2008 GMC Yukon: Road Test
2008 GMC Yukon ▼
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- MSRP: $35,345 - $52,855
- Invoice: $32,341 - $49,155
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Our road test for the 2008 GMC Yukon includes a full evaluation of the 2008 GMC Yukon from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 GMC Yukon, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 GMC Yukon help you decide if a 2008 GMC Yukon is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD SLE, 5.3 V8 | 4WD SLT w/20-inch wheels | Denali w/20-inch wheels | XL Denali w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Yukons are muscular off the line and in highway passing/merging with the 5.3-liter V8. Denali's 6.2 V8 feels stronger overall. The transmissions provide crisp, timely shifts, with the Denali's automatic having shift lever buttons for manual operation. We have not yet tested a Yukon Hybrid, but a similar rear-drive Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid accelerates from a stop and passes much like a conventional model. A faint surge is felt and heard when the vehicle shifts between electric and gasoline operation.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD SLE, 5.3 V8 | 4WD SLT w/20-inch wheels | Denali w/20-inch wheels | XL Denali w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2.7 |
In Consumer Guide testing, we've averaged the following: 16.7 mpg for a 2WD SLE, 14.4-14.8 for 4WD SLT, and 13.5-15.5 in Denali. A similar test Tahoe Hybrid averaged 22.8 mpg, outstanding for the class. GMC recommends regular-grade gas for SLE and SLT, premium for Denali. The 5.3 V8 can use E85 ethanol fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD SLE, 5.3 V8 | 4WD SLT w/20-inch wheels | Denali w/20-inch wheels | XL Denali w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6.3 |
Yukons with 17-inch tires have car-like comfort over bumps, though they suffer some floaty motions over dips and swells. GM's Autoride load-leveling suspension quells some float but doesn't add demonstrably to ride comfort. Impact harshness over sharp bumps is exaggerated by the short sidewalls of the available 20-inch tires. Long-wheelbase XL models are slightly more comfortable regardless of tire choice. The Hybrid's low rolling resistance tires cause the ride to become more stiff. It's never harsh, though.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD SLE, 5.3 V8 | 4WD SLT w/20-inch wheels | Denali w/20-inch wheels | XL Denali w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Steering has light effort that benefits around-town maneuverability, but it can feel overassisted at highway speeds--a sensation that seems to be exaggerated slightly with the 20-inch tires. Despite being tall and heavy, Yukons suffer relatively little noseplow and body lean in turns, though you would never mistake these SUVs for sport sedans. Our testers are 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, 5.3 V8 | 4WD SLT w/20-inch wheels | Denali w/20-inch wheels | XL Denali w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6.6 |
Impressive for a large SUV. Road noise is well muted. The only evident wind rush comes from around outside mirrors. Though intended to be a more luxurious vehicle, the Denali's 6.2 V8 sounds louder and less refined during acceleration than lesser models' 5.3 V8. The Hybrid is nearly silent at ignition and at rest. A subtle electrical whirring noise is heard during acceleration from a stop and while decelerating.
CONTROLS
| 2WD SLE, 5.3 V8 | 4WD SLT w/20-inch wheels | Denali w/20-inch wheels | XL Denali w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
All gauges are large, but some testers find the markings too indistinct for best legibility. Yukon's optional navigation system absorbs, but doesn't complicate, audio functions. The Hybrid's navigation screen features a helpful energy flow display that indicates when the vehicle is in gas V8 mode, complete electric mode, or electric-assisted gas 4-cylinder mode. Likewise, the efficiency gauge in the upper left corner of the instrument panel indicates the most efficient braking range to capture regenerative braking energy.
DETAILS
| 2WD SLE, 5.3 V8 | 4WD SLT w/20-inch wheels | Denali w/20-inch wheels | XL Denali w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
The cabin has few soft-touch panels, but materials are generally solid to the touch and assembled with care to create a high-quality ambiance, even on SLE versions. Denalis get added dress-up touches.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD SLE, 5.3 V8 | 4WD SLT w/20-inch wheels | Denali w/20-inch wheels | XL Denali w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.8 |
Bench or buckets, the front seats are supportive. There's ample headroom and legroom, though the cramped center position on the bench should be for emergency use only. Available power-adjustable pedals aid driver positioning. Visibility is unobstructed by headrests or roof pillars, but the body's tall flanks block the driver's view of small nearby objects, making the optional rearview camera worth considering.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD SLE, 5.3 V8 | 4WD SLT w/20-inch wheels | Denali w/20-inch wheels | XL Denali w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.8 |
Adult-comfortable 2nd row. Available automatic-folding seats spring forward to ease access to the 3rd row, though passage is still tight, and the seats must be manually restored to their upright position. Low-to-floor 3rd-row cushion forces knees-up discomfort for anyone larger than toddler size.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD SLE, 5.3 V8 | 4WD SLT w/20-inch wheels | Denali w/20-inch wheels | XL Denali w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9.6 |
Spacious with two rows of seats. Second-row seats fold forward to expand cargo volume. There's no abundance of storage room behind the 3rd row in non-XL Yukons. The folded 3rd row seatbacks rest well above the load floor, complicating loading of large items. Those seats unlatch easily but are heavy and cumbersome to remove.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD SLE, 5.3 V8 | 4WD SLT w/20-inch wheels | Denali w/20-inch wheels | XL Denali w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 7.6 |
Yukon is pitched as an upscale alternative to Chevrolet's Tahoe, and the 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 gas. The Hybrid model's premium may seem sharp, but so are the fuel economy savings. This large SUV can achieve the fuel economy of a midsize car with no sacrifice in passenger or cargo capacity. The Hybrid, or a carefully optioned Yukon SLE and SLT are the Best Buy values in this GMC lineup.
Total Score
| 2WD SLE, 5.3 V8 | 4WD SLT w/20-inch wheels | Denali w/20-inch wheels | XL Denali w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77 | 75 | 71 | 72 | 71 |
Total Score: 74
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles
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