2006 GMC Yukon and Denali: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Yukon and Denali offer no changes of note for 2006, awaiting a redesign due during the '06 model year. Yukon and Denali are GMC's versions of the General Motors large 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 Denali XL 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 have a rear liftgate with separate-opening glass and 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 Denali, XL SLE, and XL SLT; available for regular-length Yukons and XL SL.

All models have a V8 engine. A 285-hp 4.8-liter is standard in regular-length Yukons, a 295-hp 5.3 is available. The 5.3 is standard on Yukon XL 1500s. A 335-hp 6.0 is standard on Denali and 2500 models, a 325-hp 8.1-liter is optional for the 2500.

All models have an 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.

All models have antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. GM's Stabilitrak antiskid system is standard for Yukon and Denali models. Front side airbags are standard on Denalis, available elsewhere. Yukons get standard 16-inch wheels or optional 17s. Denalis come with 17-inch wheels or newly available 20-inch chrome wheels.

GM's OnStar assistance is standard on all models. Denalis come with power-adjustable pedals and an automatic climate system with front/rear controls. All are available for Yukons. Optional for SLT and Denali 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 Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, and Ford Expedition. Our Recommended picks are GMC Yukon, GMC Denali, and the Toyota Sequoia.