2020 GMC Yukon XL vs. 2019 GMC Yukon XL: Which Is Better?
The 2020 and 2019 GMC Yukon XL are nearly identical—but pricing for these used models couldn’t be more different. Learn more here!
Written by Sarah Gray
Reviewed by Amy Bobinger
Aside from a few new paint colors and $1,000 added to MSRPs across the board, the 2020 GMC Yukon XL was pretty much identical to the 2019 variant when it was first released. Today, though, pricing for the two models couldn’t be more different.
Tough body-on-frame construction, seating for nine, and powerful V8 engine options have made the GMC Yukon a favorite with families for years. But the added cargo space behind the Yukon XL’s third-row seats makes it the go-to for those with a lot of gear to haul around.
The GMC Yukon XL went largely unchanged from 2019 to 2020, so when it comes down to it, how do you know which one you should buy? To help you decide, we’ll go over pricing, fuel efficiency, safety features, and available options for this behemoth SUV.
2020 GMC Yukon XL vs. 2019 GMC Yukon XL: what’s the difference?
The Yukon XL is GMC’s largest SUV. Direct competitors include its GM brothers, the
Chevy Tahoe
and Chevy Suburban
, as well as other manufacturers’ full size SUV offerings—like the new Ford Expedition Max
and the Nissan Armada
.So what’s the difference between the 2019 and 2020 GMC Yukon? Not much. Those considering the 2020 model will have a few extra paint colors to choose from, but otherwise, they’re pretty much the same SUV—until you look at the price.
In 2020, there was only a $1,000 increase in MSRP across trims, but if you’re buying a used Yukon XL today, you’ll be looking at paying anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 more for a 2020 model than a 2019, depending on the trim.
There may be more underlying differences you should consider as well, so let’s take a closer look at both models to help you decide which is best for you.
Pricing
Buyers considering the 2020 GMC Yukon XL would’ve only paid an additional $1,000 when the SUV was first released, but take a look at the table below to see how pricing has changed in the used-vehicle market.
Model | 2020 MSRP | KBB Fair Market Price (Good condition) | 2019 MSRP | KBB Fair Market Price (Good condition) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$51,895 | $42,000–$46,500 | $50,895 | $32,000–$36,000 | |
GMC Yukon XL SLT Standard Edition | $59,095 | $43,000–$47,000 | $58,095 | $37,000–$41,500 |
$59,095 | $44,000–$48,000 | $58,095 | $37,000–$42,000 | |
$68,995 | $47,000–$52,000 | $67,095 | $44,000–$55,000 |
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MORE: GMC Yukon towing capacity
General specs
With that big of a difference in pricing for the used models, you’d expect to see some major differences in available options or fuel efficiency, right? Unfortunately, that’s not the case here—literally, the only difference between the two is the year they were manufactured.
2020 GMC Yukon XL | 2019 GMC Yukon XL | |
|---|---|---|
Base engine (standard on all trims) | 5.3-liter V8 engine (355 horsepower) | 5.3-liter V8 engine (355 horsepower) |
Upgrade engine (available on SLT trims and standard on Denali trim) | 6.2-liter V8 engine (420 horsepower) | 6.2-liter V8 engine (420 horsepower) |
Transmission | 6- or 10-speed automatic | 6- or 10-speed automatic |
Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard, 4-wheel drive (4WD) optional | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard, 4-wheel drive (4WD) optional |
Maximum towing capacity | 8,100 lbs | 8,100 lbs |
Fuel economy
We’re sure this won’t come as a shock, but with identical powertrains between the 2020 and 2019 model years, buyers can expect identical fuel economy numbers between them too. Your actual fuel economy depends a lot on your driving style and conditions, but let’s take a look at the EPA averages for the Yukon XL in 2019 and 2020.
- Base engine (5.3-liter) w/ 6-speed automatic: 15 mpg city / 22 mpg highway / 18 mpg combined
- Upgrade engine (6.2-liter) w/ 10-speed automatic: 14 mpg city / 20 mpg highway / 16 mpg combined
Not surprisingly, the base 5.3-liter V8 delivers better gas mileage than the more powerful 6.2-liter. But if you want to unlock the Yukon XL’s full towing capacity, the larger engine is a must. If you’re more interested in the interior passenger and cargo space, though, you can save yourself a few dollars at the pump by going with the smaller engine.
MORE: GMC Yukon trunk space
Safety ratings
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) didn’t review the 2019 or 2020 Yukon or Yukon XL. However, the Yukon XL earned 4-star
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety ratings
for both model years.The higher-than-average risk of rollover was a key factor barring the Yukon XL from earning a 5-star rating, as were the lack of standard driver assists on the base model for both years. SLT and Denali trims both include an Enhanced Driver Alert package that is only an option for the base SLE. The package includes:
- Forward collision alert
- Lane-keeping assist
- Lane-departure warning
- Low-speed forward automatic braking
SLT and Denali trims also offer adaptive cruise control as an available option
MORE: Does GMC have a self-driving car?
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Styling and interior changes
The $1,000 increase in MSRP from 2019 to 2020 can really only be attributed to year-to-year inflation. When it comes to the SUV’s interiors, once again, there are no changes.
Whether you choose the 2019 or 2020 Yukon XL, you can expect to find these basic style, comfort, and tech features inside:
- 8-inch touchscreen display
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
- Bluetooth connectivity
- OnStar communications
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- 8 to 9 passenger seating capacity
The SLT trim was split into two subtrims for both 2019 and 2020—the SLT Standard Edition and the SLT. The SLT Standard Edition adds to the above features with leather upholstery and heated front seats. The SLT, on the other hand, offers leather as an option, but adds these additional standard features:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Heated power-tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- Power-folding second- and third-row seats
If you’re really looking for luxury, you’ll want to consider the Denali trim. It builds on the SLT by making leather standard and adding Xenon headlights, a trailer brake controller, a navigation system, and a premium 10-speaker Bose audio system.
2020 GMC Yukon XL vs. 2019 GMC Yukon XL: which should you buy?
If you really don’t like money, and you’re looking for ways to get rid of it, then you should buy the 2020 model. Since that’s likely not the case, and price is the only real difference between the two SUVs, we recommend the cheaper 2019 model.
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