GMC Yukon XL 2500
We never thought we would see the day when a Yukon XL 2500 would have the tightest turning radius of any 4x4 in our competition. But it does! As with the four-wheel-steering Silverado also seen in these pages, our judges were skeptical of how Quadrasteer would handle and hold up to off-road use in something this heavy. Turns out they were right to be suspicious because on our third day of testing we damaged one of the rear tie rods, and then broke it completely on the fifth day during our final hour of evaluation. At least now we can say with authority that the small tie rods will hold up to a lot of abuse, but if one does break on the trail you can still drive to safety. Well, sort of. Without all four tie rods intact the Yukon XL drove like a figure skater with one leg shot full of Novocaine. We can't take all the blame for breaking the tie rod because if the Yukon XL was able to climb the same slope that every other 4x4 in the test went up at least eight times, we wouldn't have had to back down the hill and run the risk of hitting a rock. It didn't make it up the hill, and we did hit a rock as we backed the GMC down to safety. To its credit the bent tie rod lasted more than 100 miles under conditions harsh enough to rattle the exhaust loose ahead of the muffler. For the two days that we drove on the bent tie rod the Yukon XL exhibited a strong pull to one side that wouldn't go away no matter what steering option we selected. In hindsight we were lucky the tie rod didn't come apart on the road and kill us. We don't recommend you take the chance if you find yourself in the same situation.
With all the drama surrounding the steering you'd think we'd forget about the rest of the Yukon XL. Our judges still enjoyed the best-of-test GM seats, the XM-equipped Bose stereo, and the On Star customer service. But they were disappointed in the power of the small-block 6.0L, aftermarket-looking bulged rear fenders, ICC lights, and XM radio antenna. At the end of the week we're still sold on four-wheel steering--we just want GM to use bigger tie rods.
General
Manufacturer: GMC
Model: Yukon XL 2500
Base Price: $41,405
Price as Tested: $54,236
Options as Tested: 1SD SLT preferred equipment group (power adjustable pedals, dual-heated power mirrors with turn signals, ground illumination, curb tilt-down feature and LH O/S automatic day/night mirror, sound system plus package, leather-surfaced heated front bucket seats and split folding center bench and vinyl folding rear bench seat, security plus package), Luxury onvenience package (dual 10-way power seat adjusters with driver's memory, OnStar communication system with 1 year of service, garage door opener) side assist steps, Quadrasteer, 4.10:1 gears, skidplate package, roof marker lamps, Autoride suspension, trailer equipment package
Engine
Type: OHV V-8
Displacement (liters/cubic inches): 6.0/364
Bore & Stroke (inches): 4.00x3.62
Compression Ratio: 9.4:1
Induction Type: Sequential, multiport fuel injection
Fuel Required (octane)/Capacity (gallons): 87/37.5
SAE Peak Horsepower: 320 @ 5,000 rpm
SAE Peak Torque (lb-ft): 360 @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission
Type: 4-speed automatic overdrive
Model: 4L80E
Ratios: First: 2.48:1; Second: 1.48:1; Third: 1.00:1; Fourth: 0.75:1; Reverse: 2.08:1
Transfer Case
Type: Autotrac
Model: NVG 246
Low-Range Ratio: 2.72:1
Axles
Front Type: IFS with AAM 9 ¼-inch centersection Rear Type: Dana 60 with Quadrasteer
Hubs: N/A
Ratio: 4.10:1
Suspension
Front: Upper and lower A-arms/torsion bars
Rear: Live axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs
Steering
Type: Power-recirculating ball (front), electically powered rack-and-pinion (rear)
Turns Lock-to-Lock/Ratio: 3.25/15:1, 13:1 variable ratio
Turning Radius (feet): 35
Wheels
Size (inches): 16x7
Material: Cast-aluminum
Tires
Size: LT245/75R16
Brand: Bridgestone V-Steel
Brake System
Front: 12.8-inch discs with ABS
Rear: 13-inch discs with ABS
Weight (pounds)
Curb Weight: 5,760
Advertised GVWR: 8,600
Mileage
EPA Estimate (city/hwy. mpg): N/A
As Tested (mpg): 7.78
Acceleration
Standing ¼-mile (seconds @ mph): 19.90 @ 75.33
Braking
60-0 mph (feet): 149.23
Dimensions (inches)
Wheelbase: 130.5
Overall Length: 220.75
Overall Width: 93
Overall Height: 75.25
Front/Rear Track: 68.75/71.25
Front/Rear Overhang: 38.125/49
Minimum Front Ground Clearance: 8
Likes
*35-foot turning radius
*Cargo space
*Hydro-boost brakes
Dislikes
*No limited slip
*Bad exhaust leak
*Broke rear (yes, rear!) tie rod
Bottom Line
Quadrasteer is the option soccer moms have been waiting for