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The Yukon XL is a great choice for a big family towing cars, boats, horses, and travel trailers. Maximum towing capacity is 8100 pounds on 1500 and 9600 pounds on the 2500; subtract 1500-2500 pounds if the Yukon is fully loaded. With its long wheelbase and heavy-duty construction, the Yukon XL is a stable platform for towing while offering the interior cargo advantages of a full-size SUV. The standard 5.3-liter V8 can be upgraded to a 6.0-liter V8, the only size offered on 2500-series, and Denali uses a 403-hp 6.2-liter V8.

Yukon XL competes for shoppers with the Chevy Suburban (essentially same equipment and pricing), Ford Expedition EL, and if cargo space isn't as important as tow rating the Toyota Sequoia. Denali XL alternatives include the Lincoln Navigator L, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Mercedes-Benz GL450, and BMW X5 4.8i.

Safety equipment on all models includes dual frontal airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes with electronic proportioning, and StabiliTrak, GM's electronic stability control with anti-rollover mitigation and traction control. Options include rear park assist, two rearview camera choices, and on Denali, Side Blind Zone Alert. Side airbags are not available. The XL earned the maximum five stars in the government's head-on crash tests.