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2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500 Review
A smooth and refined hauler.
2008 Yukon XL 1500 Review Summary & Specifications
The GMC Yukon XL, like the Chevy Suburban, continues to be a fine choice for use as a tow vehicle. The 5.3-liter Vortec V8 makes plenty of horsepower and torque for towing, and two more powerful engines are available. The interior ambiance is inviting, and there is plenty of room inside. We do wonder why there are no side-impact airbags, though. The Yukon XL is an excellent choice for drivers who need the towing capability or the heavy duty chassis and rugged suspension of a full-size truck. Those who don't need true truck capability might want to look at the GMC Acadia.Sam Moses filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com from the Pacific Northwest's Columbia River Valley. Correspondent Kirk Bell contributed from Chicago.
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| Vehicle Category | Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor | New Car Test Drive |
| Model Lineup | GMC Yukon XL 2WD SLE 1500 ($38,185), 4WD SLE 1500 ($40,985); 2WD SLE 2500 ($39,585), 4WD SLE 2500 ($42,385); 2WD SLT 1500 ($39,020), 4WD SLT 1500 ($41,810), 2WD SLT 2500 ($40,380), 4WD SLT 2500 ($43,180); 2WD Denali ($48,130), AWD Denali ($51,175) |
| Engines (standard) | 5.3-liter 16-valve V8 |
| Engines (optional) | 310-hp 5.3-liter V8; 320-hp 5.3-liter V8; 352-hp 6.0-liter V8 (2500); 366-hp 6.0-liter V8; 380-hp 6.2-liter V8 (Denali) |
| Transmissions (standard) | 4-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) | 4-speed automatic; 6-speed automatic (2500, Denali) |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual frontal airbags, three-row head-protecting curtain side airbags with rollover sensors; LATCH child safety seat anchors, tire pressure monitor, ABS with electronic proportioning, electronic stability program with anti-rollover mitigation and traction control (StabiliTrak) |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | rear park assist, rearview camera |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Janesville, Wisconsin; Silao, Mexico |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-462-8782 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.gmc.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 38185 |
| Model Tested MSRP | GMC Yukon XL SLT 1500 2WD ($39,020) |
| Standard Equipment | cruise control; dual-zone automatic climate control with rear controls; front tow hooks; leather upholstery, front bucket seats; front center console; AM/FM stereo with XM satellite radio; rear seat audio controls and outputs; universal garage door opener; fog lights; remote engine starting; power adjustable pedals; rear park assist; OnStar assistance with one year subscription; driver information center; power windows, locks and mirrors; heated exterior mirrors; leather-wrapped, tilt steering wheel with audio controls; auto-dimming rearview mirror; 60/40 split folding second-row bench seat; two-passenger third-row split folding seat; automatic headlights; roof rails; side steps; locking rear differential; three power outlets; tow package with hitch, seven-pin wiring harness, two-inch receiver and electric brake control harness |
| Destination Charge | 900 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | 4SB package ($3,705) with heated 12-way adjustable front seats with lumbar adjustment; memory for the driver's seat and mirrors; Bose nine-speaker audio system with subwoofer; roof rack; and power-folding exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, driver's side auto-dimming, and reverse tilting; navigation system ($2,250); P275/55R20 tires on polished aluminum wheels ($1,795); rear DVD entertainment system ($1,295); power sunroof ($995); second-row bucket seats ($490); power control to fold second-row seats ($425); power liftgate with lift glass ($400); rearview camera system ($250); three-passenger third-row seat ($100); heated washer fluid ($85) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | rear-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 51710 |
| Horse Power | 320 @ 5200 |
| Torque | 340 @ 4200 |
| Fuel Economy | 14/20 |
| Wheelbase | 130.0 |
| Length/Width/Height | 222.4/79.1/77.2 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 43.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 41.1/64.4/41.3 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.5/61.8/39.5 |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.1/49.4/34.9 |
| Trunk Volume | 137.4 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 8100 |
| Front Suspension | independent, coil-over shock |
| Rear Suspension | solid axle, five-link, coil springs |
| Ground Clearance | 8.9 |
| Curb Weight | 5758 |
| Stock Tires | P275/55R20 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/disc with ABS and electronic brake proportioning |
| Fuel Capacity | 31.5 |
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