Towing capacity, comfortable cruising for the whole gang.

Introduction

Faced with rising gas prices and eco-protests, the market for full-size SUVs has seen better times. GMC answered the call for better fuel economy with the 2008 Yukon Hybrid and XFE models. These deliver among the best in class city and highway EPA ratings respectively. 

The entire GMC Yukon lineup was completely redesigned for 2007 and added the Hybrid and XFE in 2008, with 2009 seeing more extensive applications of the six-speed automatic transmission, and integrated trailer brake controller, and minor packaging, cosmetic and electronic updates. The Yukon shares the same basic platform used for Chevy Avalanche, Suburban and Silverado 1500, and Tahoe. Yukon offers power, space, and towing capacity. It can haul large loads of gear, it can survive repeated pounding over rugged terrain, it can pull trailers, all while transporting four in luxurious comfort. 

Inside, the Yukon features a simple, elegant dash that hints at aspirations for entry-luxury status. The Yukon has three-row seating standard and can be configured for two to nine occupants. Seating in the first and second rows has plenty of room, but the third row is best left for kids and has to be removed for maximum cargo space. 

Engine choices are all V8s. The popular 5.3-liter V8 engines (310-320 hp) provide plenty of power and have a system that shuts down half the cylinders under light loads to improve fuel economy. The Denali model's 6.2-liter V8 generates 403 horsepower, making it one of the more powerful offerings in the class. 

The Hybrid powertrain features a 6.0-liter V8 boosted by two electric motors for truck performance and respectable fuel economy. 

Maximum tow capacity ranges from 8500 pounds (Denali 2WD) to 6000 (Hybrid Yukon 4WD); subtract roughly 1500 pounds for passengers and cargo. 

Ride and handling characteristics are typical of large SUVs. The Yukon leans in turns and is not agile. The ride quality, on the other hand, is commendable, even with the Denali's available 20-inch polished wheels that add a touch of high fashion trendiness. 

4WD models use Autotrac, a system that can be engaged on dry pavement and also includes low-range gearing. It comes in handy for rugged terrain, launch ramps, and winter weather but does not repeal the laws of physics as some owners believe. 

For those who need a real four-wheel drive with cargo space and towing capacity the Yukon is a competitive choice. Those who don't tow might be better served by a larger crossover like the GMC Acadia. 

In addition to the Tahoe, the Yukon is in the same class as the Chrysler Aspen, Dodge Durango, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, Nissan Armada, and Toyota Sequoia. Those in need of mileage should put the Hybrid on their shopping list alongside the Aspen/Durango Hybrid, Lexus RX hybrid, and the diesel versions of the BMW X5, Jeep Grand Cherokee, VW Touareg and Mercedes ML and GL that provide hybrid-like city economy and superior highway economy. 

Lineup

The 2009 GMC Yukon lineup offers a choice of four V8 engine sizes and four trim levels: SLE, SLT (split into SLT1 and SLT2), Denali, and the Hybrid. All are offered with 2WD or 4WD, except the Denali, which is 2WD or all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing. SLE and SLT models are available with an XFE package for eXtra Fuel Economy. 

The GMC Yukon SLE 2WD ($37,705) comes with a 295-hp 4.8-liter V8 and a four-speed automatic transmission. The SLE 4WD ($41,765) comes with a 320-hp 5.3-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management and a six-speed automatic; an E85-capable flex-fuel 5.3 is available. Upgrading the base 2WD to a 5.3 costs $1000 and adds both power and highway economy. 

The SLE1 comes with cloth upholstery; dual-zone manual climate control with rear controls; split front bench seat; six-way power driver's seat; 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat; 50/50 split-fold third row; tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls; cruise control; intermittent wipers front/rear; power locks, windows and heated mirrors; remote keyless entry; side assist steps; AM/FM/CD stereo with eight speakers; XM satellite radio; Bluetooth; automatic headlights; theft-deterrent system; roof rails; front recovery hooks; trailer hitch platform with seven-wire harness; one year of OnStar service; and P265/70R17 tires on alloy wheels. 

SLE 2 ($39,970 2WD/$42,825 4WD) adds a 5.3-liter V8 and six-speed automatic to 2WD; rear headphone jacks and audio controls; power front bucket seats with console; fog lamps; color-matched door handles; 5 power outlets; 18-inch wheels and tires; and roof rail cross bars. 

