2000-2006 GMC Yukon/Denali Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation GMC Yukon. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation GMC Yukon.

2000-2006 GMC Yukon/Denali Review

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.

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.

2000-2006 GMC Yukon/Denali Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (Denali)	Steering feel

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Trailer-towing capacity	Entry/exit (Denali)

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.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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:	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.

2000-2006 GMC Yukon/Denali Reliability

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

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.

2000-2006 GMC Yukon/Denali Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

2000
Yukon 2WD	$8,700-9,800	$7,800-8,800	$4,500-5,100
Yukon 4WD	$9,700-10,800	$8,700-9,700	$5,000-5,600
Yukon XL 1500 2WD	$8,900-9,900	$8,000-8,900	$4,600-5,100
Yukon XL 1500 4WD	$9,800-11,000	$8,800-9,900	$5,100-5,700
Yukon XL 2500 2WD	$9,500-10,500	$8,600-9,500	$4,900-5,500
Yukon XL 2500 4WD	$10,400-11,600	$9,400-10,400	$5,500-6,100

2001
Yukon 2WD	$10,000-11,300	$9,000-10,200	$5,200-5,900
Yukon 4WD	$11,000-12,500	$9,900-11,300	$5,900-6,800
Yukon Denali	$13,500-14,700	$12,300-13,400	$8,000-8,700
Yukon XL 1500 2WD	$10,200-11,500	$9,200-10,400	$5,300-6,000
Yukon XL 1500 4WD	$11,300-12,600	$10,200-11,300	$6,200-6,900
Yukon XL 2500 2WD	$10,800-12,000	$9,700-10,800	$5,800-6,500
Yukon XL 2500 4WD	$11,800-13,000	$10,600-11,700	$6,600-7,300
Yukon XL Denali	$14,000-15,500	$12,700-14,100	$8,500-9,500

2002
Yukon 2WD	$11,800-13,500	$10,600-12,200	$6,600-7,600
Yukon 4WD	$13,800-14,700	$12,600-13,400	$8,300-8,800
Yukon Denali	$16,200-17,500	$14,700-15,900	$10,400-11,200
Yukon XL 1500 2WD	$12,200-13,700	$11,000-12,300	$6,800-7,700
Yukon XL 1500 4WD	$13,200-14,900	$12,000-13,600	$7,700-8,600
Yukon XL 2500 2WD	$12,700-14,300	$11,400-12,900	$7,400-8,300
Yukon XL 2500 4WD	$14,000-15,600	$12,700-14,200	$8,500-9,500
Yukon XL Denali	$16,500-18,000	$15,000-16,400	$10,600-11,500

2003
Yukon 2WD	$14,800-17,000	$13,500-15,500	$9,300-10,700
Yukon 4WD	$16,200-18,500	$14,700-16,800	$10,400-11,800
Yukon Denali	$20,000-21,500	$18,400-19,800	$13,000-14,000
Yukon XL 1500 2WD	$15,000-16,800	$13,700-15,300	$9,500-10,600
Yukon XL 1500 4WD	$16,300-18,300	$14,800-16,700	$10,400-11,700
Yukon XL 2500 2WD	$15,500-17,500	$14,100-15,900	$9,900-11,200
Yukon XL 2500 4WD	$16,800-18,800	$15,500-17,300	$10,800-12,000
Yukon XL Denali	$20,500-22,500	$18,900-20,700	$13,300-14,600

2004
Yukon 2WD	$17,500-20,200	$16,100-18,600	$11,200-12,900
Yukon 4WD	$19,600-22,000	$18,000-20,200	$12,700-14,300
Yukon Denali	$24,000-25,500	$22,300-23,700	$15,600-16,600
Yukon XL 1500 2WD	$18,000-20,500	$16,600-18,900	$11,500-13,100
Yukon XL 1500 4WD	$19,500-21,700	$17,900-20,000	$12,700-14,100
Yukon XL 2500 2WD	$18,500-20,500	$17,000-18,900	$11,800-13,100
Yukon XL 2500 4WD	$20,000-22,500	$18,400-20,700	$13,000-14,600
Yukon XL Denali	$25,000-26,500	$23,300-24,600	$16,500-17,500

2005
Yukon 2WD	$19,900-23,700	$18,300-21,800	$12,900-15,400
Yukon 4WD	$21,900-25,600	$20,100-23,600	$14,200-16,600
Yukon Denali	$28,000-29,500	$26,000-27,400	$19,000-20,100
Yukon XL 1500 2WD	$20,300-23,700	$18,700-21,800	$13,200-15,400
Yukon XL 1500 4WD	$22,100-25,000	$20,300-23,000	$14,400-16,300
Yukon XL 2500 2WD	$21,000-24,300	$19,300-22,400	$13,700-15,800
Yukon XL 2500 4WD	$23,000-26,300	$21,200-24,200	$15,000-17,100
Yukon XL Denali	$29,000-31,000	$27,000-28,800	$20,000-21,400

2006
Yukon 2WD	$21,500-24,500	$19,800-22,500	$14,000-15,900
Yukon 4WD	$23,500-28,000	$21,600-25,800	$15,300-18,200
Yukon Denali	$32,500-34,500	$30,200-32,100	$22,800-24,200
Yukon XL 1500 2WD	$22,000-27,000	$20,200-24,800	$14,300-17,600
Yukon XL 1500 4WD	$23,700-28,000	$22,000-26,000	$15,400-18,200
Yukon XL 2500 2WD	$23,700-27,500	$22,000-25,600	$15,400-17,900
Yukon XL 2500 4WD	$25,700-29,800	$23,900-27,700	$17,000-19,700
Yukon XL Denali	$33,500-36,000	$31,200-33,500	$23,800-25,600

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.

2000-2006 GMC Yukon/Denali Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Yukon 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	116.0

Overall Length, in.	198.8

Overall Width, in.	78.8

Overall Height, in.	76.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	5050

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	104.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	26.0

Seating Capacity	9

Front Head Room, in.	40.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.3

Rear Head Room, in.	39.4

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.6

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	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv V8	8.1 / 496	340	455	4-speed automatic: --	4-speed automatic: --

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	6.0 / 364	300-320	355-360	4-speed automatic: 12/16	4-speed automatic: 9.8

ohv V8	5.7 / 350	255	330	4-speed automatic: 12/16	4-speed automatic: 13.6

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

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Also in the 2000-2006 GMC Yukon/Denali Review:

GMC Yukon/Denali

GMC Yukon/Denali Road Test

GMC Yukon/Denali Reliability

GMC Yukon/Denali Prices

GMC Yukon/Denali Specs & Safety

GMC Yukon/Denali Photos

GMC Yukon/Denali Full Review