2007 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year Award: Testing
Bargain Hunters And Speed Demons May Now Rejoice
By Allyson Harwood
Every vehicle in General Motors's full-size corral benefits from a new platform and a thorough redesign for 2007. GMC's Yukon/Denali and Yukon XL/Denali, however, may prove to offer the best performance and perhaps the best value for the money. With the availability of a detuned version of the Escalade's 6.2-liter V-8 (the only other non-Cadillac to get that engine), smart shoppers can put together a vehicle with nearly everything an Escalade has to offer for a fraction of the price.
Thanks to a lower curb weight, the Yukon Denali was a comparable performer at the track. Despite the Escalade's 23-horsepower advantage, the 6.2-liter GMC was 0.1 second faster to 60 mph and nipped at the Escalade's heels in the quarter mile at only 0.3 mph lower speed (both finished the stretch in 15 seconds flat, the Escalade at 93.7, the Yukon Denali at 93.4 mph).
The Yukon is the sprightliest of GM's full-size SUVs, feeling lighter on its feet than some smaller sport/utilities on twisty canyon roads. But the six-speed could've used intelligent shifting--it would've been nice had it held gears longer with spirited driving. That gripe aside, it handles better than it should for its size and darts in and out of curves with the speed and agility of a linebacker. The Yukon Denali also shines on the freeway. Its ride is comfortable and quiet, and there are few if any squeaks. The chassis is considerably stiffer than the previous model's and does a terrific job of absorbing bumps and road abnormalities. The cabin is a pleasant place to spend time, too--materials are soft to the touch (if a bit gaudy), there's decent legroom in all three rows, and controls are within easy reach of the driver. It also offers huge storage bins and plenty of cargo capacity. A rocketship that can hold a basketball team, with Escalade luxury and power for nearly $14,000 less, this may be the best GMT900 SUV yet.
| 2007 GMC Yukon Denali |
| Base Price Range | $34,690-$50,490 |
| As-Tested Price | $55,905 (Yukon Denali AWD) |
| Vehicle Layout | Front engine, AWD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV |
| Engine | 6.2L/380-hp*/417-lb-ft OHV 16-valve V-8 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Curb Weight, F/R dist | 5715 lb (50/50%) |
| Wheelbase | 116.0 in |
| Length X Width X Height | 202.0 x 79.0 x 75.9 in |
| Max Cargo Capacity | 108.9 cu ft |
| Max Towing Capacity | 7900 lb |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.4 sec |
| Quarter Mile | 15.0 sec @ 93.4 mph |
| Braking, 60-0 MPH | 147 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.70 g (avg) |
| 600-Foot Slalom | 56.7 mph (avg) |
| MT Figure Eight | 28.9 sec @ 0.58 g (avg) |
| Epa City/Hwy Fuel Economy | 13/19 mpg |
| Bet You Didn't Know | The drive from Yukon (Territory, Canada) to Denali (National Park, Alaska) is about 412 miles. |
| Sum Up | Excellent value, with enough power and room to carry a basketball team. |
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