It stands to reason that if you do something long enough you'll get damn good at it, and with the introduction of the
it's clear General Motors knows how to make a capable large SUV. This latest Yukon is all-new, from its platform and styling to its V8 engine lineup and available six-speed transmission. Two models are offered, the Yukon and Yukon XL, and both are available with cloth (SLE trim) or leather (SLT decor) as well as 2WD or 4WD. The Denali model adds an exclusive engine and transmission, and builds on the SLT's standard equipment list with a complete load of luxury features.
The biggest difference between the standard Yukon and the Yukon XL is the XL's extra 14 inches of wheelbase and 20 inches of overall length. The XL also gets a standard third-row seat, which is optional on the standard Yukon. Yukon SLE and SLT models can be equipped with the following new Vortec small-block V8 engines: a standard 4.8-liter (standard model only), two 5.3-liter choices with active fuel management, and two 6.0-liter choices (XL model only). Denali models get an exclusive 6.2-liter V8 that's also found in the
, but which makes more power in the Caddy. Horsepower runs the gamut between 295 and 380 with torque figures ranging between 305 lb.-ft and 415 lb.-ft.
Underneath, the 2007 Yukon gets a new coil-over-shock front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, larger four-wheel disc brakes, and an all-new ABS system. An optional Autoride suspension reads the road and automatically adjusts the electronic shocks for a smoother ride. GMC didn't forget safety when it comes to the 2007 Yukon, including as standard equipment a StabiliTrak stability control system, dual-stage airbags for front seat occupants, side curtain airbags with rollover protection for all three rows, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
test vehicle was loaded with amenities including chrome 20-inch wheels, a power sunroof, a navigation system with CD/DVD and MP3 players, a rearview camera system, and a heated steering wheel. The downside of all this is that our Denali didn't come cheap at $54,765 including an $875 destination charge. That's a pile of cash, but with big SUV sales stalled you're likely to get a big discount from sticker. If you take the rebate bait, know that our seat-of-the-pants opinion is the 2007 Denali version is the best Yukon yet, and represents a giant improvement over previous models. It isn't perfect, but then again, nothing is.
PerformanceDespite the GMC Yukon Denali's size and weight, our test vehicle's 6.2-liter V8 had no problems pushing around the condo-sized SUV thanks to 380 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque. Power was run through a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission that kept the engine in its optimal rev range. There was the occasional dead spot in pedal response but we weren't sure if it was the transmission or a flaw in the drivetrain. The main downside to the Denali's engine was its thirst for fuel: Our combined number was a mere 11.5 mpg. A smaller 4.8-liter V8 engine equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission is standard on the regular Yukon, but we question whether it could deliver better fuel economy considering its low 305 lb.-ft. torque rating combined with the Yukon's weight and size.
Handling For 2007 the GMC Yukon is equipped with a larger four-wheel-disc ABS and rack-and-pinion steering. The Yukon's brakes perform admirably and provide excellent feedback to the driver. The Yukon is big and heavy, but never during my drive did I feel the need to keep adding more and more pedal pressure to get the SUV stopped. However, the Yukon's steering is too light. Low effort levels are great in parking lots and at low speeds but it needs to firm up as speed increases. One great thing about the Yukon is its incredibly tight turning radius for such a large vehicle.
When it comes to handling, the Yukon wails like a toddler that isn't getting its way when pushed hard into corners. Understeer is the dominant characteristic in extreme conditions, and the 20-inch wheels and tires don't seem to help. In a straight line, however, the opposite is true. Our GMC Yukon Denali delivered a supple ride just like that of a
luxury car, thanks to the Autoride suspension that incorporates electronic shocks and real-time damping. This makes the Yukon a perfect ride for long hauls.
