2000-2006 GMC Yukon/Denali: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2006 GMC Yukon and Denali
View the Photo Gallery
View the Photo Gallery
2000-2006 GMC Yukon/Denali ▼
- Price Range: $6,600 - $25,600
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to GMC Yukon
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2000-2006 GMC Yukon/Denali and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Passenger and cargo room
- Trailer-towing capacity
- Acceleration (Denali)
Cons
- Entry/exit (Denali)
- Steering feel
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
GMC's Yukon again was largely a retrimmed rendition of the Chevrolet Tahoe. Instead of calling its longer model the Suburban, as before--and as Chevrolet continued to do--GMC switched to the Yukon XL designation. All models were 4-door wagons, about an inch shorter in wheelbase and overall length than their predecessors, but 2 inches wider, 2 inches taller, and some 300 pounds lighter. Both came with either side-opening rear cargo doors or a new aluminum liftgate with an independent-opening glass hatch. Yukons came only in one capacity rating, but Yukon XLs were offered in half-ton 1500 and 3/4-ton 2500 versions. Front side airbags were newly standard. The previous 5.7-liter V8 gave way to a trio of V8s: 4.8, 5.3 and 6.0 liters in displacement. Yukons had the 4.8-liter as standard equipment, with the 5.3 V8 optional. The 5.3-liter V8 was standard in the Yukon XL, with the 6.0-liter as an option. That bigger engine went into all Yukon XL 2500 wagons. Each model had a 4-speed automatic transmission, with GM's Tow/Haul mode that adjusted shift points to accommodate heavy loads or pull a trailer. All came with either rear-drive or GM's Autotrac 4-wheel-drive system, with an "Auto 4WD" mode that could be used on dry pavement. All had 4-wheel antilock braking. Newly available features included traction control, automatic climate control, a power sunroof, rear audio controls, and a self-leveling rear suspension. Second-row reclining bucket seats and GM's OnStar emergency/communications system were offered for the Yukon XL.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | GMC Yukon XL Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 9 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 59 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2000-2006 GMC Yukon/Denali. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2000-2006 GMC Yukon/Denali.
Year to Year Changes
2001 GMC Yukon:
Previously on the old platform, the upscale Denali wagon moved to the 2000 version and, for the first time came in an extended-length XL version. Offered only in half-ton capacity, Denalis had slightly different styling, 17-inch wheels (instead of 16-inch), an Autoride system with auto-adjusting shock absorbers, leather interior trim, and premium Bose stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer. A third-row bench seat was standard in XLs and Denalis, optional for regular Yukons. Second-row reclining buckets were available for XLs, while heated front seats were standard in the Denali and optional elsewhere. Both Denali wagons got the 6.0-liter V8, which gained 20 horsepower this year. A new 8.1-liter V8 was optional for the Yukon XL 2500. Denalis had a new permanent 4WD system that needed no driver intervention.
2002 GMC Yukon:
For 2002, front and rear automatic climate controls were newly standard on Yukons, and 2WD versions got standard limited-slip rear differential and traction control. Denalis for '02 added heated 2nd-row seats to the already-standard heated front seats, plus load-leveling rear suspension. All models had GM's Tow/Haul mode, which got revisions for 2002 designed to improve durability.
2003 GMC Yukon:
Front side airbags moved to the options list. GM's Quadrasteer 4-wheel steering was a new option for all XL 2500s. At low speeds, Quadrasteer turns the rear wheels opposite the fronts to reduce the turning radius. At higher speeds, all wheels turn in the same direction to enhance stability. Power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals were newly standard for Denalis and optional for Yukons. A multizone automatic climate system with front/rear controls was newly standard on Denalis and optional on Yukons. Newly optional are rear-seat DVD entertainment and XM satellite-radio service with 100-channel digital receiver.
2004 GMC Yukon:
New for 2004 on the Yukon/Denali is a standard tire-pressure monitor.
2005 GMC Yukon:
All models have a rear liftgate for '05; side-opening cargo doors are no longer available. Denalis have a 6.0-liter V8 with 335 hp, up 10 hp for '05. GM's Stabilitrak antiskid system became standard for Yukon 1500 and Denali models during the '05 model year; it is not available for Yukon 2500. Yukons get standard 16-inch wheels or optional 17s. Chrome-finished 20-inch alloy wheels are newly available for Denalis.
