2023 GMC Yukon XL SLT Review
We’ve got a full-size family hauler on deck today! The 2023 GMC Yukon XL is one of the four true full-size family cars on the market and received a remodel in 2021. As always, the question stands - is this car family friendly?
If you’re new here - welcome! I’m Kelly the Car Mom and as a mom of almost four (if you missed the life update click here), CPST, and a huge car fan, I can’t wait to walk you through all the features of the 2024 Jeep Gladiator to help see if it’s right for your family.
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2023 GMC Yukon Exterior
The Yukon got a redesign in 2021 and received quite the facelift. I'm absolutely obsessed with the exterior of this car and it reminds me a lot of the Ford Expedition Max. It's beefy, it's pretty, it's well designed, it's fresh, it's futuristic, it's really all the things that I look for on the outside of cars.
On the car I’ll be walking you through today, I’ve got the SLT trim level which is a mid-tier option and comes in with an MSRP of $76,000. This car specifically has a lot of chrome detailing on the front and sides. Looking at the side profile, you can see truly how large the extended wheelbase is with 15 more inches of length, combined with the 20 inch rims, you’ve got quite a hauler.
2023 GMC Yukon First Row
Let's start by breaking down the door panel of this Yukon XL. It features a lot of cubbies and storage spaces, but not many complex design elements. There is a bit of soft-touch material like leather and plastic, some wood trim, and a little chrome detailing. Overall, it has a simple and clean design.
The door panel includes power folding mirrors, memory seats, and automatic power windows. These are standard features, of course. Now, let's look at the side cubbies. They are functional—not the best, but certainly not the worst. I particularly like the long storage compartment. It's great for carrying items like wallets, bags, and umbrellas, making it very practical.
The cup holders, while not the best in class, are decent. They can fit a Stanley, so they are quite functional. The center console features a grip pad for your phone, a spacious storage area with USB and USB-C ports, a light, and a small tray organizer. There are additional smaller cup holders in the back.
The driving position is comfortable with high seating, providing good visibility. Despite its size, the car feels manageable, though parking can be a challenge. Be sure to test drive it, especially in a crowded parking lot, to get a feel for its handling and the ample space it offers.
Infotainment System
The digital display has been updated since the 2021 model—possibly in 2022 or 2023—which is a nice improvement. The gear selector is conveniently located in front of you, making it easy to use and out of the way. The steering wheel controls are basic but functional, including cruise control, automated cruise control, a heated steering wheel, and Bluetooth.
Now, let's break down the infotainment system. It features a complete touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and all the typical tech things you want to see on your screen. The split-screen option I like because it allows you to display Google Maps and your radio station simultaneously.
Moving down, we have all the audio controls and quick buttons like the home screen, followed by the climate control section. The climate control knobs are a great touch, making it easy to adjust the temperature. The car also has heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charger, and both USB and USB-C ports.
2023 GMC Yukon Second Row
Let’s break down the car seat setup in this Yukon XL. The car can be configured with either a bench seat or captain's chairs in the second row. Today, we have the captain's chairs, which come with two sets of lower anchors on each outboard seat in the second row. However, there are no lower anchors in the third row, only tether anchors.
Installing a rear-facing car seat is straightforward. I have the driver's seat adjusted for my height, which is about six feet tall, and there's still plenty of clearance, offering some of the best-in-class space. For those opting for the bench seat, you'll find lower anchors and tether anchors across all the seats. This wide bench seat can fit three car seats comfortably and features a 60/40 split. Unlike the Expedition, which has three separate seats, the Yukon XL’s setup means that if you move one part of the bench with a car seat installed, the whole section moves.
Second row amenities include:
Leatherback pockets
Ceiling vents
Heated seats
Climate controls
USB-C ports + 12-volt outlet
Cupholders
The one amenity missing are sunshades on the windows. That being said, the seats instead are great. You can adjust the seats forward and backward using a lever on the side. When pushed all the way forward, there's still plenty of knee room, giving the third-row passengers maximum legroom.
As for third row access, the "fold and flip" mechanism is particularly handy. It makes it easy to move car seats in and out of the vehicle. Now, let's move on to the third row.
GMC Yukon LATCH Diagram:
GMC Yukon Third Row
I wanted to test the car's capacity as a family hauler, so I installed a Graco SlimFit 3LX car seat in the middle and checked if I could sit comfortably on either side - and I can. While fitting three car seats back here might be a stretch, you can easily place one car seat on each side and still have usable seating space. Although there are no lower anchors in the third row, each seat does have a tether anchor, which is quite useful.
However, one important thing to note about the Yukon XL (and this applies to all General Motors vehicles) is the lack of a headrest in the middle seat. This makes it a dangerous seating position for anyone not in a car seat due to the increased risk of whiplash in a collision. Therefore, I recommend not putting anyone in the middle seat who isn't in a car seat.
On a positive note, the third row comes with several amenities: ceiling vents, cup holders, additional storage space, and USB-C ports. Regarding legroom, it’s impressive. Even with the second row seat pushed all the way back, my knees are not touching the seat in front, and I have ample headroom. I feel as comfortable as if I were in the second row of a midsize SUV, highlighting the excellent space management of this vehicle.
Exiting the third row is also convenient. You can either go through the wide aisle between the captain's chairs, which is spacious enough to fit through comfortably, unlike many midsize SUVs with narrow aisles. Additionally, there's a button that folds the seat down, followed by a lever to flip the seat up, making it easy for third-row passengers to get in and out.
2023 GMC Yukon Trunk
I showed you what you typically get with a standard Yukon, but how does the Yukon XL compare? Let's take a look at the trunk space to see the difference. The Yukon XL offers 15 extra inches compared to the standard Yukon, and when compared to the Expedition Max, it provides about 12 extra inches. If you need maximum trunk space with the third row up, the Yukon XL or Suburban is the way to go. To see a completed breakdown of extended vs. regular wheelbases - read my guide here.
I tested the trunk space with a Zoe Twin Double Stroller, and it fits lying down, which almost never happens in other SUVs. Plus, there’s plenty of additional storage space around it. Without the stroller inside, you could fit pretty much anything back here - gear, groceries, anything at all.
Underneath the main trunk area, there’s a bit of extra storage - it's shallow, but still useful. You can also fold down both the second and third rows from the trunk for maximum storage space. Just press this button (you have to hold it, which is a bit annoying), and the seats go down super fast. Once the second row is down too, you’re left with an insane amount of trunk space. You could literally fit a queen-size mattress back here.
2023 GMC Yukon Wrap Up
That wraps up our tour of the 2023 Yukon XL. It’s big, beautiful, and a fantastic option for families needing lots of space, especially in the trunk. While it’s one of the more expensive full-size family cars on the market, I do think it’s a really solid option. If you’re looking for an in-depth comparison of each full-size vehicle, check out my Full-Size SUV Showdown here.
And to see a complete walkthrough of the 2023 GMC Yukon XL, watch my car tour here.
What do you think of the 2023 GMC Yukon XL? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest family cars on the market, check out my recent posts:
