2007 GMC Yukon Review

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