles.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
There are plenty of standard features with the Yukon XL. Front and rear air conditioning with tri-zone manual climate controls (including rear controls), a rear heater, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, an AM/FM/cassette/CD player and more are included.
Available this year is a new DVD touch-screen navigation system. The instructions tell drivers when to turn and alert them if they stray from the calculated route; the system automatically recalculates a new route from their current position if they make a wrong turn. Additionally, drivers can instruct the navigation system to plan a route using the shortest path or one using major roads.
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