Going to an SLT1 ($43,145/$46,000) adds leather upholstery; three-zone automatic climate control; Bose six-disc audio system; adjustable pedals; rear park assist; remote start; auto-dimming inside mirror; and universal garage door opener. 

Atop the standard Yukon trims is SLT2 ($43,930/46,785) which adds further luxuries such as 10-way power front seats, driver memory system, and heated front and second-row seats. 

An XFE economy package is available on 2WD SLE and SLT Yukon 310-hp 5.3-liters and adds 1 EPA mile per gallon for about $200 with no loss in rated tow capacity. The package includes a 3.08:1 axle ratio, light alloy wheels with low-rolling resistance high-pressure tires, lowered suspension, aluminum front control arms and spare wheel, locking differential, and trailering package. 

Top-line Denali models ($50,135 2WD/$53,130 AWD) are the best-equipped Yukons. Standards include a 403-hp 6.2-liter engine, 12-way power front seats; heated front and second-row seats; driver memory system; power tilt, heated, wood-and-leather steering wheel; Autoride suspension; power liftgate; power-folding reverse-tilt mirrors; auto-dimming inside and driver's side mirrors; chrome trim and unique grilles; Bose Centerpoint audio system; rain-sensing front wipers; and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with 275/55 tires. Available only on Denali is a Side Blind Zone Alert system ($500). 

Hybrid models ($50,920 2WD/$53,730 4WD) are well-equipped, slotting between SLT2 and Denali for features and amenities. However, the Hybrid does come standard with a 6-liter V8 gas engine and electric drive system contained within the transmission that rate 332 hp and 367 lb-ft of torque, navigation system with rearview camera, locking rear differential, and P265/65R18 low-rolling resistance tires on alloy wheels. It does not have roof rails, fog lamps, tow hooks, or a separately-opening glass on the liftgate. Hybrid mechanicals are warranted for 8 years or 100,000 miles. 

Options are myriad, dependent on model and other equipment, and frequently cheaper by the package. For 2009 navigation ($2500) is available on SLT1 and it always adds a rearview camera; some models offer a rearview camera with the display in the mirror for Yukons without navigation. Other common upgrades include polished aluminum 20-inch wheels ($1795-1995); three-zone climate control upgrade ($195); and audio system upgrades ($295-500). 

More choices include a moonroof ($995); retractable side steps ($1095); trailer brake controller ($200); rear DVD entertainment ($1295); Z71 Off-Road package ($1830); second-row bucket seats ($490 plus $425 for power release) and engine block heater ($75). Yukons that come with second-row buckets may often be ordered with a 60/40 second-row bench at no charge, and larger wheels can often be downsized to standard 17-inch at no cost for rough roads, tire chain clearance, and so on. 

Safety features that come standard on all models include dual-stage front airbags; three-row, head-protecting curtain side airbags with rollover sensors; four-wheel antilock brakes with dynamic rear proportioning that balances braking front to rear for optimum stopping force; StabiliTrak stability control system with rollover mitigation; LATCH child safety seat anchors; and a tire pressure monitor. Optional are rearview cameras, rear park assist, and on Denali, Side Blind Zone Alert. 

Walkaround

The GMC Yukon and Yukon Denali feature clean lines with quiet, calm surface planes that minimize the sheer bulk. Likewise, the smooth, gently contoured flanks and arrow-straight beltline visually lower the height. Tight tolerances between body panels and a thud closing a door invites comparison with the highest quality imports. 

The one-piece front end presents a friendly, welcoming face but without forfeiting the Yukon's presence. Large headlight housings are vertically oriented rather than the Tahoe's horizontal layout. The trademark grille with ruby-red logo and lower air intake ensure plenty of engine cooling. 

Door handles bridging deep recesses make for easy gripping in all seasons. Squared-off wheelwells carry forward a Yukon signature styling cue. They suggest trimming up with the available 20-inch wheels and tires, though that's not our choice from a driving and towing perspective. 

At the rear, a broad, mostly flat, almost vertical tailgate resides between tall, narrow taillights. The independently hinged rear window is a nice touch, permitting easy loading of grocery bags and such. 

