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2007 GMC Yukon and Denali Full Review
Date Published: 6/26/08
2007 GMC Yukon and Denali Review
GMC redesigns its large SUVs for 2007, giving them more power, new features, and fresh styling. Yukon and longer-wheelbase Yukon XL models share a new platform with the '07 Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban.

Yukon and Yukon XL come in SLE, SLT, and luxury Denali models. SLE and SLT offer rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. Denalis have specific styling and all-wheel drive without low-range gearing.

Standard on 2WD SLE models is a 295-hp V8. A 320-hp V8 is optional on those and is standard on other Yukons. Available on XL is a 355-hp V8. These engines use a 4-speed automatic transmission and have GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. Denali gets a 380-hp V8 and 6-speed automatic transmission. ABS and traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors are standard. GM's self-adjusting Autoride suspension is available on SLT, standard on Denali. Standard on SLT and Denali, and optional on SLE, are curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows and include rollover deployment.

Yukons seat up to nine passengers, Denalis up to eight. On all, the 2nd- and 3rd-row seats fold and the 3rd row is removable. As in GM's other large SUVs, a spring release option flips the 2nd-row seats to provide 3rd row access.

OnStar assistance is standard. A power liftgate, remote engine start, rear obstacle detection, and power-adjustable pedals are standard on Denali, available on other models. DVD entertainment and a navigation system with rearview camera are also available. Yukon's performance and accommodations mirror those of comparably equipped Tahoes; our Tahoe report also includes an evaluation of the Denali.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large SUVs are traditionally workhorse seven-plus passenger wagons with brawny truck-type chassis, ample towing ability, lots of cargo space, and generally poor fuel economy. These vehicles offer towing and payload ratings similar to large pickup trucks.

Our Best Buys include Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, and GMC Yukon and Denali. Our Recommended pick is the Ford Expedition.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon and Denali, and Ford Expedition.
News
Though just redesigned, Yukons and their Chevrolet siblings are expected to add a hybrid powertrain option for 2008. The result of a GM-DaimlerChrysler-BMW collaboration, this new "two-mode" system is said to use twin electric motors and a 300-volt battery pack to assist a 5.3 V8 with GM's Active Fuel Management. It allows low-speed driving on either power source, and promises better overall fuel economy than conventional powertrains. Rival Dodge's midsize Durango SUV will offer a similar hybrid option in the '07 or '08 model years.

