The beginning of the GMC Yukon XL 4WD happened way back in 1935. That was the year that the first Suburbans were constructed by GM to offer drivers a vehicle that could take on and conquer even the most rugged terrain. There has always been an appreciable demand for strong, large vehicles that can keep passengers safe and deliver them to any given destination within reason. Although many auto manufacturers used to use the name "Suburban" as a catch-all term for wagon-styled, commercially-framed vehicles, only GM retains the rights to it today (since 1988). And, as of 2000, when the first Yukon XL was introduced as a feature-packed extension of the 1999 GMC Sierra, the Suburban name was given strictly to Chevrolet for usage.
The Yukon XL 4WD today is the continuation of the Suburban legacy for toughness and capability - they're just loaded with luxurious features and highly-technological design standards now. The Yukon Denalis, by comparison, extend this rugged luxury - costing about $20,000 extra on average than the stock Yukon XL 4WD.
The Yukon XL 4WD is intentionally designed to look strong, big and brutal. People desire protection for their families and for themselves. Especially in climates that challenge a vehicle, the Yukon XL 4WD gives owners and their passengers a sense of tranquil safety. Notably, a large segment of the Yukon XL 4WD market is urban dwellers. Still, that extra reassurance of strength is empowering to them.
The Yukon XL is also known as the Cadillac Escalade and comes to potential buyers in 18 available trims. There are advanced systems for control that are standard on the Yukon XL 4WD that include the "Premium Smooth Ride Suspension" system with self-leveling rear shocks that act to automatically adjust the vehicle's height on uneven terrain. There are also several sensors placed on the Yukon XL 4WD that create what is known as the Autoride Real Time Damping System. Information is constantly gathered and fed to the damping system and results in in-motion shock damping.
Not surprisingly, the Yukon XL 4WD is often used for pulling heavy loads including boats, RVs and more. For that reason, the vehicles are equipped with electronic sensors that engage a device that automatically adjusts the front of the vehicle's height to remain level with that of the rear end when towing. Newer Yukon XLs have undergone a 25% increase in the number of framing welds to increase strength, double the stiffness and create a solid ride that is virtually void of any vibrations. Other aluminum bracing is now hydro-formed with extremely-pressurized water streams in order to optimize the strength and efficiency of design.
As of 2007, the Yukon XL 4WD features two newly-designed engines, both married to a fresh 6-speed automatic transmission. In all, 3 separate engines are available: the Vortec 5300 325 CID V8 285 hp; the Vortec 6000 364 CID V8 335 hp and the Vortec 8100 496 CID V8 325 hp. With the choice between 18 trims available, it stands to reason that any desired combination of features can be achieved. The Yukon XL 4WD continues the legacy of the original Suburban on into its 8th decade - and they aren't going anywhere soon!
