Why the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL Are Perfect SUVs for Families

Picture yourself riding around Atlanta with your family in a lavish GMC Yukon. You are all stretched out and relaxed inside the Yukon’s spacious interior; your favorite music is playing through the infotainment system’s exceptional surround speakers as you take in your favorite sights in one of America’s greatest cities. This doesn’t have to be a fantasy. At Jim Ellis Buick GMC of Atlanta, we offer an amazing selection of used models, including the GMC Yukon and its supersized sibling, the Yukon XL; that’s what makes us the best used GMC dealer in Atlanta. No matter which used GMC model you are looking for, you will find it at our dealership.

The GMC Yukon and Yukon XL are the perfect family SUVs—a true statement for many different reasons. First, as these full-size models all have three rows of seats, there is plenty of room for you, your kids, and even the family dog. Also, unlike midsize three-row SUVs, there is no compromise between passenger space and room for cargo. The Yukon more than accommodates both. In addition, the Yukon features GMC’s latest driver assistant features, so you can get wherever you are going safely. This model also has a surprisingly powerful and efficient choice of engines. Finally, the Yukon is fun to drive, so you can enjoy yourself while your family argues about whose music to listen to on the way there.

A Legacy of Full-Size Models

You can always tell a successful model by longevity. This shows that other drivers have embraced the vehicle and that the automaker has responded by constantly updating it, coming out with new generations every few years. This is certainly the case with the Yukon. GMC introduced the full-size Yukon in 1992, making it the flagship of its growing SUV lineup. While those first Yukons don’t compare to the ones you will find today on the used market, they still set a standard for ruggedness, dependability, and luxury that continues to this day.

The Yukon was joined by the Yukon XL for the 2000 model year, designed for those who live by the motto, “The bigger, the better.” The Yukon XL offers even greater interior space, so there is more room for cargo and passengers. This is the most pivotal reason behind what makes why the Yukon XL ideal for large families, especially for those who love to explore America’s nooks and crannies.

Today, you can choose between the two most recent generations of the Yukon and Yukon XL on the used market. The fourth generation model was introduced in 2016 and had a great run up to 2020. With the start of the new decade, GMC introduced a fifth-generation model that is larger and has a few more trim options. For example, the fourth generation had three trims: the base SLE, the midrange SLT, and the superbly luxurious Denali. The fifth generation saw the introduction of the AT4, an off-road model for the 2021 model year, and a Denali Ultimate, which is the last word in luxury full-size SUVs. So, if you are looking to buy a used Yukon or Yukon XL, you may have more options with the fifth-generation model.

Inner Space in the Yukon

The Yukon may be one of the most aptly named models in GMC’s lineup. This is a province in northwest Canada known for its untamed wilderness. The Denali is also appropriate for the Yukon’s top trim as it is the summit of the tallest mountain in North America. So, if you get a used Yukon Denali, you are finding yourself in the absolute apex of the luxury full-size SUV.

Interior space is the key to the Yukon and Yukon XL. These models sit up to nine passengers in three rows of seats that are actually usable for long periods of time. Unfortunately, most three-row midsize SUVs represent a compromise. The automaker throws in the third row to accommodate up to three additional passengers. However, there is usually a dearth of legroom in that third row, making it uncomfortable for most fully-grown adults. This is certainly not the case with the Yukon and the Yukon XL, especially if you choose a used model from the fourth or fifth generation.

GMC has also equipped the Yukon and Yukon XL with a spacious trunk. The liftgate on the fourth generation Yukon opens up to 15.3 cu.ft. of space that can be increased up to 94.7 cu.ft. by easily folding down the rear two rows of seats. The fourth generation Yukon XL is even roomier, with 39.3 cu.ft. of cargo space in the trunk that can be expanded up to 121.7 cu.ft. Still, the fifth generation is even larger, with an impressive 122.9 cu.ft. of total cargo space on the Yukon and an astonishing 144.7 cu.ft. of total cargo space on the Yukon XL. Whichever model and generation you choose, the GMC Yukon will have more than enough room for your entire family and all of their luggage.

Safety First, Last, and Always

GMC Pro Safety is a package of advanced driver assistance technology that provides features like Forward Collision Alert and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, all working in concert to ensure you have the utmost awareness during your drive. These also activate safety features like automatic emergency braking that proactively slow your vehicle to avoid or mitigate collisions.

The Yukon began to feature the GMC Pro Safety as optional gear during the third-generation models. However, GMC started making some of these items standard on a number of Yukon and Yukon XL models, starting with the Denali trim. Eventually, these became standard on all Yukon and Yukon XL models during the fourth generation. For the fifth generation, GMC has gone beyond this by offering a GMC Pro Safety Plus Package with additional driver assistance features. As a result, safety will be a built-in priority in your used GMC Yukon.

Getting Wherever You Are Going

The GMC Yukon has always offered drivers an excellent choice of engines. The fourth generation came with a choice of a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 or a larger 6.2L EcoTec3 V8. The 5.3L engine came paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the 6.2L V8 features a ten-speed automatic transmission. In addition, drivers were given the choice of rear-wheel drive for better fuel economy and acceleration or four-wheel drive for improved tractions.

With the introduction of the fifth-generation Yukon in 2021, GMC made a number of changes. First, it began offering the 5.3L V8 engine with a ten-speed automatic transmission. This allowed the engine to have improved performance through additional gear speeds. Second, GMC began offering a third engine option on the Yukon, a 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I-6, which offers its drivers the benefit of improved fuel economy and a more reliable powertrain offered by a diesel engine.

No matter which engine you choose on your used GMC Yukon, you are going to get incredible towing power. The Yukon can tow up to an estimated 8,400 lbs depending on your choice of engine and drivetrain. This will come in handy for families who love to go out on adventures since you can tow a boat, camper, or RV with your used GMC Yukon. This will let you explore some of the amazing parks and wilderness around our state of Georgia. This is just one more great feature you will get when you make your next SUV a used GMC Yukon or Yukon XL.

A Full-Size SUV That’s Fun for the Whole Family

Choosing an SUV is never easy. This is especially true for family drivers like you. You want to make sure you are getting something that is dependable, safe, and roomy. Price can also be a concern, and buying used will make your choice easier on your budget. A used GMC Yukon and Yukon XL check all the boxes for buying a family SUV. They are roomy, have an efficient engine that won’t cost you too much at the gas pump, and have the latest safety and infotainment technology.

You will find a vast inventory of used GMC models at our dealership, including the Yukon and the Yukon XL. Come in today and make that dream a reality at Jim Ellis Buick GMC of Atlanta by making your next SUV a used Yukon or Yukon XL from us!