The Yukon Hybrid has several styling cues that distinguish it from the other models. To counter added weight (the Hybrid is roughly 250 pounds heavier than standard) and drag, the front end features an aluminum hood and bumper beam, and a more prominent air dam you might scrape on steep driveways, never mind off-road travel. The upper grille is expanded while the lower is smaller and openings that would house fog lights and tow hooks are blocked off. Along the sides, the running boards are reshaped for improved aerodynamics and the wheel flares are slightly reshaped. At the back, the rear pillars, spoiler and center high-mounted stoplight have a unique shape, the tailgate is made of aluminum and has fixed glass, and LED taillights replace the standard bulbs. The wheels are more aero efficient and the tires have a lower rolling resistance. The spare tire and jack have been replaced by a tire inflation kit. The result is a slightly better coefficient of drag to help improve fuel economy, if only by small amounts. 

Interior

The Yukon interior design is clean and uncluttered. Elegantly simple, the instrument panel and center stack would look right at home in a luxury SUV. The Denali is richer still, with a wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel and darker wood trim than the other models. 

We think the Yukon dashboard is a friendlier, slicker and more integrated assemblage of gauges, display screens, touch pads and control panels than those in either a Land Rover or the Mercedes-Benz GL- and ML-Class, all priced higher than a comparable Yukon. The GMC's gauge cluster is very informative, reporting via secondary analog gauges powertrain data others leave to warning lights or bury in scrollable information displays. 

Leather surfaces feel expensive, if not luxurious. The fit between panels and coverings is impressive, with tight tolerances. Less impressive is the finish of some of the hard plastic surfaces, which look better than they feel; lighter-color interiors convey the lux look better than the dark colors. The headliner is a woven fabric that looks and feels like mouse fur. 

The Hybrid model has a unique gauge cluster with a special tachometer and an economy gauge. The economy gauge can be used for more efficient driving (as can be the mpg data on most models' info display in the tachometer). Note that economy is best with the gauge pointed in the left-to-straight-up range that translates on other gauges to cold engine, low oil pressure, and low fuel level. The tachometer has an Auto Stop reading to indicate when the gasoline engine is shut off. No Yukon tachometer has redline because the scale ends at the engine's maximum speed. 

The Hybrid comes standard with a navigation system and a 6.5-inch screen that shows a graphic representation of the hybrid system's power flow. This screen shows if the power is coming from the electric motors, the gasoline engine, or both, plus when regenerative braking is charging the batteries. The system also shows if the vehicle is in two- or four-wheel-drive mode. It's fun to monitor these readouts; they help you learn about how the hybrid system works and show when it is being used for the best fuel economy. But care must be taken by the driver to not be distracted by them. 

The design of the Yukon's dash gives the driver an expansive view out the windshield, adding to the feeling of being above it all. Visibility is good all around, though the imposing right side C-pillar (the post between the rear side door and the rear quarter panel) does nothing to reduce the large side mirrors' blind spot. Along the same lines, the third-row seat blocks the lower third of the rear window; folding the third row down eliminates this. 

The front seats are refreshingly comfortable and easy to adjust; most models have electric seat cushion adjustment but manual recline adjustment. They offer good thigh support, which is sometimes lacking in GM vehicles. Adjustable pedals on some models take the place of a telescoping steering column, and the tilt wheel is angled slightly toward the centerline of the car. 

The available second-row captain's chairs offer good thigh support, as well. We're disappointed with the folding armrests, however; they have one setting, which won't fit every occupant. Some way to adjust the angle of these armrests would be welcome. The Hybrid model has thinner front seats that reduce weight and open up more than an inch in second-row knee room. We found them to be just as comfortable as the standard seats. 

Room for people is respectable and competitive with other full-size SUVs. In front room measurements, the GMC Yukon equals of betters the Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada, and Toyota Sequoia but all have plenty of space. Trying them on will show which ergonomic setup and volume suits you best. 

In the second row, the Yukon trails the Expedition and Armada in headroom and legroom and betters them in hiproom, but by less than an inch in all regards; it also slightly trails the Sequoia in second-row headroom, but has slightly more hiproom and considerably more legroom. In other words, all large SUVs have a lot of second-row space and the Yukon is no exception. As for second-row access, the Yukon suffers from small-feet syndrome, where the clearance between the base of the second row seat and the doorframe is so cramped, it's impossible to step in or out without turning your foot sideways. 

