Interior ergonomics are otherwise excellent. Cup holders are superb, an important feature for people who live and work in these things. A well-designed pair of map lights is mounted above and can be aimed. A covered power outlet is conveniently located for cell phones and radar detectors, in addition to the cigar lighter inside the ashtray compartment. The Driver Information Center is redesigned for 2003, now located immediately in front, below the speedometer. It's very handy and easy to use, allowing the driver to program automatic locking and other features, as well as providing trip mileage, fuel economy and other data.
New audio and climate controls are more sophisticated, yet easier to operate than last year's (2002) models. All Yukon XL models come with a high level of standard equipment. Our 2003 Yukon XL SLT came equipped with XM Satellite Radio, great for traveling because the stations don't change as you drive across the country, allowing you to keep up on news and weather. You still get ads. New audio controls on the steering wheel make it easy to switch among station presets and modes, among other things. Program the AM, FM1, FM2, XM1, and XM2 bands and you can quickly zip to favorite stations without taking your hands off the wheel. Digital three-zone climate controls permit separate adjustments for driver, passenger, and the rear. The rear heating/air conditioning controls are mounted overhead, good for people as well as pets.
Buttons for Homelink, which can open garage doors and gates and turn on house lights, and the OnStar telematics system are nicely integrated. GM's OnStar security and information service works well as a navigation system because there's nothing to program. Press the button and a human operator comes on to provide directions and other assistance. OnStar always knows the location of your vehicle. They will notify authorities of your location if your airbag goes off and you do not respond to their calls. Press the emergency button and they'll send out the troops. They can unlock your doors if you lock the keys inside, and they can direct you to the nearest gas station or help find a good restaurant or motel.
The second-row bucket seats, which came in our 2003 Yukon XL 2500 SLT, were supremely comfortable. They recline and seemed more supportive and more comfortable than the front seats. If four adults plus two children is the maximum you'll ever need to carry, then we'd recommend the second-row bucket seats. The standard second-row bench seat offers room for three passengers, however, giving you more options.
A pair of ceiling vents is provided on each side of the second row that can be aimed effectively. The driver controls the rear passengers' temperature and fan speeds and can direct the air to upper or lower vents or both. Our SLT came with a great pair of second-row cup holders that flip out of the back of the center console. Immediately above those are separate audio controls for the rear-seat passengers. Wireless headphones are comfortable and sound good. The optional Panasonic DVD system is impressive, with a crisp monitor, allowing second- and third-row occupants to watch movies and other programming while underway or parked.
The third-row bench seat is fine for kids or short trips, but that comfortable for adults on longer trips. Knee room is tight. There's little hip room and the center of the bench lacks support, causing occupants to lean toward the center. Cup holders are provided, however, and overhead vents can be aimed for heating and air conditioning, important because the rear side windows cannot be vented. A pair of three-point seat belts are nicely designed and easy to use. As with the other rows, the seat belts are integrated into the seats. There is a lap belt in the center of the third row, but putting three people back there is optimistic as the third row is considerably narrower than the first two rows to accommodate the rear wheels. Getting into the third row is a bit challenging. Third-row passengers will require assistance to get in or out as someone will have to move the second-row seats out of the way for them.
For cargo, Yukon XL offers 45.7 cubic feet of space behind the third row. That's a lot. By comparison, a Yukon or Tahoe provides just 16.3 cubic feet, while a Ford Expedition offers 20.5 cubic feet behind the third row. Fold the third-row seatback down, then tumble the seat forward and you'll have a lot more storage capacity and can still carry four to six people, depending on the seating package. Remove the third row and put it in the garage for 90 cubic feet of cargo room. Next, flip up the second-row seat bottoms, fold the seatback down, then flip the folding carpeted platform backward to cover the third-row platform and you're looking at a flat floor with 131.6 cubic feet of space, great for runs to the home-improvement center or big outdoor outings. This is one of the few vehicles that offers comfortable sleeping accommodations, a benefit when fatigue takes over during long trips home after a day afield.
Yukon XL offers a choice of liftgate or split cargo doors for the rear. The liftgate comes standard and features a glass section that opens independently. Made of lightweight aluminum, the liftgate is convenient for quicklyadding and removing cargo and offers better rearward visibility than the cargo doors, which block the view in the center where the doors meet. Cargo doors work better for work vehicles as they open wide and allow a closer working position to the vehicle's storage area. Cargo doors are also useful when pulling trailers because they will usually clear the trailer tongue jack. The hinges can be released, allowing the doors to open fully when loading large items. Most people find the liftgate preferable, however.
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