2000 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

General Motors redesigns its full-size SUVs for 2000, and GMC's offerings are again basically retrimmed versions of the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. Yukon mirrors the Tahoe, while Yukon XL is the new name for GMC's take on the longer Suburban.
These 4-door wagons are about an inch shorter in wheelbase and overall length than their predecessors, but are two inches wider, two inches taller, and some 300 pounds lighter. The XL comes with third-row seating, for 9-passenger capacity; the third-row seat is a new option for regular-length Yukons. Both have side-opening rear cargo doors or a new aluminum liftgate with independent-opening glass hatch. Front side airbags are new standard features. Yukon XL again comes in half-ton 1500 and three-quarter-ton 2500 versions.
As in the latest full-size GM pickups that parent all these SUVs, a 5.7-liter V8 gives way to 4.8-, 5.3-, and 6.0-liter V8s. Yukon comes with the 4.8 and offers the 5.3 as an option. Yukon XL 1500s come only with the 5.3, and Yukon XL 2500s come only with the 6.0. The only transmission is a 4-speed automatic with GM's "Tow/Haul" mode that adjusts shift points to accommodate heavy loads or trailers.
All models offer rear-wheel drive or GM's Autotrac 4WD, which can be used on dry pavement and includes locked-in 4WD high and low ranges. Traction control is a new option for 2WD models. All have standard 4-wheel antilock brakes. Newly available are automatic climate control, power sunroof, rear audio controls, self-leveling rear suspension and, for XL, second-row reclining bucket seats. GM's OnStar communications system is optional. Returning this fall as an '01 model is the Yukon Denali, a luxury model that will use the 6.0 V8 and for the first time be offered in both regular and XL versions. Yukon and Yukon XLs have performance and accommodations similar to those of like-equipped Tahoes and Suburbans.

COMPETITION

Though this segment has cooled somewhat with the rise in fuel prices, it's still one of the hottest. Our Best Buy is the Ford Expedition. We love the size, comfort, and power of this big SUV. Hot on its heels are the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. We were very impressed with these vehicles initially, and when we have more time to fully evaluate them we expect them to be Best Buys as well.
For a few more bucks you can get the highly recommended Toyota Land Cruiser. Its high price is the only thing holding back this refined and drivable SUV.