Since the third-row seats sit on the cargo floor third-row legroom is limited in the Yukon, with little space for adult feet and knees up at chest level. The Expedition, Sequoia, and Armada offer considerably more legroom for third-row passengers; the Expedition has more than a foot more third-row legroom and is very close in all other respects. On the upside, it's surprisingly easy to climb in and out of the Yukon's rearmost seat, the walk-through opening notably larger than entering the second row. The second-row seat folds up out of the way with the release of a lever on the outboard pivot, or even better, at the press of a button with the optional power-fold feature. Unfolding the seat is done manually, however. Make sure it's securely latched. 

Cargo space behind the third row is limited, with just 17 cubic feet, less than any of the three competitors. With the second- and third-row seats out of the way, the Yukon offers comparable cargo space for the class, squeaking by the Expedition, exceeding the Armada's space by more than 10 cubic feet, but losing to the Sequoia by almost 12 cubic feet. Of course, the extended wheelbase Yukon XL (and Expedition XL/Navigator L) make up for any of the space deficiencies versus the Armada and Sequoia. 

One area where the Yukon really falls down is the ease with which cargo room can be optimized. Both the Sequoia and Expedition offer a power-folding third row that folds flat into the floor. For optimum cargo room in the Yukon, the third-row seats must be removed, and they are heavy and bulky and you need someplace to store them. 

Cubby storage includes a compact glove box; fixed map pockets with molded-in bottle holders on the front doors; and pouches on the backs of the front seatbacks. A large bin with removable double cup holder is provided between the front seats. In the Yukon Denali, this feature is separated into a storage bin and twin cup holders, both with hinged covers and surrounded in woodgrain. Ordering the front bench seat for three-across seating eliminates the center console, of course. 

Driving Impression

When it comes to trucks, numbers matter, arguably more than they do with cars. The most popular engine for the GMC Yukon is the 5.3-liter V8, which produces 320 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque. A Yukon 4WD is listed at 5536 pounds, which doesn't include options. 

But the most important number on the 2009 Yukon is six, as in six-speed automatic transmission. In recent years the Expedition's minor torque advantage and six-speed automatic (versus the Yukon's four-speed) was enough to accelerate the heavier Expedition better and get better real-world mileage. The even-more powerful Armada and Sequoia drove away from both of them. 

Now the Yukon's 5.3 and slightly lower weight have made it competitive again, and this is the primary reason upgrading a base model 2WD to a 5.3 and six-speed is worth the $1000. 

For the most power you need a Denali and its 6.2-liter V8: 403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse gets the Denali moving with ease, delivering very similar power-to-weight as the Sequoia. The Denali's 8500-pound tow rating is the highest of any standard-length Yukon, but it is not available with a 4WD system that has low-range gearing. 

Like Chrysler/Dodge's hemi the 5.3 has a system to shut off half its cylinders when not needed, a condition that exists under power very infrequently in big trucks. A Yukon 1500 5.3 rates EPA 14/20/16 (city/highway/combined) in 2 or 4WD, and the Expedition 2WD is also 14/20/16 (4WD not tested at time of post). A Denali 6.2 rates 12/19/14 and the competitive Sequoia 5.7 (381 hp, 401 lb-ft) rates 13/18/15 and the Armada runs 12/18/14. Recent EPA ratings are less optimistic than they used to be, but any way (or truck) you look at it, you're going to use lots of gas. 

The Hybrid Yukon offers big gains in city fuel economy, netting EPA numbers of 20./20 in 4WD. Chrysler's Aspen HEV hybrid that uses the same type of hybrid system and offers higher system output, rates 20/22. Real-world drives show EPA numbers for hybrids remain on the optimistic side. In back-to-back drives between hybrid and standard GM SUV's we found the standard (lighter) truck just edged the hybrid on highway fuel economy while the hybrid was better in urban environs, getting around 17 mpg versus the 5.3 around 13 mpg. EPA diesel numbers on the other hand tend to be pessimistic, and Mercedes' GL320 rates 17/23, VW's Touareg 18/25; the upcoming Audi Q7 and BMW X5 diesel EPA values weren't yet available. 

The numbers game continues with tow ratings. Yukon ratings aren't quite as high as Expedition and Armada, and 1500 pounds below the Sequoia's top 10,000-pound rating. To find real towing ability you need to know the trucks' GCWR and subtract the truck (and all passengers/cargo) from it. For example, a Yukon rated to tow 8200 pounds max might pull only 6700 pounds with the truck loaded; VW's Touareg diesel is rated at 7716 pounds, but that is with the vehicle fully loaded. 

