2000 GMC Yukon Denali: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

While its Yukon stablemate is redesigned for 2000, the luxury Yukon Denali continues to use General Motors' previous-generation full-size SUV platform and powertrain. Denali shares this holdover status with the similar 2000 Cadillac Escalade and the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 and Limited.
GM's OnStar communications system is standard for 2000, so the sole Denali option is a no-cost choice between a rear liftgate/tailgate or twin side-opening rear doors.
Unlike its redesigned GM cousins, which can seat up to nine passengers, Denali offers only a 5-place seating arrangement: power front bucket seats and a split/folding rear seat. Standard equipment dictated by Denali's luxury mission includes heated front and outboard rear leather seats, wood interior trim, a CD audio system with 6-disc CD changer and rear-seat audio controls, and power heated outside mirrors.
Its redesigned cousins get new engines, but Denali continues with a 5.7-liter V8, plus automatic transmission and Autotrac full-time 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement. Denali's standard towing rating is 6600 pounds. Performance and accommodations mirror those of the Cadillac Escalade.

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.