2006 GMC Yukon:
No significant changes in '06.
Our road test for the 2000-2006 GMC Yukon/Denali includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2000-2006 GMC Yukon/Denali and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2000-2006 GMC Yukon/Denali is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Though mainly evolutionary, Yukon advances brought some noticeable improvements. New V8s feel slightly smoother than the engines they replaced, but not much stronger. Acceleration is adequate, aided by the smooth automatic's astute shifting, but the 4.8 liter feels strained in towing or heavy hauling. Gas mileage is dismal. A Denali XL averaged only 9.8 mpg, though models with smaller engines will do a little better. Big SUVs don't corner like cars, but handling is better than their size might suggest. They feel balanced in directional changes, and are fairly easy to maneuver. Steering is reasonably precise, but road feel is only adequate. Ride quality and brake feel are the most noted improvements. The suspension absorbs bumps well and is sure-footed on rough pavement. Stopping power is strong, with firm, progressive pedal action. Wind rush is not intrusive. Tire noise is low for a full-size SUV, but audible at highway speeds. The dashboard layout is logical and handy, with clear gauges and easily accessed controls. Drivers get a commanding view, while moving the spare tire beneath the rear undercarriage improved visibility and cargo space. Front- and second-row space is generous. Differences between regular and XL Yukons are most evident in the third row. XLs have ample head, shoulder, and leg room for two grownups, but leg and head clearance in the shorter Yukon's third-row seat suggests children and occasional use. Entry/exit is somewhat hampered by modest back-door openings. A Yukon has only enough room for a single row of grocery bags behind the third row, but Yukon XLs are more sizable. Third-row seats fold easily, and have wheels for removal. The XL's heavy bench takes two people to remove, while the Yukon's third row is in two sections.
Value for the Money
GM's impressive new full-size SUVs are capable, comfortable, and easy to live with. Though too big for a lot of buyers, their size fits nicely into the gap between Ford's Expedition and Excursion. Don't buy a big SUV without trying a GMC or Chevrolet.
GM's impressive new full-size SUVs are capable, comfortable, and easy to live with. Though too big for a lot of buyers, their size fits nicely into the gap between Ford's Expedition and Excursion. Don't buy a big SUV without trying a GMC or Chevrolet.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | GMC Yukon XL Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 9 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 59 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation GMC Yukon includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation GMC Yukon .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Blower motor:
Blower may not operate or may run on with key off requiring revised blower motor control module. (2003-05)
Engine temperature:
Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (2000)
Manual transmission:
Manual transmissions tend to pop out of first gear because the transmissions were built without a detent ball and spring. These parts will be installed under warranty. (2000)
Rough idle:
Debris buildup in throttle body leads to high accelerator pedal effort and/or uneven idle. Requires installation of an air bypass plug. (2000-02)
Suspension noise:
Front drive shaft emits a whining sound and a revised shaft that is internally tuned and damped eliminates problem. (2000-03)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $390 |
| Alternator | $325 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,115 |
| Brakes | $375 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $890 |
| Exhaust System | $455 |
| Radiator | $555 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $665 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $610 |
Our price chart for this generation GMC Yukon details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2006 | |||
| Yukon 2WD | $18,700-22,500 | $17,200-20,700 | $12,200-14,600 |
