GMC Yukon XL 1500 reviews

2009 GMC Yukon XL 1500 Interior Features

The Yukon XL is comfortable for long tows or major outings. It's a carefree feeling to drive down the highway in one of these, riding high with all the comforts, including the optional Bose sound system. The seats are comfortable and easy to adjust; in some cases the seat cushion is electrically adjusted and the backrest is manual. Like most large SUVs, the front row has plenty of head and leg room.

The instrument panel and center stack are elegant and worthy of a higher-end vehicle. The Denali model is richer still, with a wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, nuance leather darker wood trim than the other models. On all models the steering wheel is net perfectly ahead of the driver, something to consider if you frequent a chiropractor.

We found the touch-screen radio/navigation system easy to use, easier to operate than in many upscale cars, like those German brands with a singular circle logo, for example. We set the radio stations we liked and could quickly switch from favorite XM to AM to FM stations with the push of a single button; many vehicles require switching bands, then switching stations. The system warned of traffic incidents 19 miles ahead in our direction of travel, and has five groups of favorite stations for user assignment.

The switchgear is simple, and the instrumentation is clean. The console is huge, with a deep storage box and a tray on top. The glovebox is large. Two cupholders are provided in a removable tray forward of the console and they work very well. There's another cupholder in each door pocket. A slot in the dash just left of the turn signal is perfect for coins or toll-road tickets. The pedals are adjustable, to accommodate short and tall drivers with the press of a button.

For reversing into tight confines, avoiding backing over a person, pet or play-toy, or easier trailer hitching, two rearview camera systems are offered. One is integral with the navigation system and the image appears on the nav screen; the other shows the image on the inside-rearview mirror, so you get side-by-side near and far views to the rear.

The Yukon XL can seat six, seven, eight or nine passengers, depending on the seats selected. Our SLT had the second-row bucket seats, with room for seven, in a two/two/three configuration.

The second row offers good room, nearly matching the front. Second-row passengers in bucket seats have their own console, with an elbow tray, o cupholders each, audio controls and if equipped, the DVD screen overhead; the bench-seat second-row may be ordered with power releases to fold. With the touch of a button on the instrument panel or C-pillar, the seatbacks fold flat against the lower cushions, and then the seats flip up against the backs of the front seats.

The third row 50/50 seat has three seatbelts and two headrests. If you want to carry long items down one side the rear row becomes a one person seat; most vehicles with a third-row seat split it 60/40 so you can carry six people plus long pieces. The third-row seats fold easily but not flat into the floor like most of the competition; for a longer flat cargo floor the third row must be taken out (and these aren't light baby seats) and left behind.

Head room in the third row is good, and leg room is okay (34.9 inches); the Expedition EL and Navigator L have a distinct advantage here because of their independent rear suspension. There is a great view through the wraparound glass, so it doesn't feel cramped or claustrophobic back there. Third-row climate control vents are inconveniently located in the headliner over the heads of the second-row passengers, but they can be aimed rearward toward the third-row passengers' knees. The second-row passengers have their own vents in the headliner, too, over their laps.

Cargo space is where the Yukon XL excels. There's 137.4 cubic feet of storage behind the front seats, with the second row folded and third row removed. Even with all seats in place, there's still 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. However, it's a nuisance to remove the third row for optimal storage space.

The lift-over height at the rear bumper is relatively high, about the same as a pickup, so it's not easy to climb up into the cargo compartment to reach things, especially since there are no grab handles.