2005 GMC Yukon and Denali: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Yukon and Denali are GMC's versions of the General Motors SUVs also sold with Chevrolet and Cadillac nameplates. Yukon is an upscale sibling of the Chevrolet Tahoe. The longer Yukon XL is a retrimmed Chevy Suburban. Denali and XL Denali are Yukon's luxury versions. Cadillac's Escalade is the third member of this SUV family.

Yukon XL comes in half-ton 1500 and three-quarter-ton 2500 models. Other Yukons and Denalis are 1500s. All seat up to nine. Front bucket seats are standard on Denalis and available for Yukons in place of a 3-person bench. Twin 2nd-row bucket seats are optional to replace a 3-person bench. A 3rd-row bench is standard for XLs and Denalis, available for regular-length Yukons. All models have a rear liftgate for '05; side-opening cargo doors are no longer available.

All models have a V8 engine. A 285-hp 4.8-liter is standard in regular-length Yukons, a 295-hp 5.3 is optional. The 5.3 is standard on Yukon XL 1500s. Denalis have a 6.0 of 335 hp, up 10 hp for '05. A 325-hp 6.0 is standard on XL 2500s and a 320-hp 8.1-liter is optional.

All models have automatic transmission with GM's Tow/Haul mode. Denalis include all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Yukons offer either rear-wheel drive or GM's Autotrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. Yukon XL 2500s, with 2WD and the 6.0 V8, have traction control.

All models have antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and a tire-pressure monitor. 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. Front side airbags are standard on Denalis, available elsewhere. Optional for XL 2500s is GM's Quadrasteer 4-wheel steering, which reduces the turning circle at low speeds and is designed to enhance stability at higher speeds and when towing. Yukons get standard 16-inch wheels or optional 17s. Denalis have standard 17-inch wheels. Chrome-finished 20-inch alloy wheels are newly available for Denalis.

GM's OnStar assistance is standard on all models. Denalis come with power-adjustable pedals and a multizone automatic climate system with front/rear controls. All are available for Yukons. Optional for all models is an audio/navigation system, which adds a control touch screen.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large SUVs are traditionally workhorse 7-plus passenger wagons with brawny chassis, ample towing ability, lots of cargo space, and generally abysmal fuel economy. These vehicles offer towing and payload ratings similar to large pickup trucks.

Our Best Buys include the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, and Ford Expedition. Our Recommended picks are the GMC Yukon/Denali, and the Toyota Sequoia.