2002 GMC Yukon/Denali: Road Test
2002 GMC Yukon/Denali ▼
- MSRP: $34,091 - $48,839
- Invoice: $29,830 - $42,734
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Our road test for the 2002 GMC Yukon/Denali includes a full evaluation of the 2002 GMC Yukon/Denali from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 GMC Yukon/Denali, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 GMC Yukon/Denali help you decide if a 2002 GMC Yukon/Denali is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Yukon 2WD, 5.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 3.9 |
Always adequate, though the 4.8 V8 feels taxed when towing or with heavy loads. Automatic transmission is a model of smooth, alert shifting. Maximum towing capacity with largest available engine: 8700 lb on Yukon and Denali, 12,000 lb on XL versions.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Yukon 2WD, 5.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 2.1 |
With 4WD and 5.3-liter V8, test Yukon averaged 12.2 mpg and Yukon XL 11.5. Test Denali XL with 6.0 V8 averaged just 9.8 mpg. All engines use regular fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Yukon 2WD, 5.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
Base suspension furnishes more-controlled ride than the Autoride system standard on Denali and optional on Yukon. It absorbs bumps better and is more-surefooted on rough pavement. Z71 setup is stiff, so try before buying. With any setup, wavy surfaces can induce fore-aft and side-to-side pitching typical of full-size SUVs.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Yukon 2WD, 5.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4 | 2.7 |
No big SUV corners like a car, but these GMC have better balance in changes of direction than their size might imply. The regular-length Yukon and Denali are easier to maneuver than the longer XL versions. Yukon's standard suspension affords better overall control than the Autoride setup, and steering on all versions could use more road feel. Stopping power is good, with firm, progressive pedal movement.
QUIETNESS
| Yukon 2WD, 5.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Wind rush not intrusive. Tire noise audible at highway speeds, but well-masked for full-size SUVs. Full throttle brings on engine roar, but these V8s are smooth runners.
CONTROLS
| Yukon 2WD, 5.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.5 |
No instrument is blocked from view, and all controls are reasonably close to the driver. Available leather dresses things up, but grade of plastic and vinyl surfaces on most interior panels seems inappropriate for higher-priced Yukon SLT and Denali.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Yukon 2WD, 5.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.5 |
Stretch-out space on wide, supportive seats. Drivers get commanding view of road, though close-by small objects are hidden, and no obstacle sensors are offered.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Yukon 2WD, 5.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.3 |
Second-row seat is spacious, and exclusive to Denali are heated 2nd-row seats. Third row in standard-length 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, 5.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.8 |
XLs offer large storage area behind 3rd-row seat; standard 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, 5.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 4 | 6 |
Yukon and Yukon XL offer fine value in base form and most of the sensible luxury options anyone could want. They earn our Recommended label. Denalis mix those basic virtues with more standard power and extra amenities, but not enough of either to warrant their higher prices.
Total Score
| Yukon 2WD, 5.3 V8 | Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 64 | 59 | 56.8 |
Total Score: 64
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles
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