2003 GMC Yukon XL

Power for the Yukon XL comes from a variety of V-8 engines ranging from 4.8 liters to 8.1 liters with horsepower ranging from 275 to 340.

We've traveled plenty of miles with children to know it doesn't take long before hearing the traditional, "Are we there yet—" chant. And, while we are not the types who like to plug kids in and forget them, the Yukon's DVD player for rear seat passengers not only kept the children entertained, it also had our adult passengers fairly entranced. It may not be the cure for travel boredom, but it sure helped relieve some of the tedium.


The instrument panel and dash are redesigned, yet retain that truck-like appearance. The layout is much more pleasing to the eye and provides all the information you need. The large center console compartment swallowed all our CDs plus provided room for everyone's cell phones.

A DVD player keeps rear-seat passengers entertained, while an XM Satellite radio system can be enjoyed by everyone.

Our Yukon XL was also equipped with an XM Satellite radio system, which proved to be both wonderful and frustrating. We'd heard that satellite radio is the hottest thing to come along in some time; and, while we found it to be excellent at first, once the novelty wore off, we became less enamored with the system. With 100 channels it was easy to find something that pleased everyone, but as we traveled through mountains, canyons and Redwood forests we lost contact with the satellite repeatedly. It never failed: we'd find a great tune or an old time radio program and—right at the most suspenseful moment—the transmission would fail and we'd be left wondering what in the world happened. Standard radio transmissions can be just as frustrating as you travel about the country, and certainly if you are traveling in an area that has no obstructions, the access to 100 or more channels is great. But don't think this is the solution to all those little quirks you become familiar with as you travel. Nothing is foolproof.


With seating for seven, plus the ability to swallow all of your luggage and gear, the GMC Yukon XL is a vehicle that can solve nearly every transportation need. Plus, with StabiliTrak and the added ability to tow just about anything imaginable, the Yukon XL not only handles—it's definitely handy. (www.gmc.com)