Search Consumer Guide Auto and the Web
 

2008 GMC Yukon Full Review
Date Published: 7/18/08
2008 GMC Yukon Review
The 2008 GMC Yukon adds an available gas/electric hybrid model. This report covers the Yukon and half-ton Yukon XL 1500. These large SUVs share their basic designs with the Chevrolet Tahoe and premium Cadillac Escalade. All were redesigned for the 2007 model year. Compared to the Yukon, XL models are about 14 inches longer in wheelbase, 20 inches longer overall, and have nearly 30 cu ft more cargo volume. Yukon and Yukon XL come in SLE, SLT, and luxury Denali models. All are available with rear-wheel drive. SLE and SLT have optional full-time 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes a low-range gear for off-roading. Denalis are available with all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Standard on 2WD Yukon SLE is a 295-hp 4.8-liter V8 engine. All remaining Yukons and XLs have a 320-hp 5.3-liter V8. Optional on XL is a 366-hp 6.0-liter V8. Yukon Hybrids have a 320-hp 6.0-liter V8 that pairs with an electric motor. These models can run on one or both of their power sources, depending on driving demand and require no plug-in charging. The 5.3- and 6.0-liter engines have GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. All these engines use an automatic transmission. Conventional gas models have a 4-speed. Hybrids use a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Yukon Denalis have a 380-hp 6.2-liter V8, 6-speed automatic transmission, and specific interior and exterior trim. Maximum towing capacity is 8200 lb for regular-length models, 8100 lb for XL. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. A power tailgate, power running boards, navigation system, and DVD entertainment are among available features on the 2008 GMC Yukon.
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, GMC Yukon, and Ford Expedition. We have no Recommended picks in this class for 2008.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Sequoia. The Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon add a gas/electric hybrid model for 2008.

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.
   Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 GMC Yukon 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, 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 2.8

