The 2022 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL are full-size 3-row SUVs that offer vast cabins and expansive cargo bays, not to mention the power and hardware needed for heavy towing and off-road driving.
The 2022 Yukon and Yukon XL are available in four trim levels: SLE, SLT, AT4, and range-topping Denali. Standard and optional content is nearly identical between the two variants.
So, what separates the Yukon from the Yukon XL? Size, and lots of it! The Yukon XL has a 14-inch-longer wheelbase and measures about 20 inches longer overall than the regular (and already big) Yukon. Upsizing to the Yukon XL on any trim adds roughly $2,700 to this GMC SUV’s price.
Fresh from a complete redesign for the 2021 model year, the latest Yukon benefits from a fully independent rear suspension versus the solid axle used before. This creates a smoother and quieter ride, along with added rear legroom and significantly more storage space.
Three engines are available, though not every powertrain is offered in each of the four Yukon trims. Let’s examine what each trim of the 2022 Yukon offers SUV shoppers.
2022 GMC Yukon SLE (Starting at $51,600)
The 2022 GMC Yukon SLE comes standard in rear-wheel-drive (RWD) format and is powered by a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Powertrain upgrades include 4-wheel drive (4WD) and optional 277-hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-6.
This engine is the most fuel-efficient of the Yukon range, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway, for a combined average of 23 mpg. To its credit, the Yukon with the 5.3-liter V8 in RWD trim isn’t far behind, thanks to a combined city/highway average of 22 mpg. That’s on a budget-friendly diet of regular-grade gasoline, too.
A 420-hp 6.2-liter V8 is available in the Yukon AT4 and standard in the Denali, though not offered in either the SLE or SLT.
For around $2,700 extra, you can stretch any trim of the Yukon to XL status.
Thanks to its recent makeover for the 2021 model year, the 2022 Yukon is largely carryover in terms of interior features, technology, and active safety items. A new 12-inch digital driver information screen is now standard on all 2022 models, and an extremely user-friendly 10.2-inch infotainment screen is located in the center of the dash.
This system comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, HD radio, satellite radio, and six USB ports (two for each row of seating).
The SLE and SLT trims can accommodate up to nine people if an optional front bench seat is ordered. It’s handy if you need that extra space, though legroom is awkward for anyone sitting in the front middle seat. Fitted with more traditional front bucket seats, the Yukon has seating for eight people.
Standard convenience and comfort items include three-zone climate control, remote start, and choice of Jet Black or Dark Walnut/Slate cloth seating surfaces. The Yukon rides on standard 18-inch alloys, though the SLE can be fitted with wheels ranging from 20 to 22 inches in diameter.
Yukon shoppers interested in towing, take note: The SLE or SLT fitted with the 5.3-liter V8 in RWD format has a max capacity of 8,400 pounds. This requires adding the Max Trailering Package for around $500, which comes with an integrated trailer brake controller, hitch guidance and hitch view, upgraded radiator cooling, and in-vehicle trailering app.
If safety is a prime consideration, know that automatic emergency braking, rearview camera, forward collision warning, front pedestrian detection, front and rear parking sensors, and GM’s Teen Driver system are fitted to every Yukon. This last feature allows a Yukon owner to set predetermined speed and audio volume limits for additional drivers.
Should a GMC shopper keep the 2022 Yukon at its base price (destination fee excluded), financing for 60 months at a 3% interest rate, with zero cash down at signing, calculates to a monthly payment of $927. See 2022 GMC Yukon SLE models for sale or 2022 GMC Yukon XL SE for sale
2022 GMC Yukon SLE Includes:
- Seating – Optional 40/20/40 split front bench seat.
- Trailering – The Yukon has a max towing capacity of 8,400 pounds.
- Infotainment – Standard 10.2-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot, and pair of USB ports for each row.
2022 GMC Yukon SLT (Starting at $58,400)
The 2022 Tahoe SLT is a smart upgrade that won’t drain your Yukon budget. On top of everything that comes along for the ride in the SLE, the Yukon SLT adds interior niceties like heated and cooled front seats, plus leather seating surfaces.
