2018 GMC Yukon XL: Review, Specs, & Reliability

2018 GMC Yukon XL: A Comprehensive Review

The 2018 GMC Yukon XL is a full-size SUV that offers a spacious interior, powerful engine options, and a comfortable ride. It's a popular choice for families who need plenty of room for passengers and cargo, as well as those who want a vehicle that can tow a trailer or boat. But is it the right choice for you? In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into the Yukon XL's specs, reliability, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

What's New in the 2018 Yukon XL?

The 2018 Yukon XL received a few notable updates, including:

• New 10-speed automatic transmission: Available on models equipped with the 6.2-liter V8 engine, this new transmission improves fuel economy and provides smoother shifts.
• Refreshed exterior styling: The Yukon XL boasts a slightly updated grille and headlights, giving it a more modern look.
• Improved infotainment system: The GMC infotainment system now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, making it easier to connect your smartphone.

2018 GMC Yukon XL Trim Levels

The 2018 Yukon XL is available in four trim levels:

• SLE: The base model offers a strong value proposition with a range of standard features.
• SLT: Steps up the luxury with leather seating, heated front seats, and more advanced safety features.
• Denali: The top-of-the-line trim, offering exclusive styling, premium materials, and advanced technology.

Performance and Engine Options

The 2018 GMC Yukon XL offers two engine choices:

• 5.3-liter V8: Produces 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This engine is standard on SLE and SLT trims.
• 6.2-liter V8: Generates 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine is standard on the Denali trim and optional on the SLT.

Both engines provide ample power for daily driving and towing. The 6.2-liter V8 offers more spirited acceleration, while the 5.3-liter V8 delivers respectable fuel economy for a full-size SUV.

Driving Experience

In our experience, the 2018 Yukon XL delivers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension effectively absorbs bumps and road imperfections, making it a pleasant vehicle for long trips. The steering is responsive, and the brakes provide confident stopping power. Our analysis shows that the Yukon XL handles its size well, making it surprisingly maneuverable in city driving.

Interior and Cargo Space

One of the biggest draws of the Yukon XL is its spacious interior. It can comfortably seat up to nine passengers, making it an ideal choice for large families. The cabin is well-appointed, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly design.

• First and second-row seats: Offer ample head- and legroom for adults.
• Third-row seats: While still usable, are best suited for children or smaller adults.

Cargo Capacity

The Yukon XL truly shines when it comes to cargo space. It offers a cavernous 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which expands to 121.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. This is significantly more cargo space than most competitors in the full-size SUV class. — UFC Free Streams: Watch Live Fights Online (Legally)

Technology and Features

The 2018 GMC Yukon XL comes equipped with a wide array of technology features, including:

• GMC Infotainment System: User-friendly interface with an 8-inch touchscreen display.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Seamless smartphone integration.
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot: Keeps passengers connected on the go.
• Available Safety Features: Forward collision alert, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and more.

Reliability and Owner Reviews

The 2018 GMC Yukon XL generally receives positive reliability ratings. J.D. Power gives it a reliability score of 3.5 out of 5, which is considered above average (https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2018/gmc/yukon-xl).

Owner reviews often praise the Yukon XL's spaciousness, powerful engine options, and comfortable ride. However, some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system and transmission. It's always recommended to thoroughly research a vehicle and consider a pre-purchase inspection before buying.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy for the 2018 GMC Yukon XL varies depending on the engine and drivetrain:

• 5.3-liter V8 (2WD): 16 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
• 5.3-liter V8 (4WD): 16 mpg city / 22 mpg highway
• 6.2-liter V8 (2WD): 15 mpg city / 22 mpg highway
• 6.2-liter V8 (4WD): 14 mpg city / 20 mpg highway

Keep in mind that these are EPA estimates, and your actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions and habits.

Pricing and Value

The price of a used 2018 GMC Yukon XL varies depending on the trim level, mileage, and condition. According to Kelley Blue Book, you can expect to pay anywhere from $35,000 to $50,000 for a used model (https://www.kbb.com/).

Given its spacious interior, powerful engine options, and comfortable ride, the 2018 Yukon XL offers good value for families who need a large SUV. However, it's important to consider its fuel economy and potential reliability issues before making a purchase. — How To Get A PO Box: A Comprehensive Guide

Pros and Cons

To provide a balanced perspective, here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of the 2018 GMC Yukon XL: — Pakistan Women Vs South Africa Women: Series Showdown

Pros:

• Spacious interior with seating for up to nine passengers
• Cavernous cargo space
• Powerful engine options
• Comfortable ride
• User-friendly infotainment system

Cons:

• Lower fuel economy compared to some competitors
• Third-row seats can be cramped for adults
• Potential reliability issues (as with any used vehicle)

FAQ

Q: Is the 2018 GMC Yukon XL a reliable SUV?

A: The 2018 GMC Yukon XL has an above-average reliability rating from J.D. Power. However, as with any used vehicle, it's recommended to get a pre-purchase inspection to identify any potential issues.

Q: How much can the 2018 Yukon XL tow?

A: The towing capacity of the 2018 Yukon XL varies depending on the engine and configuration. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 8,500 pounds.

Q: Does the 2018 Yukon XL have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

A: Yes, the 2018 GMC Yukon XL comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Q: What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Yukon XL?

A: Fuel economy varies depending on the engine and drivetrain. The 5.3-liter V8 gets up to 23 mpg on the highway, while the 6.2-liter V8 gets up to 22 mpg.

Q: What are the main differences between the trim levels?

A: The SLE is the base trim, the SLT adds more luxury features, and the Denali is the top-of-the-line trim with exclusive styling and features.

Q: Is the third-row seat comfortable for adults?

A: The third-row seat is best suited for children or smaller adults. Headroom and legroom can be limited for taller adults.

Q: How much cargo space does the 2018 Yukon XL have?

A: The 2018 Yukon XL has 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 121.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.

Conclusion

The 2018 GMC Yukon XL is a capable and spacious SUV that's well-suited for large families and those who need to tow. It offers powerful engine options, a comfortable ride, and a user-friendly infotainment system. While fuel economy and potential reliability issues should be considered, the Yukon XL remains a strong contender in the full-size SUV segment.

If you're considering a used 2018 GMC Yukon XL, we recommend thoroughly researching the vehicle's history, getting a pre-purchase inspection, and comparing it to other SUVs in its class.