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 6.2

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 7.5

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 71.1
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
61
Average Score
71
High Score
79
   Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 GMC Yukon Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD Yukon SLE 4-door wagon $35,345 $32,341 $900
4WD Yukon SLE 4-door wagon $39,205 $35,873 $900
2WD Yukon XL SLE 4-door wagon $38,915 $35,607 $900
4WD Yukon XL SLE 4-door wagon $41,755 $38,206 $900
2WD Yukon SLT 4-door wagon $37,340 $34,166 $900
4WD Yukon SLT 4-door wagon $40,195 $36,778 $900
2WD Yukon XL SLT 4-door wagon $39,760 $36,380 $900
4WD Yukon XL SLT 4-door wagon $42,595 $38,974 $900
2WD Yukon Denali 4-door wagon $46,485 $42,534 $900
AWD Yukon Denali 4-door wagon $49,480 $42,534 $900
2WD Yukon XL Denali 4-door wagon $49,090 $44,917 $900
AWD Yukon XL Denali 4-door wagon $52,175 $47,740 $900
2WD Yukon Hybrid 4-door wagon $50,045 $46,542 $900
4WD Yukon Hybrid 4-door wagon $52,855 $49,155 $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
Model Rebate & Incentives Type Expires
Yukon, Yukon XL Up to $2000 cash back or 0%-6.9% financing. Customer 07/31/08
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), 5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation (Yukon XL), 4-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differential, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, 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, 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, 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, tachometer, intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, 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, flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, front tow hooks.
SLT adds to SLE:
Powertrain
5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation.
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tri-zone automatic climate controls (including rear controls), leather upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, rear radio controls, remote engine start, universal garage door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hooks, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation.
Denali adds to SLT:
Powertrain
6.2-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual shift capability.
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, Bose sound system, rain-sensing wipers w/heated washers, power liftgate.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Automatic shock absorber control, load-leveling suspension, 265/65R18 tires, polished alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Hybrid adds to SLT:
Powertrain
6.0-liter V8 gasoline engine w/cylinder deactivation, electric drive motor, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated 6-way power front seats, 3rd-row 3-passenger split folding seat, Bose sound system, navigation system, rearview camera, automatic day/night and tilt-down back-up aid mirrors w/turn signals, 115-volt power outlet.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, fog lights, roof rails, front tow hooks.
265/65R18 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
3SB Option Pkg.
2WD Yukon SLE
$1,995
$1,825
4WD Yukon SLE
$990
$905
2WD Yukon XL SLE
$845
$773
4WD Yukon XL SLE
$840
$768
Flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation (2WD Yukon), front bucket seats, power passenger seat, center console, rear radio and climate controls, additional power outlets, fog lights.
4SA Option Pkg.
Yukon SLT
$2,310
$1,917
Yukon XL SLT
$2,675
$2,220
Standard equipment.
4SB Option Pkg.
Yukon SLT
$4,225
$3,507
Yukon XL SLT
$3,710
$3,079
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), Bose sound system, power-folding mirrors w/turn signals, driver-side automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up mirrors, roof rack.
Convenience Pkg.
SLE
$610
$506
SLE w/3SB Pkg.
$805
$668
Rear-obstacle-detection system, dual-zone automatic climate controls w/rear controls (ordered w/3SB Option Pkg.), power-adjustable pedals, remote engine start.
Preferred Pkg.
SLT
$725
$602
Power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers w/heated washers.
Sun, Entertainment, and Destination Pkg.
SLT, Denali
$4,790
$3,976
Navigation system, rearview camera, DVD entertainment system, power sunroof. Replaces in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer w/single-disc CD/MP3 player.
Exterior Appearance Pkg.
2WD SLE
$475
$394
4WD SLE
$425
$353
Front tow hooks (2WD), unique alloy wheels.
SLT Chrome Edition
SLT
$1,980
$1,643
Chrome exterior trim, polished alloy wheels.
White Diamonds Appearance Pkg.
SLT
$1,270
$1,054
Unique exterior trim and running boards. Requires 4SB Option Pkg., Sun, Entertainment, and Destination Pkg., SLT Chrome Edition.
Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
4WD SLT
$230
$191
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
2WD Yukon SLE w/3SB Option Pkg., 2WD Yukon SLT, Yukon XL
$0
$0
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
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
Includes rear controls. Requires 3SB Option Pkg.
Heated steering wheel
Denali
$150
$125
Power sunroof
Denali, Hybrid, SLE, SLT
$995
$826
SLE requires 3SB Option Pkg., dual-zone automatic climate controls, universal garage door opener.
DVD entertainment system
Denali, Hybrid, SLE, SLT
$1,295
$1,075
SLE, SLT require Bose sound system. SLE requires 3SB Option Pkg., Convenience Pkg. or power sunroof.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
SLE
$300
$249
Bose sound system
SLE, SLT
$500
$415
SLE requires 3SB Option Pkg.
2nd-row captain chairs
SLT
$590
$490
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
$400
$332
Requires 4SB Option Pkg.
Remote engine start
SLE
$195
$162
Universal garage door opener
SLE
$105
$87
Requires 3SB Option Pkg., power sunroof.
Cargo management system
Denali XL
$200
$166
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
Denali
$395
$328
Engine-block heater
Denali, Hybrid, SLE, SLT
$75
$62
Roof rack
SLE, SLT
$90
$75
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates
4WD
$125
$104
Transmission-oil cooler
SLE, SLT
$95
$79
NA Hybrid.
Front tow hooks
2WD SLE
$50
$42
265/70R17 on/off-road tires
4WD SLE/SLT
$55
$46
265/70R17 white-letter tires
SLE, SLT
$125
$104
Unique alloy wheels
SLE
$285
$237
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.
   Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 GMC Yukon 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/electric
Size, liters/cu. in. 4.8 /293 5.3 /325 6.0 /364 6.0 /364
Horsepower @ rpm. 295 @ 5600 320 @ 5200 366 @ 5500 320 @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 305 @ 4800 340 @ 4200 380 @ 4300 360 @ 4000
Availability Standard Standard Optional Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
       
4-speed automatic 14/19 14/19