2000-2006 GMC Yukon/Denali: Overview

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.