Driving a Yukon is pleasant. Power comes on smoothly, with no surges or hiccups, and it is accompanied by a pleasant tone that reminds us of classic dual exhaust. Transitions effected by the fuel-management system are invisible, with the only indication a telltale in the information display in the tachometer. The six-speed automatic sorts out gears well. It has a manual shift function managed by a rocker switch in the handgrip on the column shift lever that rev-matches downshifts, but unlike most competitors you must first move the lever to M. 

The Hybrid works seamlessly and doesn't require any new driver action, just some familiarity with the different noise and, for maximum efficiency, driving style. At very low speeds propulsion is by electric power only, and you have to watch for people walking out in front of you in parking lots since there is only tire noise and some whirring when you start or stop. The system will do 30 mph on electric alone in ideal circumstances but in most cases the gas engine is on by 10 mph. It usually shuts off the gas engine when the vehicle is stationary and the majority of time your foot is on the gas pedal it is a combination of the gas engine and electric motors powering you. 

If you step on the gas hard as you might to get across a busy street there is a moment, some fraction of a second, before the gas engine starts and the system delivers its full 367 lb-ft of torque, so you should try that in the open a couple of times to know exactly how the truck will respond. There's enough power to get the Hybrid (and a 4000-6000 pound trailer) going easily, though it may sound odd at first as the gas engine goes to a certain rpm and stays there while the truck catches up with it. The brakes in a Hybrid will feel touchy at first because they signal regeneration, which adds more retarding without any change in brake pedal pressure. 

Driving Yukon models along twisty, two-lane roads on both coasts we found they tracked well through sweeping bends traversed well above the marked 40-mph advisories. Like all large truck-based SUVs, steering is still somewhat slow, but it is precise and offers good feedback and a decent turning circle by truck standards. The handling is also sharper than in the previous generation, due to a stronger and stiffer frame; coil-over-shock independent front suspension; revised, multi-link, live axle rear suspension; and a wider track, by some three inches in front and an inch in the rear. Still, the Yukon is a full-size truck and is prone to body lean in turns and slow reactions in quick changes of direction. 

We found the ride to be comfortable and controlled on South Carolina freeways, some of which were glass-smooth while others were buckled from severe winters. With the Denali's available 20-inch wheels, the suspension didn't jolt but you can tell those are heavy truck parts underneath, even on Chicago's notoriously pockmarked streets. The turning circle impressed us. It takes less space to make a U-turn in a Yukon than it does in other SUVs in this class; even some relatively small vehicles such as the Mitsubishi Eclipse need more space to turn around than the Yukon. This is helpful in a world of big SUVs and compact parking spaces. The brake pedal was solid and firm, with a prompt and confident response. 

Abundant sound deadening material mutes road noise; you'll hear some from the rear tires only if the stereo is off. That the stereo has to be on for the navigation system to operate is irritating, a strategy shared with expensive Mercedes vehicles. We like that GM vehicles now provide off switches for the daytime running lights and for the inside rearview mirror's auto-dim function. 

Added for 2009 is an available brake controller for trailers with electric brakes (it obviously won't work with surge brakes and may not be compatible with electro-hydraulic disc systems). This integrates the brakes on both vehicles for the smoothest, most effective action. 

Summary

The GMC Yukon has a comfortable interior that pushes upscale for a truck. It offers available power that meets or beats the competition, though it trails in towing capacity. The addition of the Hybrid model answers the urban fuel economy issue that has long plagued large SUVs. With all its strengths, the Yukon is a strong contender in its class. 

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent G.R. Whale contributed to this report from Los Angeles, with Tom Lankard in Georgia, and Kirk Bell in Chicago. 

Model Lineup

GMC Yukon SLE1 2WD ($37,705); Yukon SLE1 4WD ($41,765); Yukon SLE2 2WD ($39,970); Yukon SLE2 4WD ($42,825); Yukon SLT1 2WD ($43,145); Yukon SLT1 4WD ($46,000); Yukon SLT2 2WD ($43,930); Yukon SLT2 4WD ($46,785); Yukon Denali 2WD ($50,135); Yukon Denali AWD ($53,130) Yukon Hybrid 2WD ($50,920); Yukon Hybrid 4WD ($53,730). 

Assembled In

Arlington, Texas. 

Options As Tested

20-inch chrome clad wheels ($1995); rear seat entertainment ($1295); moonroof ($995).