2021 GMC Yukon XL towing capacity
Up to 8,300 lbs (the source does not say which hitch type the figure is for). That rating is for this configuration: Yukon XL 2WD, 5.3L V8, 2WD, 3.23 axle. The lowest-rated configuration in the same tables is 7,400 lbs, so the answer for your vehicle depends on how it is equipped.
The top figure belongs to one specific build. Find the row that matches your engine, cab, drive and axle, and check the label on your driver's door jamb. Passengers and cargo in the truck come off what you can tow.
2021 GMC Yukon XL towing capacity by engine
The highest rating published for each engine. Pick a figure to see every configuration behind it.
2021 GMC Yukon XL towing capacity chart
All 12 configurations in the source, by hitch type and engine, highest rating first. Each row links to the page it is printed on.
Hitch type not stated
The source gives these trailer weights without naming a hitch type. They are shown as printed.
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon XL 2WDhitch type not named: column is 'Max Trailer Weight Rating' and the guide gives no statement that these ratings are for a conventional hitch; GVWR and payload cells span both rating rows of this configuration | 2WD | 3.23 | 8,300 lbs | Max Trailering Package | p. 27 |
| Yukon XL 4WDhitch type not named: column is 'Max Trailer Weight Rating' and the guide gives no statement that these ratings are for a conventional hitch; GVWR and payload cells span both rating rows of this configuration | 4WD | 3.23 | 8,000 lbs | Max Trailering Package | p. 27 |
| Yukon XL 2WDhitch type not named: column is 'Max Trailer Weight Rating' and the guide gives no statement that these ratings are for a conventional hitch; GVWR and payload cells span both rating rows of this configuration | 2WD | 3.23 | 7,800 lbs | p. 27 | |
| Yukon XL 4WDhitch type not named: column is 'Max Trailer Weight Rating' and the guide gives no statement that these ratings are for a conventional hitch; GVWR and payload cells span both rating rows of this configuration | 4WD | 3.23 | 7,500 lbs | p. 27 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denali, Yukon XL Denali 2WDhitch type not named: column is 'Max Trailer Weight Rating' and the guide gives no statement that these ratings are for a conventional hitch; GVWR and payload cells span both rating rows of this configuration | 2WD | 3.23 | 8,100 lbs | Max Trailering Package | p. 27 |
| Denali, Yukon XL Denali 4WDhitch type not named: column is 'Max Trailer Weight Rating' and the guide gives no statement that these ratings are for a conventional hitch; GVWR and payload cells span both rating rows of this configuration | 4WD | 3.23 | 7,900 lbs | Max Trailering Package | p. 27 |
| Denali, Yukon XL Denali 2WDhitch type not named: column is 'Max Trailer Weight Rating' and the guide gives no statement that these ratings are for a conventional hitch; GVWR and payload cells span both rating rows of this configuration | 2WD | 3.23 | 7,600 lbs | p. 27 | |
| Denali, Yukon XL Denali 4WDhitch type not named: column is 'Max Trailer Weight Rating' and the guide gives no statement that these ratings are for a conventional hitch; GVWR and payload cells span both rating rows of this configuration | 4WD | 3.23 | 7,400 lbs | p. 27 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon XL 2WDhitch type not named: column is 'Max Trailer Weight Rating' and the guide gives no statement that these ratings are for a conventional hitch; GVWR and payload cells span both rating rows of this configuration | 2WD | 3.23 | 7,900 lbs | p. 27 | |
| Yukon XL 2WDhitch type not named: column is 'Max Trailer Weight Rating' and the guide gives no statement that these ratings are for a conventional hitch; GVWR and payload cells span both rating rows of this configuration | 2WD | 3.23 | 7,900 lbs | Max Trailering Package | p. 27 |
| Yukon XL 4WDhitch type not named: column is 'Max Trailer Weight Rating' and the guide gives no statement that these ratings are for a conventional hitch; GVWR and payload cells span both rating rows of this configuration | 4WD | 3.23 | 7,700 lbs | p. 27 | |
| Yukon XL 4WDhitch type not named: column is 'Max Trailer Weight Rating' and the guide gives no statement that these ratings are for a conventional hitch; GVWR and payload cells span both rating rows of this configuration | 4WD | 3.23 | 7,700 lbs | Max Trailering Package | p. 27 |
Common questions
Which 2021 GMC Yukon XL engine tows the most?
5.3L V8, at up to 8,300 lbs. Next is 6.2L V8 at up to 8,100 lbs.
What does a 2021 GMC Yukon XL need to tow 8,300 lbs?
The source lists this for the top-rated configuration: Max Trailering Package.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 2021 GMC Trailering Guide. Each row in the tables above links to the document and gives the page the figure is printed on.
Towing equipment for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL
Parts sold to fit this vehicle. Fitting one does not raise a rating, and the tables above say what each rating needs.
- Trailer wiring harness for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL. See on Amazon (paid link)
- Trailer hitch receiver for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL. See on Amazon (paid link)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The ratings on this page come only from the documents cited.
Where these numbers come from
- 2021 GMC Trailering Guide, GMC. Manufacturer towing guide. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
Page numbers count pages in the linked file, which can differ from the number printed in the corner. Report a number that looks wrong.
Related ratings
- 2022 GMC Yukon XL towing capacity
- 2020 GMC Yukon XL towing capacity
- Every year of the GMC Yukon XL
- Other SUVs that can tow 8,000 lbs
- 2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD, up to 20,000 lbs
- 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD, up to 18,500 lbs
- 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, up to 11,800 lbs
- 2021 GMC Savana Cargo, up to 10,000 lbs
- 2021 GMC Savana Passenger, up to 9,600 lbs