Further out, General Motors says it may offer a 330-hp diesel V8 for its largest SUVs by model-year 2010. GM is cagey about details for now, but says this new diesel will be a 32-valve dual-overhead-cam design--and clean enough for sale in all 50 states. GM projects a Yukon so equipped would get around 28 mpg in city driving vs. 21 for a comparable gas-engine model.
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2007 GMC Yukon and Denali Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration Fuel economy
Cargo room Rear-seat comfort (3rd row)
Ride Engine noise (Denali)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
55
Average Score
64
High Score
70
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2007 GMC Yukon and Denali Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/16/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD Yukon SLE 4-door wagon $34,675 $31,728 $900
4WD Yukon SLE 4-door wagon $38,475 $35,205 $900
2WD Yukon XL SLE 4-door wagon $37,805 $34,592 $900
4WD Yukon XL SLE 4-door wagon $40,605 $37,154 $900
2WD Yukon SLT 4-door wagon $36,460 $33,370 $900
4WD Yukon SLT 4-door wagon $39,260 $35,923 $900
2WD Yukon XL SLT 4-door wagon $38,590 $35,310 $900
4WD Yukon XL SLT 4-door wagon $41,380 $37,863 $900
AWD Yukon Denali 4-door wagon $47,780 $43,719 $900
AWD Yukon XL Denali $50,305 $46,029 $900
Price note: SLT requires an Option Pkg.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SLE
Powertrain
4.8-liter V8 engine (Yukon), flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation (Yukon XL), 4-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differential, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual climate controls, rear air conditioning and heater, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, OnStar assistance w/one year service, cloth upholstery, front split bench seat, 6-way power driver seat, cupholders, 2nd-row split bench seat, 3rd-row 2-passenger split folding seat (Yukon XL), heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails, side steps.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Platform-hitch receiver, 7-wire harness, full-size spare tire, 265/70R17 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks, 265/70R17 on/off-road tires.
SLT adds to SLE:
Powertrain
Flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation.
Safety
Curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls w/rear controls, leather upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, rear radio controls, remote engine start, universal garage door opener, cargo cover.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hooks, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 265/70R17 on/off-road tires.
Denali adds to SLT:
Powertrain
6.2-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual shift capability, all-wheel drive, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front- and 2nd-row bucket seats, 12-way power front seats w/lumbar adjustment, power-adjustable pedals, driver-seat memory, power-release folding 2nd-row seats, 3rd-row 3-passenger split folding seat, automatic day/night and tilt-down back-up aid mirrors w/turn signals, satellite radio (requires monthly fee after 3rd month), rain-sensing wipers w/heated washers, power liftgate.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: cargo cover.
Automatic shock absorber control, load-leveling suspension, 265/65R18 tires, polished alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
3SB Option Pkg.
2WD Yukon SLE
$1,785
$1,615
4WD Yukon SLE
$785
$
Yukon XL SLE
$775
$
Flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation (2WD Yukon), front bucket seats, center console, cargo cover, rear radio and climate controls, fog lights.
4SA Option Pkg.
Yukon SLT
$2,430
$2,017
Yukon XL SLT
$2,830
$2,349
Standard equipment.
4SB Option Pkg.
Yukon SLT
$4,295
$3,565
Yukon XL SLT
$3,935
$3,266
Rear-obstacle-detection system, heated 12-way power front seats w/lumbar adjustment, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), 3rd-row 2-passenger split folding seat (Yukon), power-folding mirrors w/turn signals, driver-side automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up mirrors, roof rack.
Special Edition
SLT
$2,330
$1,934
Chrome exterior trim, 275/55R20 tires, polished alloy wheels.
Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
4WD SLE/SLT
$639
$531
Heavy-duty air cleaner, skid plates, off-road suspension, 265/70R17 on/off-road tires, unique alloy wheels.
Autoride Suspension Pkg.
SLT
$1,120
$930
Automatic shock absorber control, load-leveling suspension.
Powertrain
Flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation
2WD Yukon SLE
$800
$664
6.0-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation
Yukon XL SLT
$1,095
$909
Requires Autoride Suspension Pkg.
Special axle ratio
SLE, SLT
$100
$83
Denali
$0
$0
Safety
Curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment
SLE
$350
$291
Rear-obstacle-detection system
SLE, SLT
$245
$203
Requires power-adjustable pedals.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
SLT, Denali
$2,250
$1,868
Replaces in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer w/single disc CD/MP3 changer.
Rearview camera
SLT, Denali
$250
$208
Requires navigation system.
Dual-zone automatic climate controls
SLE
$195
$162
Requires 3SB Option Pkg.
Heated steering wheel
Denali
$150
$125
Power sunroof
Denali, SLE, SLT
$995
$826
SLE requires 3SB Option Pkg., dual-zone automatic climate controls, universal garage door opener.
DVD entertainment system
Denali, SLE, SLT
$1,295
$1,075
SLE requires 3SB Option Pkg.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
SLE
$300
$249
Bose sound system
SLE, SLT
$495
$411
SLE requires 3SB Option Pkg.
Power-adjustable pedals
SLE, SLT
$120
$100
Requires rear-obstacle-detection system.
2nd-row captain chairs
SLT
$490
$407
Requires 3rd-row split folding seat.
2nd-row split folding seat
Denali
$0
$0
Heated 2nd-row seats
SLT
$200
$166
Requires 4SB Option Pkg.
Automatic-folding 2nd-row seats
SLT
$425
$353
Requires 4SB Option Pkg.
3rd-row 2-passenger split folding seat
Yukon SLE
$360
$299
Yukon SLT
$760
$631
3rd-row 3-passenger split folding seat
Yukon SLT
$860
$714
Yukon SLT w/4SB Pkg., Yukon XL
$100
$83
Yukon SLE
$460
$382
Power-deployable running boards
SLT, Denali
$1,095
$909
SLT requires 4SB Option Pkg., Autoride Suspension Pkg.
Power liftgate
SLT
$350
$291
Requires 4SB Option Pkg.
Remote engine start
SLE
$175
$146
Universal garage door opener
SLE
$105
$87
Rain-sensing wipers
SLT
$95
$79
Requires 4SB Option Pkg.
Heated washers
SLT
$85
$71
Cargo cover
SLE
$70
$58
Cargo mat
Yukon XL SLE
$60
$50
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
SLE
$140
$116
Special paint
Denali, SLE, SLT
$395
$328
Engine-block heater
Denali, SLE, SLT
$50
$42
Roof rack
SLE, SLT
$45
$37
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates
4WD
$125
$104
Transmission-oil cooler
SLE, SLT
$95
$79
Front tow hooks
2WD SLE
$40
$33
265/70R17 on/off-road tires
4WD Yukon SLE/SLT
$125
$104
265/70R17 white-letter tires
2WD SLE/SLT
$125
$104
Polished alloy wheels
SLE, SLT
$1,795
$1,490
Includes 275/55R20 tires. SLE requires 3SB Option Pkg.
Chrome alloy wheels
Denali
$1,995
$1,656
Includes 275/55R20 tires.
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2007 GMC Yukon and Denali Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification GMC Yukon 4-door wagon GMC Yukon XL 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 116.0 130.0
Overall Length, in. 202.0 222.4
Overall Width, in. 79.0 79.1
Overall Height, in. 77.0 76.8
Curb Weight, lbs. 5537 5893
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 108.9 137.4
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 26.0 31.5
Seating Capacity 9 9
Front Head Room, in. 41.1 41.1
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 44.1 41.3
Rear Head Room, in. 39.2 38.5
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 39.0 39.5
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  ohv V8 ohv V8 ohv V8 ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 4.8 /293 5.3 /325 6.0 /364 6.2 /378
Horsepower @ rpm. 295 @ 5600 320 @ 5300 355 @ 5400 380 @ 5700
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 305 @ 4800 340 @ 4200 365 @ 4400 417 @ 4400
Availability Standard Standard Optional Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
       
4-speed automatic 15/20 15/21 14/18 --/--
6-speed automatic --/-- --/-- --/-- 13/19
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test GMC Yukon 4-door wagon GMC Yukon XL 4-door wagon
Front Impact, Driver 5 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5 5
Rollover Resistance 3 3
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 5/100,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --