2013 Gmc Yukon Xl in Altoona, PA - $13,980

GMC announced today the all-new 2015 Yukon/Yukon XL SUVs that will deliver greater capability and refinement, with more power, new fold-flat rear seats and a quieter interior. And thanks to a new family of advanced EcoTec3 engines, the lineup is expected to deliver the segment's best V-8 fuel economy.

The 2015 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL share design, architectural and powertrain elements, but Yukon XL has an approximately 14-inch longer wheelbase and is approximately 20 inches longer overall, providing greater legroom for third-row passengers and almost twice the cargo room behind the third-row seat.

New safety and security technologies - support Yukon/Yukon XL's greater capability, while a more comprehensive list of standard features and enhanced infotainment options are designed to broaden the appeal of one of the industry's most-popular full-size SUVs.

All-new exterior and interior designs advance GMC's professional grade aesthetic with elements designed to be beautiful and functional. The exterior is sleeker and more aerodynamic, enhancing efficiency on the highway and contributing to the new Yukon's quiet ride. Bold styling cues include highly detailed, chrome-accented grilles matched with GMC's signature C-shaped light-emitting diode lighting motif, front and rear. Projector-beam headlamps are standard on all Yukon models.

Power for the 2015 GMC Yukon/Yukon XL is generated by an EcoTec3 Flex-Fuel 5.3L V8 (L83) engine bolted to a Hydro-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive will be an available option.

The EcoTec3 engine features state-of-the-art technologies, including direct injection, cylinder deactivation, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system, designed to make the most of power, torque and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions. More precisely controlled combustion enables the new engine to run with a higher compression ratio, which delivers greater power and efficiency.

Hydraulic engine mounts, electronic throttle control, adaptive exhaust systems, improved aerodynamics and other technologies help the engine operate in four-cylinder mode for longer periods of time with Active Fuel Management, further increasing efficiency.

When it comes to safety, the Yukon/Yukon XL SUV incorporates new technologies to help protect the driver and passengers before, during and after a collision. They include a forward radar system and the segment's only front seat center-mounted air bag (models with bucket seats), which is engineered to provide additional protection to drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes, where the affected occupant is on the opposite, non-struck side of the vehicle.

The 2015 Yukon/Yukon XL boasts a fully boxed frame - composed of more than 75 percent high-strength steel - supports a quiet and controlled ride. New shear-style body mounts attached to the frame significantly improve stiffness and contribute to the Yukon's smooth ride. Compared with previous models, the driving experience of the new SUVs is further enhanced with: wider rear track that contributes to a more planted stance; wheels that are a half-inch wider, reducing tire flex for improved cornering performance; new, electric variable-assist power steering system enhances fuel economy and tailors steering assist to vehicle speed; and new 9.5-inch rear axle and standard automatic locking rear differential.

The new Yukon will be built at GM's Arlington, Texas assembly plant, and scheduled to begin arriving at GMC dealerships in the first quarter of 2014.

Dimensions & specifications

Yukon

Wheelbase: 116.0; overall length: 203.9; width: 80.5; height: 74.4

Yukon XL

Wheelbase: 130.0; overall length: 22.43; width: 80.5; height: 74.4

All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 5.3L V8 - 355 hp at 5,600 rpm and 383 lbs-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm.

Transmission: six-speed automatic transmission

Cargo capacity: 94.7 cu. ft. (Yukon); 121.1 (Yukon XL)

Towing capacity: 8,500 lbs (Yukon); 8,300 lbs (Yukon XL)