2010 GMC Yukon: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2010 GMC Yukon is largely unchanged following the late-model-year 2009 introduction of a high-end gas/electric hybrid model. These large SUVs seat up to 9 passengers and share their basic designs with the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban as well as the premium Cadillac Escalade. This report covers the Yukon and extended wheelbase Yukon XL. Compared with the Yukon, XL models are about 14 inches longer in wheelbase, 20 inches longer overall, and have nearly 30 cubic feet more cargo volume. Yukon XL comes in half-ton 1500 and three-quarter-ton 2500 configurations.

Yukon and Yukon XL 1500 come in SLE, SLT, and luxury Denali models. The XL 2500 comes as the SLE or SLT. 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 offer all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Most models have a 5.3-liter V8 that makes 310 horsepower in the XL and 320 horsepower in the standard-length wagon. XL 2500 versions have a 352-horsepower 6.0 V8. Yukon Denalis have a 403-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. Certain rear-drive Yukons can be equipped as the XFE, which stands for Xtra Fuel Economy. These models have low-rolling-resistance tires and other powertrain and aerodynamic tweaks designed to increase fuel economy. These models team with a 6-speed automatic transmission and can run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. Maximum towing capacity for non-XL Yukons is 8,600 pounds. XL 1500 can tow up to 8,100 pounds, and XL 2500 up to 9,600 pounds.

The 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid and Yukon Denali Hybrid have a 6.0-liter V8 that pairs with an electric motor for 332 horsepower total. They can run on one or both of their power sources, depending on driving demand, and require no plug-in charging. Hybrids have a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that behaves much like an automatic. The Hybrid's maximum towing capacity is 5,900 pounds. All Yukon models, including XL 2500 and Hybrid have GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. Newly standard is a USB port for connecting digital-music players. Denali-exclusive features include heated and cooled front seats and a power tilt steering column. This report is based on evaluations of the 2009 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 7-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 the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition, and GMC Yukon. Our Recommended pick is the Toyota Sequoia. New or significantly redesigned models in the class include the Toyota Sequoia.