VisibilityThe 2007 GMC Yukon's outward visibility couldn't get any better. With a large, unobstructed field of view in the rearview mirror and large side mirrors that eliminate blind spots, the only thing better is the optional rearview camera system that activates when reversing. Unfortunately, to get the camera you must purchase the pricey navigation system. Those that like to look over their shoulder before changing lanes will find the second-row headrests block visibility out the rear passenger's side quarter window, but the side mirror compensates for that and you shouldn't be looking away from the road anyway. Forward visibility is also excellent, making it easy to locate the front corners.
Fun to Drive I actually found the 2007 GMC Yukon Denali enjoyable to drive thanks to its abundant power and torque combined with the supple ride and quiet interior. Coming from a guy who prefers sitting low to the ground in two-door
sports cars, that's high praise. The Yukon works well as a package, and that makes the entire driving experience a good one. My hard-to-please daughter even enjoyed riding around in the Yukon thanks to the comfortable rear seats and entertainment system that allowed her to watch her favorite DVDs while we ran errands.
Front Comfort The 2007 GMC Yukon Denali is just as comfortable as my own living room. The leather seating is supportive and adequately adjustable with amply padded door and center console armrests. There's plenty of head and legroom and the interior feels large and accommodating. Stepping up into the Yukon is easy thanks to an integrated side step, but the lack of an assist handle meant using the steering wheel for additional pull and balance. Smartly styled as it is, the steering wheel doesn't feel as good as it looks. The wheel is two-thirds leather wrap and one-third wood with an odd-feeling uneven transition between the two. An effective tri-zone climate control system kept things cozy and having everything within reach added to comfort levels.
Rear Comfort Getting in and out of the 2007 GMC Yukon's rear seat is easy thanks to side steps and proper assist grips. Once aboard, occupants find second-row comfort that's as good as it gets in an SUV thanks to well-padded reclining captain's chairs and sufficient knee, foot and legroom. Add in the folding inboard armrests and adjustable overhead air vents, and the only thing more comfortable is your favorite recliner. Access to the third-row seating wasn't overlooked, either, thanks to manual or power folding second-row chairs that leave decent space for crawling into the third row. Third row headroom is limited but knee and foot room are ample for those of average height.
Interior Noise The 2007 GMC Yukon's cabin is surprisingly quiet, almost like a luxury car. Aside from the exhaust-system's growl when accelerating hard, the cabin is virtually noise free. I didn't experience any wind or excessive tire noise and the only annoyance was an intermittent squeak from the center console.
Loading Cargo The biggest disadvantage to the Yukon's third-row seating is the amount of cargo space that gets eaten up in the standard-length models, though a high liftover height is also problematic when loading heavy items. With the third-row in use, very little cargo space is available between the seatback and the tailgate. Tumble the third-row seats forward or remove them completely and a substantial amount of additional space is at your disposal. Note that removing the two rearmost seats is awkward and requires some light lifting, and that GMC doesn't offer power third-row folding seats. By contrast, top trims of the
Ford Expedition and all Lincoln Navigators have third-row seats that fold into the floor in addition to power third-row folding. On the GMC's positive side, the power tailgate takes the stretch and strain out of raising and lowering the tailgate, and in its raised position is out of the way even for taller people.
Build Quality Overall, our 2007 GMC Yukon Denali's build quality was pretty good. The worst offense inside was the plastic trim that covers the rear seat mounts, which appeared to be glued to the carpet and not actually mounted to the vehicle. We also found a sloppily fitted third-row tray and cupholder that looked cheap and also showed poor fit and finish. We also found the A-pillars to be loose.
Outside, just a few things worth noting marred build quality. The rear bumper cover that hid the trailer hitch was the worse offender, loose and exhibiting terrible fit. We also found the grille's G-M-C lettering loose and rattling, poor fit of the plastic trim pieces that flank the rear window, and slight variance of the gaps around the rear window.
