2007 GMC Yukon Review

GMC Yukon – Driving Impressions: It stands to reason that if you do something long enough you'll get damn good at it, and with the introduction of the 2007 GMC Yukon it's clear General Motors knows how to make a capable large SUV. This latest Yukon is all-new, from its platform and styling to its V8 engine lineup and available six-speed transmission. Two models are offered, the Yukon and Yukon XL, and both are available with cloth (SLE trim) or leather (SLT decor) as well as 2WD or 4WD. The Denali model adds an exclusive engine and transmission, and builds on the SLT's standard equipment list with a complete load of luxury features. The biggest difference between the standard Yukon and the Yukon XL is the XL's extra 14 inches of wheelbase and 20 inches of overall length. The XL also gets a standard third-row seat, which is optional on the standard Yukon. Yukon SLE and SLT models can be equipped with the following new Vortec small-block V8 engines: a standard 4.8-liter (standard model only), two 5.3-liter choices with active fuel management, and two 6.0-liter choices (XL model only). Denali models get an exclusive 6.2-liter V8 that's also found in the Cadillac Escalade, but which makes more power in the Caddy. Horsepower runs the gamut between 295 and 380 with torque figures ranging between 305 lb.-ft and 415 lb.-ft. Underneath, the 2007 Yukon gets a new coil-over-shock front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, larger four-wheel disc brakes, and an all-new ABS system. An optional Autoride suspension reads the road and automatically adjusts the electronic shocks for a smoother ride. GMC didn't forget safety when it comes to the 2007 Yukon, including as standard equipment a StabiliTrak stability control system, dual-stage airbags for front seat occupants, side curtain airbags with rollover protection for all three rows, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Our 2007 GMC Yukon Denali test vehicle was loaded with amenities including chrome 20-inch wheels, a power sunroof, a navigation system with CD/DVD and MP3 players, a rearview camera system, and a heated steering wheel. The downside of all this is that our Denali didn't come cheap at $54,765 including an $875 destination charge. That's a pile of cash, but with big SUV sales stalled you're likely to get a big discount from sticker. If you take the rebate bait, know that our seat-of-the-pants opinion is the 2007 Denali version is the best Yukon yet, and represents a giant improvement over previous models. It isn't perfect, but then again, nothing is.

Performance

Despite the GMC Yukon Denali's size and weight, our test vehicle's 6.2-liter V8 had no problems pushing around the condo-sized SUV thanks to 380 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque. Power was run through a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission that kept the engine in its optimal rev range. There was the occasional dead spot in pedal response but we weren't sure if it was the transmission or a flaw in the drivetrain. The main downside to the Denali's engine was its thirst for fuel: Our combined number was a mere 11.5 mpg. A smaller 4.8-liter V8 engine equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission is standard on the regular Yukon, but we question whether it could deliver better fuel economy considering its low 305 lb.-ft. torque rating combined with the Yukon's weight and size.

Handling

For 2007 the GMC Yukon is equipped with a larger four-wheel-disc ABS and rack-and-pinion steering. The Yukon's brakes perform admirably and provide excellent feedback to the driver. The Yukon is big and heavy, but never during my drive did I feel the need to keep adding more and more pedal pressure to get the SUV stopped. However, the Yukon's steering is too light. Low effort levels are great in parking lots and at low speeds but it needs to firm up as speed increases. One great thing about the Yukon is its incredibly tight turning radius for such a large vehicle. When it comes to handling, the Yukon wails like a toddler that isn't getting its way when pushed hard into corners. Understeer is the dominant characteristic in extreme conditions, and the 20-inch wheels and tires don't seem to help. In a straight line, however, the opposite is true. Our GMC Yukon Denali delivered a supple ride just like that of a luxury car, thanks to the Autoride suspension that incorporates electronic shocks and real-time damping. This makes the Yukon a perfect ride for long hauls.

Visibility

The 2007 GMC Yukon's outward visibility couldn't get any better. With a large, unobstructed field of view in the rearview mirror and large side mirrors that eliminate blind spots, the only thing better is the optional rearview camera system that activates when reversing. Unfortunately, to get the camera you must purchase the pricey navigation system. Those that like to look over their shoulder before changing lanes will find the second-row headrests block visibility out the rear passenger's side quarter window, but the side mirror compensates for that and you shouldn't be looking away from the road anyway. Forward visibility is also excellent, making it easy to locate the front corners.

