2007-2008 GMC Yukon and Denali: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Seat comfort
- Cargo room
- Quietness
Cons
- Steering/handling
- Fuel economy (except Hybrid)
Vehicle Highlights
GMC redesigned its large sport-utility vehicles for 2007, giving them more power, new features, and fresh styling. Regular Yukons and the longer-wheelbase Yukon XL models shared a new platform with the 2007 Cadillac Escalade, as well as the closely related Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. Yukon XL wagons were 14 inches longer in wheelbase than regular Yukons, measured 20 inches longer overall, and offered nearly 30 cubic feet more cargo volume. In addition to Chevrolet's Tahoe and Suburban, GMC competed against the Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia. Both Yukon and Yukon XL wagons came in SLE, SLT, and luxury Denali models. SLE and SLT versions offered a choice of rear-drive or four-wheel drive, which could be left engaged on dry pavement and included low-range gearing. Denali editions had specific styling and all-wheel drive, without low-range gearing. Standard on the rear-drive SLE model was a 295-horsepower, 4.8-liter V8. A 320-hp, 5.3-liter V8 was optional on that model and standard on other Yukons. Available on the Yukon XL was a 355-hp, 6.0-liter V8. Each of these engines used a four-speed automatic transmission and incorporated GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation system. Yukon Denalis got a 380-hp V8 and six-speed automatic transmission. Antilock braking and traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors were standard. GM's self-adjusting Autoride suspension was available on SLT models, and standard on Denalis. Curtain side airbags that covered all seating rows and included rollover deployment were standard on SLT and Denali, and optional for SLE. Yukons seated up to nine passengers. Denalis held up to eight. In all models, the second- and third-row seats folded and the third row was removable. As in GM's other large SUVs, a spring-release option could flip the second-row seats to provide third-row access. GM's OnStar assistance was standard. A power liftgate, remote engine start, rear-obstacle detection, and power-adjustable pedals were standard on Denali, and available on other models. DVD entertainment and a navigation system with rearview camera also were available.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Yukon SLT 4WD w/Autoride, 20-in. wheels Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 9 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 10 | |
| Value within Class | 9 | |
| Total Score: | 68 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2007-2008 GMC Yukon/Denali includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2007-2008 GMC Yukon/Denali and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2007-2008 GMC Yukon/Denali is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
GM's 2007 redesign of its large Chevrolet and GMC SUVs addressed the most egregious flaws of their 2000-2006 predecessors: sloppy steering and subpar interior appointments. Third-row accommodations in the regular-length versions are still best suited for children. But for smooth power, utility, and surprising overall refinement, these are first-rate trucks. A carefully optioned Yukon SLE or SLT has been the best choice in the GMC lineup. Like the Tahoe, it's a Best Buy value among large SUVs. Yukon's performance and accommodations mirror those of comparably equipped Tahoes, and the Yukon XL is similar to Chevrolet's Suburban. Yukons are promoted as an upscale alternative to Tahoe, and the Denali is positioned just below Cadillac's Escalade. Despite more power and luxury touches, Denali fails to deliver enough of either to justify its higher prices and thirst for premium-grade fuel.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Yukon SLT 4WD w/Autoride, 20-in. wheels Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 9 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 10 | |
| Value within Class | 9 | |
| Total Score: | 68 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,000 |
| Alternator | $600 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $3,900 |
| Brakes | $850 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,150 |
| Exhaust System | $1,350 |
| Radiator | $600 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,950 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,000 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2008 | |||
| Yukon | $25,500-30,000 | $23,700-27,900 | $16,800-19,800 |
| Yukon Denali | $33,000-36,000 | $30,700-33,500 | $23,400-25,600 |
| Yukon Hybrid | $38,500-42,500 | $35,800-39,500 | $27,300-30,200 |
| Yukon XL | $25,800-30,000 | $24,000-27,900 | $17,000-19,800 |
| Yukon XL Denali | $34,500-37,500 | $32,100-34,900 | $24,500-26,600 |
| 2007 | |||
| Yukon | $22,000-27,000 | $20,200-24,800 | $14,300-17,600 |
| Yukon Denali | $30,000-33,000 | $27,900-30,700 | $21,000-23,100 |
| Yukon XL | $22,000-28,300 | $20,200-26,000 | $14,300-18,400 |
| Yukon XL Denali | $31,000-34,000 | $28,800-31,600 | $21,700-23,800 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon (Yukon XL) | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 130.0 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 222.4 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 79.1 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 76.8 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5893 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 137.4 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 31.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 9 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 41.1 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.5 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.5 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V81 | 4.8 / 293 | 295 | 305 | 4-speed automatic: 14/19 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V81 | 6.2 / 378 | 380 | 417 | 6-speed automatic: 12/18 | 6-speed automatic: 14.1 |
| ohv V81 | 5.3 / 325 | 320 | 340 | 4-speed automatic: 14/19 | 4-speed automatic: 14.6 |
| ohv V81 | 6.0 / 364 | 355-366 | 365-380 | 4-speed automatic: 14/17 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V82 | 6.0 / 364 | 320 | 360 | 4-speed automatic: 20/20 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
1. EPA Note: Figures shown are for 2008 models. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years. 2. V8/electric Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2008 Yukon |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
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%. Sideimpact 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%.
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