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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 8 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $50,388–$60,316 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 6.9/10, the 2016 GMC Yukon XL earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.7/10, while Reliability at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.7/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. Safety is a notable gap at 6.8/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
The 8.7/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a suv you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology scores 6.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $50,388–$60,316, 10 MPG, seating 8, the GMC Yukon XL sits in the premium tier of the suv category. The 8.5/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this suv delivers more than most of the class. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2016 GMC Yukon XL, but it needs the right buyer. Its safety and technology and reliability scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2016 GMC Yukon XL ranks #2137 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 13% of the segment. Its 6.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $50,388 starting price is about 40% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the Yukon XL model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.4/10 | $68,289 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.4/10 | $68,289 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.2/10 | $66,300 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.3/10 | $64,311 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.4/10 | $62,322 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.3/10 | $60,333 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.2/10 | $58,344 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.2/10 | $56,355 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.0/10 | $54,366 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.0/10 | $52,377 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 6.9/10 | $50,388 | |
| 2015 | 6.9/10 | $48,399 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Air bags / Frontal 08/09/2016 · 16V651000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet… |
|---|---|
| Air bags / Frontal 10/07/2017 · 17V437000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade… |
| Suspension / Front / Control arm 28/04/2016 · 16V256000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. The front upper control… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2016 GMC Yukon XL's reliability 6.7/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 6.9/10 overall, ranking #2137 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 13% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2016 GMC Yukon XL starts at $50,388 and ranges up to $60,316 across trims (MSRP when new). At 10 MPG, expect roughly $5,250/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of GMC models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.