2022 GMC Yukon XL Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2022 GMC Yukon XL is tough and sturdy. It has an imposing stance and a huge frame, and it's been built with high-quality mechanical components. While it's certainly something that can tackle difficult jobs, it's also an SUV that can get its work done in style and with class. This model is well equipped with upscale amenities and high-tech components.

What's New for 2022?

GMC has continued to improve upon the Yukon XL, even after making significant changes to the 2021 model year. For 2022, the SUV gets updated with a new infotainment system that uses Google technology, and it now comes with a 12-inch digital gauge display. Other that this, a new color - Redwood Metallic - is an option for exterior paint, the Denali trim has a standard power-sliding center console, and the AT4 trim offers the option of a 6.2-liter V8 engine.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 GMC Yukon XL – The Pros

1. Three Amazing Engines

Customers can choose from three different powertrains. Two of them are V8s, and the other is a diesel.

The smaller of the V8s, if it can even be called "small", is a 5.3-liter version. It delivers 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, so most drivers will be more than happy with this engine. The larger V8 has a displacement of 6.2 liters, and it can make 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The 3.0-liter turbo-diesel generates 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.

2. Maximize Traction

This SUV, as one would expect, is available with four-wheel drive. It can have a single-speed transfer case or a double-speed transfer case. With the latter, there would be multiple settings that allow drivers to switch people neutral, two-wheel-drive high, automatic four-wheel drive, four-wheel-drive high, and four-wheel-drive low modes.

With the Traction Select System program, there are several modes. They include Off-Road mode that primes the vehicle to deal with rugged conditions and slippery terrain.

3. Smooths Out the Ride

Magnetic Ride Control is available with this GMC. It takes in information and makes the necessary adjustments to respond to various bumps in the road. It can actually take readings up to 1,000 times a second, so it works in an extremely precise manner. Adjustments can be made to each wheel independently, and the system uses electro-magnetism rather than moving valves to adjust dampening.

Another similar program is the available four-corner air ride adaptive suspension. It can raise and lower the SUV by up to two inches. The height would depend on whether the GMC is cruising down a highway, navigating city streets, or going over uneven trails. It can lower the cabin height when passengers are getting in and out, and it can automatically level the cabin if it's been weighted down with cargo in the back.

4. Hook Up a Trailer

With all the proper equipment installed, the GMC Yukon XL can tow up to 8,400 pounds. There are several features that make it easier to hook up a trailer and drive safely with so much cargo behind the SUV. The rearview camera comes with hitch guidance and hitch view, and this can be incredibly useful. Hitch view applies the parking brake whenever the SUV gets shifted from reverse to park, and there's a zoom-in camera option.

When driving with a trailer, several safety mechanisms can be utilized. Blind zone monitoring can take the length of the trailer into account, and a trailer brake controller can be helpful. To keep an eye on how things are going, people can take a glimpse using the auxiliary trailer camera. There's also an in-vehicle trailering app that can show important information.

5. So Much Space

The Yukon is a large SUV, and the Yukon XL is even bigger. There are three comfortable rows of seats and a ton of room for cargo in the extra-large version. Second-row leg room is 42 inches, and third-row leg room is 36.7 inches. Adults can fit in every seating position without a problem.

Behind the seat areas, there is plenty of additional space. The rear cargo area has a volume of 41.5 cubic feet. This is really generous. Obviously, lowering the rear seats can increase overall cargo capacity even more. Over 130 cubic feet of space can be used to transport cargo, lumbar, heavy equipment, or sports gear. It's hard to find another vehicle that has this amount of interior room.

6. Advanced Technology Is Everywhere

As mentioned previously, the technology package has been upgraded for this model year. It now has a Google Built-In infotainment system and access to full Google Maps and Google Assistant Capability. Certain apps can be downloaded through the system as well. What's amazing is how large the screen is. It measures 10.2-inches and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.

Additionally, there's a 12-inch touchscreen that provides the driver with important data. This screen can be customized according to individual preferences.