A Yukon SLT shopper also gets added safety items, such as blind-spot monitoring (a big plus in a vehicle this size), lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
To give your arms a rest, the SLT comes with a power-operated rear tailgate.
The Yukon SLT trim also unlocks several additional features not offered on the SLE. Including, for example, a dual-screen rear entertainment system, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, panoramic power sunroof, power-folding second and third row, and power-sliding console positioned between the driver and front passenger.
And like nearly every Yukon trim, upgrading to the XL costs about $2,700 and adding 4WD rings in at $3,000.
In RWD format and kept to an entry-level/no-option price tag, a 2022 Yukon SLT purchased with no down payment and financed for 60 months at 3% interest will cost $1,049 per month. See 2022 GMC Yukon SLT models for sale or 2022 GMC Yukon XL SLT models for sale
2022 GMC Yukon SLT Includes:
- Interior trim – Leather seating is included in the Yukon SLT
- Storage and seats – The available sliding center console opens up a whole new world of cabin storage, while optional power-folding second-row and third-row seats are great when you want to max out cargo capacity.
- Safety – The SLT includes useful safety gear like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
2022 GMC Yukon AT4 (Starting at $66,100)
New for 2022, you can now order the Yukon AT4 with either the 5.3-liter V8 or range-topping 6.2-liter V8. Previously, you could only have the off-road-oriented model with the 5.3-liter engine.
The AT4 is the best pick for Yukon shoppers who plan on taking their large SUV off the beaten path. That’s because standard hardware includes all-terrain tires wrapped around 20-inch alloy wheels, hill descent control, two-speed transfer case, underbody skid plates, and 4WD. This is the only Yukon trim where 4WD is included for no added charge.
Like the SLT, you can order the AT4 with features like a power-sliding center console and rear-seat entertainment unit. It’s also notable for coming standard with interior items like heated second-row seats, power-folding third row, and heated steering wheel.
While it’s one of the pricier option groups at more than $8,000, the AT4 Premium Plus Package adds power-retractable side steps, adaptive air suspension, panoramic sunroof, and an electronic limited-slip differential.
Added safety is provided in the Technology Package. For about $1,100, this comes with a head-up instrument display, rear pedestrian detection, and a 360-degree camera.
Using the base price for math’s sake, a 2022 Yukon AT4 buyer who finances for 60 months at a 3% interest rate with no cash down at signing ends up paying $1,188 monthly. See 2022 GMC Yukon AT4 for sale or 2022 GMC Yukon XL AT4 for sale
2022 GMC Yukon AT4 Includes:
- Adventure drives – Tow hooks, underbody skid plates, and all-terrain tires are standard.
- Choice of V8 – For the 2022 model year, AT4 buyers can choose between the two V8 engines.
- Interior comfort – Cold climate dwellers will appreciate the standard heated steering wheel and heated second-row seating.
2022 GMC Yukon Denali (Starting at $69,500)
Perched atop all other trims is the GMC Yukon Denali. Available in RWD or 4WD format, the Denali in standard or XL size can be ordered with the 420-hp 6.2-liter V8 or the 277-hp turbodiesel inline-6.
Starting at roughly $70,000, this top-of-the-line GMC SUV comes standard with second-row dual captain’s chairs, upgraded interior trim, and safety items like the head-up display unit, 360-degree camera, and rear pedestrian detection.
Add-ons include power-retractable side steps, rear dual-screen entertainment system, rear camera mirror, adaptive cruise control, and air suspension. To get just about everything you can add onto the Denali, the Denali Ultimate Package comes with all these features and more – which it should, considering it adds upwards of $10 grand to the price.
Starting at $69,500, a 2022 GMC Yukon Denali will cost $1,249 per month with zero down at signing and financing for 60 months at 3% interest. See 2022 GMC Yukon Denali models for sale or 2022 GMC Yukon XL Denali for sale
2022 GMC Yukon Denali Includes:
- Classy cabin – The Denali interior features upgraded trim and higher-quality leather.
- Aye, captain – Dual second-row captain’s chairs are standard.
- Better viewpoints – A head-up display lets the driver focus on the road ahead, while a surround-view camera makes tight maneuvers easier.