Fun to Drive

I actually found the 2007 GMC Yukon Denali enjoyable to drive thanks to its abundant power and torque combined with the supple ride and quiet interior. Coming from a guy who prefers sitting low to the ground in two-door sports cars, that's high praise. The Yukon works well as a package, and that makes the entire driving experience a good one. My hard-to-please daughter even enjoyed riding around in the Yukon thanks to the comfortable rear seats and entertainment system that allowed her to watch her favorite DVDs while we ran errands.

Front Comfort

The 2007 GMC Yukon Denali is just as comfortable as my own living room. The leather seating is supportive and adequately adjustable with amply padded door and center console armrests. There's plenty of head and legroom and the interior feels large and accommodating. Stepping up into the Yukon is easy thanks to an integrated side step, but the lack of an assist handle meant using the steering wheel for additional pull and balance. Smartly styled as it is, the steering wheel doesn't feel as good as it looks. The wheel is two-thirds leather wrap and one-third wood with an odd-feeling uneven transition between the two. An effective tri-zone climate control system kept things cozy and having everything within reach added to comfort levels.

Rear Comfort

Getting in and out of the 2007 GMC Yukon's rear seat is easy thanks to side steps and proper assist grips. Once aboard, occupants find second-row comfort that's as good as it gets in an SUV thanks to well-padded reclining captain's chairs and sufficient knee, foot and legroom. Add in the folding inboard armrests and adjustable overhead air vents, and the only thing more comfortable is your favorite recliner. Access to the third-row seating wasn't overlooked, either, thanks to manual or power folding second-row chairs that leave decent space for crawling into the third row. Third row headroom is limited but knee and foot room are ample for those of average height.

Interior Noise

The 2007 GMC Yukon's cabin is surprisingly quiet, almost like a luxury car. Aside from the exhaust-system's growl when accelerating hard, the cabin is virtually noise free. I didn't experience any wind or excessive tire noise and the only annoyance was an intermittent squeak from the center console.

Loading Cargo

The biggest disadvantage to the Yukon's third-row seating is the amount of cargo space that gets eaten up in the standard-length models, though a high liftover height is also problematic when loading heavy items. With the third-row in use, very little cargo space is available between the seatback and the tailgate. Tumble the third-row seats forward or remove them completely and a substantial amount of additional space is at your disposal. Note that removing the two rearmost seats is awkward and requires some light lifting, and that GMC doesn't offer power third-row folding seats. By contrast, top trims of the Ford Expedition and all Lincoln Navigators have third-row seats that fold into the floor in addition to power third-row folding. On the GMC's positive side, the power tailgate takes the stretch and strain out of raising and lowering the tailgate, and in its raised position is out of the way even for taller people.

Build Quality

Overall, our 2007 GMC Yukon Denali's build quality was pretty good. The worst offense inside was the plastic trim that covers the rear seat mounts, which appeared to be glued to the carpet and not actually mounted to the vehicle. We also found a sloppily fitted third-row tray and cupholder that looked cheap and also showed poor fit and finish. We also found the A-pillars to be loose. Outside, just a few things worth noting marred build quality. The rear bumper cover that hid the trailer hitch was the worse offender, loose and exhibiting terrible fit. We also found the grille's G-M-C lettering loose and rattling, poor fit of the plastic trim pieces that flank the rear window, and slight variance of the gaps around the rear window.

Materials Quality

Around our office, the materials quality of GM products is always at the top of the list of complaints and this GMC Yukon is no exception. With a price tag north of $54,000, shouldn't the consumer expect a few soft-touch surfaces? GMC uses hard plastic for the upper and lower dash surfaces, relying solely on a two-tone finish to add an upscale look. The only place soft-touch surfaces (and I use that term lightly) are used is on the upper sections of the door panels, and even then you'll have to push hard to convince yourself it's flexible. The fake wood used throughout the interior isn't the best I've seen but it's not terrible either; still, for this price I would expect real wood. The leather upholstery is soft and appears to be of good quality, as is the plush carpeting and woven mesh headliner. One area where GM gets points is the aluminum-look grille that is actually high quality plastic but will fool onlookers without a close examination.