Two more 12.6-inch screens can be found behind the front-seat headrests. The available rear-seat media package comes with those LCD HD screens, wireless projection capability, and wireless headphones.

7. Keep Things Charged

If the Yukon XL is packed with passengers, it's likely that there will be multiple mobile devices in its cabin. That's why it's so great that this model can have up to eight USB ports. Further, it can have one 12-volt power outlet and two 110-volt power outlets. Wireless charging is also standard. The charging pad is located right under the infotainment screen.

8. High-End Interior Features

The Yukon XL is a sophisticated vehicle. Some of the luxurious features that are available on select trims are perforated leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable and heated steering wheel, and heated second-row seats. A panoramic sunroof is also available. This larger-than-average sunroof lets in a lot of natural light and enhances the feel inside the cabin.

9. Passengers Are Protected

Numerous safety mechanisms are in place to keep the GMC out of harm's way. It can detect problems related to veering out of a lane and approaching other vehicles too quickly. If it senses an issue, it'll issue a warning and can potentially correct the vehicle's steering or braking. Blind zone monitoring and rear cross traffic alert are both standard, providing drivers with an extra pair of eyes to look out for others. An HD surround vision camera is available, and adaptive cruise control is, too.

10. Attractive and Practical Exterior Features

This model looks elegant, with its LED signature lighting and LED fog lamps. Its side mirrors can be heated and have a power-folding feature, and the liftgate can have a hands-free opening mechanisms. Higher trims can have power-retractable assist steps, 22-inch wheels, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 GMC Yukon XL – The Cons

1. It's Expensive

Not everyone can afford this vehicle, as the base trim of the Yukon XL has a starting cost of over $50,000. Higher trims cost even more, with prices that exceed $70,000. For costs this high, people could get vehicles from luxury brands.

2. Might Not Fit in a Garage

This vehicle has a length of 225.2 inches. It's tall and wide, too. It's going to be hard to fit this SUV into small garages and parking spots, so it might not be the most practical for everyone to own.

3. Guzzles Gas

The 5.3-liter V8 gets an estimated 15 miles per gallon in the city and 20 miles per gallon on the highway. Those 6.2-liter V8 has slightly lower fuel economy. It's clear that the Yukon XL is not a vehicle to choose if someone wants to conserve fuel. People should be prepared to pay a lot when fueling up their Yukon tanks.

4. Adaptive Cruise Control Isn't Standard

Adaptive cruise control isn't found in every entry-level trim in the industry, but it's becoming more common. If it can be included with vehicles that are much more affordable than the Yukon XL, then the company should think about adding this to the standard list of safety features on its vehicles.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 GMC Yukon XL vs 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe

Offered for around the same price as the Yukon XL, the Chevrolet Tahoe is another durable three-row SUV. Considering that General Motors owns both the Chevrolet and GMC brands, it makes sense that these vehicles share many things in common. That being said, the Yukon XL is much larger than the Tahoe, having significantly more cargo space. The GMC looks a bit more rugged than the Tahoe does, too, and this may appeal to some buyers.

2022 GMC Yukon XL vs 2022 Nissan Armada

Nissan's Armada SUV is quite powerful and can tow about the same amount of weight as the Yukon XL can. However, the Armada has less available horsepower than the Yukon XL does. It has much less cargo space behind its third row, and it has a smaller digital information cluster. Further, its power moonroof isn't standard, and it isn't the same kind of panoramic version as what's found on the GMC.

Conclusion

If anyone is looking for a spacious three-row SUV that can tackle any type of challenge, whether that involves hauling a heavy trailer or going off-roading, then the GMC Yukon XL should be on the list of models to check out. This vehicle might not be budget-friendly, but it definitely delivers on many levels. It has advanced safety systems, impressive technology, and convenient features. It's hard to ignore the fact that this SUV is larger than most other full-size models. Its size and capability are going to be major factors that help it get attention from prospective buyers.