| Yukon 4WD | $20,500-24,200 | $18,900-22,300 | $13,300-15,700 |
| Yukon Denali | $24,500-26,500 | $22,800-24,600 | $15,900-17,200 |
| Yukon XL 1500 2WD | $19,000-22,600 | $17,500-20,800 | $12,400-14,700 |
| Yukon XL 1500 4WD | $20,600-24,300 | $19,000-22,400 | $13,400-15,800 |
| Yukon XL 2500 2WD | $20,400-23,200 | $18,800-21,300 | $13,300-15,100 |
| Yukon XL 2500 4WD | $22,200-25,000 | $20,400-23,000 | $14,400-16,300 |
| Yukon XL Denali | $25,500-27,500 | $23,700-25,600 | $16,800-18,200 |
| 2005 | |||
| Yukon 2WD | $16,600-19,100 | $15,100-17,400 | $10,600-12,200 |
| Yukon 4WD | $18,700-21,100 | $17,200-19,400 | $12,200-13,700 |
| Yukon Denali | $21,300-23,000 | $19,600-21,200 | $13,800-15,000 |
| Yukon XL 1500 2WD | $17,000-19,300 | $15,600-17,800 | $10,900-12,400 |
| Yukon XL 1500 4WD | $19,100-21,400 | $17,600-19,700 | $12,400-13,900 |
| Yukon XL 2500 2WD | $17,600-19,800 | $16,200-18,200 | $11,300-12,700 |
| Yukon XL 2500 4WD | $19,600-21,900 | $18,000-20,100 | $12,700-14,200 |
| Yukon XL Denali | $22,000-23,700 | $20,200-21,800 | $14,300-15,400 |
| 2004 | |||
| Yukon 2WD | $14,200-16,500 | $12,900-15,000 | $8,700-10,100 |
| Yukon 4WD | $15,700-18,000 | $14,300-16,400 | $10,000-11,500 |
| Yukon Denali | $18,000-19,500 | $16,600-17,900 | $11,500-12,500 |
| Yukon XL 1500 2WD | $14,600-16,900 | $13,300-15,400 | $9,100-10,500 |
| Yukon XL 1500 4WD | $16,000-18,300 | $14,600-16,700 | $10,200-11,700 |
| Yukon XL 2500 2WD | $15,200-17,500 | $13,800-15,900 | $9,600-11,000 |
| Yukon XL 2500 4WD | $16,500-18,800 | $15,000-17,100 | $10,600-12,000 |
| Yukon XL Denali | $18,500-20,000 | $17,000-18,400 | $11,800-12,800 |
| 2003 | |||
| Yukon 2WD | $11,900-13,600 | $10,700-12,200 | $6,700-7,600 |
| Yukon 4WD | $13,000-15,000 | $11,800-13,700 | $7,500-8,700 |
| Yukon Denali | $15,200-16,500 | $13,800-15,000 | $9,600-10,400 |
| Yukon XL 1500 2WD | $12,000-13,500 | $10,800-12,200 | $6,700-7,600 |
| Yukon XL 1500 4WD | $13,000-15,000 | $11,800-13,700 | $7,500-8,700 |
| Yukon XL 2500 2WD | $12,500-14,000 | $11,300-12,600 | $7,100-8,000 |
| Yukon XL 2500 4WD | $13,300-15,300 | $12,100-13,900 | $7,800-9,000 |
| Yukon XL Denali | $15,500-17,000 | $14,100-15,500 | $9,900-10,900 |
| 2002 | |||
| Yukon 2WD | $9,300-10,800 | $8,400-9,700 | $4,800-5,600 |
| Yukon 4WD | $10,300-11,500 | $9,300-10,400 | $5,500-6,100 |
| Yukon Denali | $12,800-14,000 | $11,600-12,700 | $7,300-8,000 |
| Yukon XL 1500 2WD | $9,400-10,800 | $8,500-9,700 | $4,900-5,600 |
| Yukon XL 1500 4WD | $10,400-11,600 | $9,400-10,400 | $5,500-6,100 |
| Yukon XL 2500 2WD | $9,800-11,300 | $8,800-10,200 | $5,100-5,900 |
| Yukon XL 2500 4WD | $10,800-12,100 | $9,700-10,900 | $5,800-6,500 |
| Yukon XL Denali | $13,000-14,500 | $11,800-13,200 | $7,500-8,400 |
| 2001 | |||
| Yukon 2WD | $8,200-9,300 | $7,400-8,400 | $4,200-4,700 |
| Yukon 4WD | $9,000-10,200 | $8,100-9,200 | $4,700-5,300 |
| Yukon Denali | $11,000-12,000 | $9,900-10,800 | $5,900-6,500 |
| Yukon XL 1500 2WD | $8,300-9,400 | $7,500-8,500 | $4,300-4,900 |
| Yukon XL 1500 4WD | $9,100-10,200 | $8,200-9,200 | $4,700-5,300 |
| Yukon XL 2500 2WD | $8,700-9,800 | $7,800-8,800 | $4,500-5,100 |
| Yukon XL 2500 4WD | $9,500-10,700 | $8,600-9,600 | $4,900-5,600 |
| Yukon XL Denali | $11,200-12,200 | $10,100-11,000 | $6,000-6,600 |
| 2000 | |||
| Yukon 2WD | $7,300-8,100 | $6,600-7,300 | $3,600-4,000 |
| Yukon 4WD | $7,900-8,800 | $7,100-7,900 | $4,000-4,500 |
| Yukon XL 1500 2WD | $7,400-8,200 | $6,700-7,400 | $3,700-4,100 |
| Yukon XL 1500 4WD | $8,000-9,000 | $7,200-8,100 | $4,100-4,600 |
| Yukon XL 2500 2WD | $7,800-8,600 | $7,000-7,700 | $4,000-4,400 |
| Yukon XL 2500 4WD | $8,400-9,400 | $7,600-8,500 | $4,400-4,900 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation GMC Yukon include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Yukon XL 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 130.0 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 219.3 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 75.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5123 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 138.4 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 32.