2001 GMC Yukon/Denali: Road Test
2001 GMC Yukon/Denali ▼
- MSRP: $32,450 - $47,650
- Invoice: $28,394 - $41,694
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Our road test for the 2001 GMC Yukon/Denali includes a full evaluation of the 2001 GMC Yukon/Denali from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 GMC Yukon/Denali, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 GMC Yukon/Denali help you decide if a 2001 GMC Yukon/Denali is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Yukon 2WD, 4.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 3.7 |
Adequate with any engine, even under load, aided by smooth transmission's astute shifting. Maximum towing capacity is 8700 lbs on Yukon, 12,000 on Yukon XL, 8500 on Denali, 8400 on Denali XL.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Yukon 2WD, 4.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 2.3 |
Test Tahoe averaged 12.9 mpg, Suburban 11.5; both were 4x4s with the 5.3-liter V8. Expect similar Yukon/Yukon XL to do the same. Test Denali XL with standard 6.0 averaged just 9.8 mpg. All engines use regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Yukon 2WD, 4.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 4.5 |
Suspension absorbs bumps well, sure-footed on rough pavement.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Yukon 2WD, 4.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 3.1 |
They don't corner like cars, but handle better than their size implies. Balance in changes of direction is good and they're relatively easy to maneuver. Steering reasonably precise but could use better road feel. Strong stopping power with a firm, progressive pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| Yukon 2WD, 4.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
Wind rush not intrusive; tire noise low for full-size SUVs, but still audible at highway speeds. Engines throaty but smooth under hard acceleration.
CONTROLS
| Yukon 2WD, 4.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Unobstructed gauges and controls.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Yukon 2WD, 4.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.3 |
Seats feel substantial. Room in front is generous, even for large occupants. Drivers get commanding view of road with good visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Yukon 2WD, 4.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.1 |
Second-row seat is spacious. Third row in Yukon/Denali fit only for kids; XLs have enough room for adults. Step-in lower than Expedition and Excursion, but higher than typical minivan. Running boards help, but modest lower door openings hamper ingress/egress in Yukon/Denali; better with larger doors of XLs.
CARGO ROOM
| Yukon 2WD, 4.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.7 |
XLs offer large storage area behind 3rd-row seat; Yukon/Denali offer little space, but their 50/50 split seat is more versatile than XL's one-piece bench--and also easier to remove.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Yukon 2WD, 4.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 4 | 5.2 |
The Best Buy tag on this report refers to the Yukon/Yukon XL, which offer fine value in base form and most of the sensible luxury options anyone could want. Denalis mix those basic virtues with more standard power, extra amenities, but are pricey.
Total Score
| Yukon 2WD, 4.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 64 | 60 | 55 |
Total Score: 65
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles
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