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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!
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