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 9 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.7 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.0 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.1 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Base engine for Yukons was a 4.8-liter V8, rated at 275 horsepower. 2000 model year Denalis got a 5.7-liter V8 that achieved 255 hp. A 285-hp 5.3-liter V8 went into LS/LT Yukon and the Yukon XL 1500. Standard engine for the Yukon XL 2500 was a 300-hp 6.0-liter V8 (raised to 320 horsepower in 2001). That engine also went into the 2001 Denalis. An 8.1-liter V8 with 340 horsepower became available for Yukon XL 2500s in 2001. All models had a 4-speed automatic transmission. For 2005, Denalis have a 6.0-liter V8 with 335 hp, up 10 horsepower.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V8 | 4.8 / 294 | 275 | 290 | 4-speed automatic: 14/17 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.3 / 335 | 285 | 325 | 4-speed automatic: 14/16 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.7 / 350 | 255 | 330 | 4-speed automatic: 12/16 | 4-speed automatic: 13.6 |
| ohv V8 | 8.1 / 496 | 340 | 455 | 4-speed automatic: -- | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 6.0 / 364 | 300-320 | 355-360 | 4-speed automatic: 12/16 | 4-speed automatic: 9.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation GMC Yukon include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2000 Yukon |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2000-2006 GMC Yukon/Denali directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2000 XL:
Hydraulic pump driveshaft may fracture, resulting in immediate loss of power-steering assist; same condition could produce loss of assist from hydro-boost power brakes after reserve pressure is depleted, but neither condition totally eliminates the ability to steer or slow the vehicle.
2000-01 Yukon XL:
Fuel pump wire connectors in reservoir may overheat under certain operating conditions; if ignition wire is exposed, fuse will blow, disabling fuel pump and causing engine stall or no-start condition.
2000-02 Yukon XL:
In environmentally corrosive areas of specified "salt belt" states, unwanted antilock braking activation may occur, causing increased stopping distance during low-speed brake application.
2001:
Misrouted positive-battery-cable assembly could come in contact with the steering-shaft universal joint. Over time, this contact could cause a wear-through of the cable-assembly conduit and cable insulation, exposing the wire core and resulting in intermittent electrical shorting or battery discharge.
2001:
Outboard-seatbelt retractors for the 2nd and 3rd row of seats could be cracked. With repeated actuation of the locking mechanism, the crack could spread to the point such that the seatbelt would no longer lock.
2001:
Rear wheelhouse plugs may be loose or missing, allowing exhaust gases to flow forward under certain conditions and accumulate in rear wheelhouse.
2002:
Fingers can get pinched and trapped between the rear head restraints and the seatback when folding the seat down. Dealers will install protective covers.
2003 Yukon XL:
In certain extreme impacts, frame cross member could tear fuel tank resulting in fuel leakage. Dealers will install a fuel-tank shield on affected vehicles.
2003-04 Yukon/ Yukon XL:
Certain vehicles may have been produced with an out-of-specification brake relief valve, making steering difficult when braking. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2003-05 Yukon:
Seatbelt routing for second-row center occupant may make it difficult to position the lap portion of the belt low around the occupant's hips.
2004-05 Yukon XL w/Bosch hydro-boost braking:
Hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate during normal operating conditions, possibly issuing fragments and allowing fluid leakage.
2005 Yukon XL:
Brake-pedal pushrod retainer may be missing, which could result in loss of braking.
2005 Yukon XL:
Under certain vehicle-starting conditions, shift-lever position indicator in instrument panel may not illuminate.
2005 Yukon XL w/5.3-liter V8:
Engine fuel rail crossover tube retainer screws may break, allowing fuel leakage and possible engine stalling.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
