2007 GMC Yukon and Denali: Road Test
2007 GMC Yukon and Denali ▼
- MSRP: $34,675 - $50,305
- Invoice: $31,728 - $46,029
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Our road test for the 2007 GMC Yukon and Denali includes a full evaluation of the 2007 GMC Yukon and Denali from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 GMC Yukon and Denali, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 GMC Yukon and Denali help you decide if a 2007 GMC Yukon and Denali is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD SLE | 2WD SLT w/nav. sys. | 4WD SLT w/20-in. whls., Autoride, nav. sys. | Denali w/20-in. whls. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
No XL models made available for testing. Regular-length Yukons muscular off the line and in highway passing/merging. Despite extra horsepower, Denali's 6.2 feels only slightly stronger than 5.3 V8. Transmissions provide crisp, timely shifts. Denali's automatic has shift lever buttons for manual operation. Towing capacity is 7700 lb for regular-length models, 8100 lb for XL.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD SLE | 2WD SLT w/nav. sys. | 4WD SLT w/20-in. whls., Autoride, nav. sys. | Denali w/20-in. whls. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2.7 |
Test averages: 16.7 mpg for 2WD SLE, 14.4-14.8 for 4WD SLT, 13.5-14.4 for Denali. GMC recommends regular-grade fuel for SLE and SLT, premium for Denali.
The 5.3 V8 can use E85 fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD SLE | 2WD SLT w/nav. sys. | 4WD SLT w/20-in. whls., Autoride, nav. sys. | Denali w/20-in. whls. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
Yukons with 17-inch tires have carlike comfort over bumps, though suffer some floaty motions over dips and swells. Autoride (standard on Denali) quells some float, but doesn't add demonstrably to ride comfort. Impact harshness over sharp bumps exaggerated by short sidewalls of 20-inch tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD SLE | 2WD SLT w/nav. sys. | 4WD SLT w/20-in. whls., Autoride, nav. sys. | Denali w/20-in. whls. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Steering has light effort that benefits around-town maneuverability, but can feel overassisted at highway speeds--a sensation that seems to be exaggerated slightly with 20-inch tires. Though tall and heavy, Yukons suffer relatively little noseplow, body lean in turns. Testers divided on whether versions with Autoride feel any more confident in changes of direction. Brakes offer no-drama stopping power, solid pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD SLE | 2WD SLT w/nav. sys. | 4WD SLT w/20-in. whls., Autoride, nav. sys. | Denali w/20-in. whls. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.5 |
Impressive for a large SUV. Road noise well muted. Only evident wind rush is around outside mirrors. Denali's 6.2 V8 sounds louder, less refined during acceleration than 5.3 V8.
CONTROLS
| 2WD SLE | 2WD SLT w/nav. sys. | 4WD SLT w/20-in. whls., Autoride, nav. sys. | Denali w/20-in. whls. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 6.4 |
All gauges large but some testers find markings too indistinct for best legibility. Optional navigation system absorbs, but doesn't complicate, audio functions. Cabin has few soft-touch panels, but materials are generally solid to the touch and assembled with care to create a high-quality ambience, even on SLE versions. Denali gets added dress-up touches.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD SLE | 2WD SLT w/nav. sys. | 4WD SLT w/20-in. whls., Autoride, nav. sys. | Denali w/20-in. whls. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.7 |
Bench or buckets, seats are supportive. Ample head, leg room, though cramped center position on bench should be for emergency use only. Available power-adjustable pedals aid driver positioning. Visibility unobstructed by headrests or roof pillars, but body's tall flanks block driver's view of small nearby objects; rearview camera helps in this regard.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD SLE | 2WD SLT w/nav. sys. | 4WD SLT w/20-in. whls., Autoride, nav. sys. | Denali w/20-in. whls. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.7 |
Adult-comfortable 2nd row. Available automatic-folding seats spring forward to ease access to 3rd row, though passage is still tight, and seats must be manually restored to original position. Low-to-floor 3rd-row cushion forces knees-up discomfort for anyone over toddler size.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD SLE | 2WD SLT w/nav. sys. | 4WD SLT w/20-in. whls., Autoride, nav. sys. | Denali w/20-in. whls. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8.6 |
Spacious with two rows of seats. Second-row seats fold forward to expand cargo volume. No abundance of storage room behind 3rd row. Folded 3rd row seatbacks rest well above load floor, complicating loading of large items. Those seats unlatch easily, but are heavy and cumbersome to remove.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD SLE | 2WD SLT w/nav. sys. | 4WD SLT w/20-in. whls., Autoride, nav. sys. | Denali w/20-in. whls. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 7.6 |
All of GM's redesigned 2007 large SUVs improve on their 2000-2006 predecessors in handling, refinement, comfort, and interior design. Yukon is pitched as an upscale alternative to Chevrolet's Tahoe, and Denali is positioned just below Cadillac's Escalade. Despite having more power and luxury touches than Yukons, Denali doesn't deliver enough of either to justify its higher base prices and thirst for premium-grade fuel. A carefully optioned Yukon SLE or SLT are our Best Buy values in this GMC lineup.
Total Score
| 2WD SLE | 2WD SLT w/nav. sys. | 4WD SLT w/20-in. whls., Autoride, nav. sys. | Denali w/20-in. whls. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 68 | 66 | 62 | 64.1 |
Total Score: 69
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles
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