Materials Quality Around our office, the materials quality of GM products is always at the top of the list of complaints and this GMC Yukon is no exception. With a price tag north of $54,000, shouldn't the consumer expect a few soft-touch surfaces? GMC uses hard plastic for the upper and lower dash surfaces, relying solely on a two-tone finish to add an upscale look. The only place soft-touch surfaces (and I use that term lightly) are used is on the upper sections of the door panels, and even then you'll have to push hard to convince yourself it's flexible. The fake wood used throughout the interior isn't the best I've seen but it's not terrible either; still, for this price I would expect real wood. The leather upholstery is soft and appears to be of good quality, as is the plush carpeting and woven mesh headliner. One area where GM gets points is the aluminum-look grille that is actually high quality plastic but will fool onlookers without a close examination.
StylingDesigners did a good job thinking the design of the 2007 GMC Yukon Denali through. All of the controls are easy to use and are within easy reach of the driver and passenger. The two-tone color scheme and use of painted silver accents successfully adds an upscale appearance and we also like the clean look of the covered cupholders and storage bins. Some changes we'd like to see are a larger radio with bigger buttons, and there's plenty of real estate to make this a reality. Also, the steering wheel looks nice but has an odd feel to it due to the poor transition from the wood to the leather.
Outside, the GMC Yukon continues the luxury theme through the use of chrome accents, what appears to be custom grille work, large jeweled headlights, tinted windows, and 20-inch rims. There's also a sleekly designed roof rack integrated into the design with color-matched paint and chrome accents.
StorageBecause of cell phones, key cards, pocket change and other miscellaneous items we carry with us at all times, storage spots in cars have become critically important. The GMC Yukon offers plenty of storage up front, from an oversize center console that will swallow two sets of headphones and some DVDs with an abundance of room left over to two smaller but useful compartments strategically placed within reach of both front occupants. However, the best one has to be the small rubber-lined recess in the top of the console lid. This area is conveniently placed and large enough to keep frequently used objects at the ready.
Infotainment Controls The central panel for the GMC Yukon's radio, navigation and entertainment system is just too small. There's plenty of room to accommodate a larger unit with bigger buttons that would be easier to find and use while driving. Seriously, what's up with the tiny volume and tuning knobs? Good luck turning those with cold fingers or when wearing gloves. The touch screen radio and navigation system is easy to use and entering an address takes little effort. I also loved the backup camera that displays the view rearward on the screen when in reverse; however, GM should consider incorporating a swivel feature that allows the camera to turn with the steering wheel for a better field of view side to side. The entertainment system is initially confusing but takes just a short time to figure out as I discovered when my daughter asked to view a DVD. With the push of a couple of prompts on the touch screen, I handed her the remote control and headset and resumed listening to the radio while she watched a movie making us both happy!
Climate Controls It is nice to see GMC keep the climate controls separate from the radio and navigation systems. Not to be picky, but again, larger buttons would make using them easier and more convenient.
Secondary Controls Keeping things simple and easy is key, and GMC delivers with the interior of the 2007 Yukon. All switches and dials are logically located and operate as expected. The addition of buttons for the power tailgate and second-row power folding seats within reach of the driver is a great idea. The only oddly placed items are the buttons that manually control gearshifts for the transmission, located on the column-mounted gear selector. Not only are they small (like too many of the Yukon's interior controls) but they aren't placed for easy use. A better location would have been placing them on the steering wheel. Placing a button to electronically fold the second-row seats within reach of the third row passengers is also a great idea, and makes exiting the third-row bench that much easier.
SpecificationsTest Vehicle: 2007 GMC Yukon Denali
Price of Test Vehicle: $54,765 (includes $875 destination charge)
Engine Size and Type: 6.2-liter V8
Engine Horsepower: 380 at 5,500 rpm
Engine Torque: 415 lb.-ft. at 4,400 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Curb weight, lbs.: 5,415
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway):13/19
Observed Fuel Economy: 11.5 mpg
Length: 202 inches
Width: 79 inches
Wheelbase: 116 inches
Height: 76.8 inches
Leg room (front/rear): 41.3/39.0 inches
Head room (front/rear): 41.1/39.2 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: 7 (with third-row seat)
Max. Cargo Volume: 16.9 cu.-ft. with third row in place
Max. Payload: 1,776 lbs.
