The GMC Yukon XL Denali is fabulous for family road trips. 📸Connie Peters
We needed a family vehicle that could handle all our demands.
We wanted something that was going to work for our family of five, and that we would both enjoy driving. So, we shopped and drove a LOT of vehicles over a two-year period. We decided on a used 2017 GMC Yukon XL Denali.
What works for us? A 7 Seater plus cargo space!
We picked the XL (extended) model for the extra cargo space behind the third-row seats. Not a lot of 7-seater SUVs have cargo space when you’re using all three rows of seating. Most of the time there is negligible space behind the third row.
This is why we bought the extended Yukon: the XL for the expansive cargo space behind the third row. We always use the third row with three kids (and often have extra kids with us as well), but we need cargo space for my daughter’s wheelchair.
Related: Used 2017 Lexus GX 460 4WD Review: The Mama Bear of Luxury SUVs
Exploring is much more fun in the right vehicle! 📸 Connie Peters
All the Technology We Need
We love technology and what better place to take advantage of tech but in your vehicle? Here’s a sample of the tech in the Yukon:
- Apple CarPlay
- Kick activated rear liftgate
- Built-in phone charger
- Teen Driver tech (settings for when your kids are driving to keep them safe. And, it generates reports!)
- myGMCÂ app – unlock, lock or start your car from ANYWHERE in the world as long as you have a WiFi connection!
- WiFi – YESÂ this truck has a 4G hotspot WiFi built in! It does require a monthly fee (as part of OnStar) so it’s not something we always use, but it comes in extremely handy for road trips for the kids to be on their devices (hello YouTube!) AND when traveling in the USA, which we do often, we avoid roaming charges when using our phones in the car.
Related: Best Safety Features for a Teen Driver’s First Car
Luxe featuresÂ
- All leather interior (a must with kids)
- Heated and cooled seats
- Heated and adjustable steering wheel
- Adjustable gas pedal (when you’re short like me in a big vehicle, this is important!)
- Automatic running boards
We were also seeking a vehicle that has a towing capacity. My husband drag-races his classic car a few Fridays every summer and we wanted something that could tow the Nova. Now, instead of us having to drive two vehicles (he put his tools and racing tires in my vehicle and drove the Nova) all the way out to the track, which is about a one hour drive from our home, we just rent a trailer and hook it up to the Yukon. It works perfectly!
Related: 2019 GMC Yukon Denali 2WD XL: A Not So Average SUV For The Not So Average Girl
The GMC Yukon XL Denali can tow up to 5000 pounds. 📸 Connie Peters
What This Car Costs
(prices may have changed)Â
- Base price: $72,960
- Sunroof and rear entertainment system $2,485
- Power retractable running boards: $1,745
- Destination charge: $1,295
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