2004 GMC Yukon/Denali: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

A tire-pressure monitor is the main 2004 addition to GMC's take on GM's full-size SUVs. Yukon is a retrimmed Chevrolet Tahoe; the longer Yukon XL a retrimmed Chevy Suburban. Denali and Denali XL are upscale versions of the Yukon. Cadillac's Escalade is basically a retrimmed Denali.

Yukon XL comes in half-ton 1500 and three-quarter-ton 2500 models. Other Yukons and Denalis are 1500s. These SUVs seat up to nine. Front bucket seats are standard on Denalis and are available for Yukons in place of a 3-person bench. Two 2nd-row bucket seats are optional in place of a 3-person bench. A 3rd-row bench seat is standard on XLs and Denalis, and is available for regular-length Yukons. Yukons are available with side-opening rear cargo doors vs. the standard liftgate.

Regular-length Yukons come with a 4.8-liter V8 or an optional 5.3-liter V8. The 5.3 is standard on Yukon XL 1500s. Denalis and Yukon XL 2500s use a 6.0 V8. An 8.1-liter V8 is available for Yukon XL 2500s. All have automatic transmission with GM's Tow/Haul mode. Denalis have standard all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Yukons offer rear-wheel drive with standard traction control, or GM's Autotrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing.

Front side airbags are standard on Denalis, optional on Yukon. All models have antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. GM's Stabilitrak antiskid system is standard on Denalis, optional for Yukon 1500s. GM's Quadrasteer 4-wheel steering is optional for all XL 2500s. It reduces the turning circle at low speeds and is designed to enhance stability at higher speeds and when towing. Power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals and a multizone automatic climate system with front/rear controls are standard for Denalis and optional for Yukons. Other options include rear DVD entertainment and satellite radio. OnStar assistance is standard for Denalis, available for Yukons. Exclusive to Denalis is a navigation system that's part of a combination radio/navigation unit; it puts the navigation screen in the audio faceplate. Standard on all Yukons and Denalis, the tire-pressure system alerts the driver via a chime and dashboard light should inflation drop below a specified level.