Key Features of the 2026 GMC Yukon XL

Available Diesel 3.0L Inline-Six Torque

The optional diesel 3.0-liter inline-six delivers 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, giving the Yukon XL low-end pulling muscle that feels made for the SUV’s mission. Paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic, the diesel’s torque arrives early to help launch confidently with a full cabin or a hitched trailer. This powertrain shines on long drives where quiet refinement and relaxed rpm contribute to a calm cabin experience. It is also available across trims, meaning you can match the diesel’s torque with the aesthetic and feature set you prefer. For local owners who regularly tow, the diesel’s torque curve below 2,000 rpm supports composed starts, steady highway merges, and confident hill climbs—exactly the reassurance you want when heading out for weekend camping or a coastal boat day.

10-Speed Automatic and 2WD/4WD Drivetrains

Every Yukon XL uses a 10-speed automatic transmission designed for the vehicle’s broad range of tasks—from city errands to interstate hauls to gravel switchbacks. Close gear spacing helps keep the engine in its optimal range while delivering smooth, barely perceptible shifts. Shoppers can choose rear-wheel drive for day-to-day efficiency and confident manners, or switch to four-wheel drive for added traction across seasons and travel plans. The transmission’s intuitive calibration pairs well with all three engines—the standard 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8, the available 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8, and the available 3.0-liter diesel inline-six—so you get predictable response whether you are commuting, passing on two-lane roads, or towing through rolling hills.

Trailering Tech With Transparent Trailer View

Advanced towing technology helps the Yukon XL punch above its weight in ease-of-use. On paper, towing capability reaches up to 8,400 pounds on the short-wheelbase Yukon with a rear-drive 5.3-liter V-8; Yukon XL configurations remain highly capable with the powertrains on offer. Technology closes the gap between the spec sheet and day-to-day confidence: GMC’s Transparent Trailer View can virtually “see through” a compatible trailer to reveal obstacles and alignment behind it, while a Jack-Knife Alert provides warnings when steering angles approach critical limits. Combined with the SUV’s stable chassis and available 4WD, these features help reduce the stress of backing down ramps, navigating tight stations, or slipping into a campsite at dusk—moments when visibility and precision really matter.

16.8-Inch Touchscreen With Google Built-in

The cabin’s tech centerpiece is a vertically oriented 16.8-inch touchscreen that comes standard across the Yukon lineup. It features Google Built-in for native access to navigation, voice assistance, and compatible apps, so your most-used tools feel natural from day one. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are also standard, as is an available Wi-Fi hotspot to keep passengers connected on the move. Families can add an available rear-seat entertainment system, and second-row riders can benefit from an available 8.0-inch climate control interface for easy comfort adjustments. The result is an infotainment setup that feels modern and approachable—precisely what you want on school runs, interstate drives, and weekend road trips.

Denali Craftsmanship and Available Massaging Seats

For shoppers who prioritize refinement, Denali and Denali Ultimate trims elevate the Yukon XL with rich materials and thoughtful details. Denali models showcase open-pore wood with laser-etched topographical patterns and bright accents for a signature look, while 16-way power front seats with heating, ventilation, and available massaging functions deliver genuine long-distance comfort. Available premium Bose audio—up to a 22-speaker system with speakers in the second-row headrests—creates an immersive soundstage that makes even routine drives feel special. Combine that craftsmanship with the naturally quiet road manners of this full-size SUV, and the Yukon XL’s upscale cabin becomes an everyday sanctuary your whole family will appreciate.