Max. Towing Capacity: 8,200 lbs.
Ground Clearance:8.9 inches
Competitors: Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban,
Chrysler Aspen,
Ford Expedition EL,
Infiniti QX56,
Land Rover LR3,
Lexus LX 470,
Lincoln Navigator,
Nissan Armada,
Toyota Land Cruiser
2nd Opinions GMC Yukon – Chris Wardlaw's Opinion:
People who buy full-size SUVs with big V8 engines don't care about the price of gas, so I won't harp on the GMC Yukon Denali for averaging less than 12 mpg or for the fact that squeezing 30 bucks into the tank rewards the driver with just 120 miles of additional range. People who buy full-size SUVs based on regular truck frames are also prepared to climb high when entering and drop out when exiting, and they know that passenger room and cargo space are compromised by the traditional ladder-style frame and solid rear axle, so I won't complain much about that, either. Finally, since the fake wood and hard plastic used for the dashboard of this $54,000 luxe-truck is a huge leap forward from what the old Denali had going for it, the gripe is a minor one – even if the lowly
Nissan Versa econocar contains better quality materials than this top-shelf GMC.
That leaves me to complain about the teensy little buttons that GM has started using for all of its climate and stereo systems, particularly glaring in a vehicle like the Yukon which has large expanses of real estate on the control panel upon which these buttons could be spread out and made larger. I'm also befuddled by the lack of a telescopic steering column or one-touch power window operation for all four doors. Further, I wasn't a big fan of the powertrain, which accelerated briskly off the line but was slow to respond to requests for passing power. Plus, there are times when it seems there's a dead spot in the powerband. Combined with the SUV's inherently large size and portly curb weight, which conspire to make the GMC a sloppy handler despite the optional 20-inch tires, these traits make the Yukon Denali a chore to drive in traffic.
What did I like about the GMC Yukon Denali? I like the styling, I think the front seats are very comfortable, and the suspension is stiff enough to offer a sporting feel but compliant enough to provide a decent ride quality. The sound system rocks, the reversing camera is cool, the view forward and to the sides is clear, and the exhaust system features a spine-tingling bellow that only an American V8 can provide.
GMC Yukon – Brian Chee's Opinion:
Call it Professional Grade. That's the 2007 GMC Yukon Denali, so close to a ‘Slade that it almost paints itself black. The chrome. The wheels. The pure bodacious size of the thing – it's all an Escalade can be, with a slight nod to the Escalade's interior upgrades. Heck, at 11.5 mpg you oughta get something special, and the Yukon Denali offers it up in spades, starting with chrome roof rails, doors handles and an interior that's halfway up the luxury ladder between a Chevy Tahoe and that ominous Cadillac, enough for people to appreciate dampened compartment doors, plush leather seating, beautiful wood grain and fine textured plastics. In back, seats move up and down easily, though two hands are necessary to maneuver the back seats at times. One thing about the interior I just don't understand – and doubt many parents will – is the two bucket seats in the second row. It means that the Yukon Denali will seat just four with the third-row down.
Despite this, the Yukon Denali is a huge improvement over the 2006 model. Priced competitively – albeit to a dying market – the Yukon Denali will win its share of fans who can't afford the Caddy upgrade and want more than a Chevy. What they'll get is a beast that drives easily, just as the rest of its 2007 stablemates do – nice handling, great acceleration and smooth overall performance from its 6.2-liter V8 engine. The engine is mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission which cycles through the gears smoothly. On city streets and when driving on the freeway, the Yukon Denali exhibits a surprisingly nimble driving character, with responsive steering, predictable braking and a tight turning radius much better than one has a right to expect in a boat like this. Accelerator tip-in felt a bit abrupt, but once up to speed the powertrain worked flawlessly to deliver a smooth stream of power. All in all, the GMC Yukon Denali is an excellent driver with a superb interior. Get that fuel mileage up to a real-world index of 20, and that would sure be something.
Photos by Ron Perry
