2000 GMC Yukon XL Completely re-engineered SUV gets new name. By Ron Moorhead, New Car Test Drive .com

For many years, GMC and Chevrolet have sold this vehicle as the Suburban. Both were both completely re-engineered for model year 2000. Chevrolet's version continues as the Suburban, but GMC has renamed this vehicle the Yukon XL. The XL stands for extra length. It is, after all, a longer version of the GMC Yukon. The name change allows GMC to market a family of Yukons, which includes the Yukon, the luxurious Yukon Denali and longer Yukon XL.

Though this almost ubiquitous old friend retains its basic form, it has been improved tremendously for model year 2000. From chassis to interior the Yukon XL is a more refined, comfortable vehicle. The frame is stronger, yet lighter, providing a tremendously good platform. Generous cross bracing adds stiffness, helping to retain the ridged chassis as well as allowing engineers to design a suspension that soaks up jarring bumps and craters found on off-road trails.

For those who really need a size extra-large sport-utility, it's hard to beat this Yukon XL.

GMC's full-size sport-utility vehicle is available in two model lines, Yukon and Yukon XL.

The Yukon, based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Tahoe, is approximately 17 inches shorter than the Yukon XL. Offering a more compact package in a full-size vehicle, the Yukon broadens the spectrum for sport-utilities. Although the shorter Yukon carries a scaled-down profile, both models now offer third-row seating. And, though it compromises cargo storage behind the seat, it opens up whole new passenger carrying opportunities. (Look for separate New Car Test Drive reviews of the Yukon as well as the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban.)

While the Yukon can carry a lot of people or a lot of cargo, the Yukon XL can do both at the same time. The Yukon XL is 17 inches longer than the Yukon. It also offers a bigger towing capacity. The popular Yukon XL 1500 models are rated to tow 8800 to 9000-pound trailers. A Yukon XL 2500 2WD model is rated to pull trailers of up to 10,500 pounds (10,100 for 4WD).

Yukon XL is available in two trim levels, SLE and SLT. Each comes with a choice of two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Three engines are offered: 275-horsepower 4.8-liter Vortec 4800 V8, 285-horsepower 5.3-liter Vortec 5300 V8, 300-horsepower 6.0-liter Vortec 6000 V8. (A diesel engine is in the works.) All Yukon XLs come with an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

Yukon XL starts at $35,178 for the 2WD 1500 model. Yukon XL 2500 models start at $36,696 with the 6.0-liter engine. (Note: GMC is among the few manufacturers that include destination charges in its prices.)