2007 GMC Yukon Denali Roadtest

[91 s-10baja]

By David Thomas

Cars.com
July 20, 2006

The 2007 GMC Yukon — along with the Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Tahoe — is one of three completely redesigned full-size SUVs from General Motors. I've driven all three, and with the exception of the Escalade's more powerful drivetrain and cushier ride, they're almost identical.

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Interior images



The steering wheel is a favorite of mine. It's large yet easy to grip, and the volume and cruise-control buttons are perfectly placed. The center stack also features high-quality wood trim for a car in this segment, along with well-hidden cupholders that accommodate a wide array of drinks.



LCD screen



The LCD screen in the center console is bright and easy to read. A light touch registers the proper selections. It's too bad the navigation system got us lost.



Exterior images



The Yukon Denali's grille and large headlamps are the vehicle's dominant features. All other angles reveal a relatively conservative package. The black treatment on the taillights looks out
of place.

[likearock00]

Looks nice, but since the redesign I have lost the love for the GMC's. The Chevy looks alot nicer, IMO...

[91 s-10baja]

Originally Posted by likearock00

Looks nice, but since the redesign I have lost the love for the GMC's. The Chevy looks alot nicer, IMO...

You stole the words from me' mouth. The Yukon is WAY TOO bland IMO to be an upgrade.

[TahoeMikeZ71]

I saw a nice '07 Denali driving yesterday. It was in that bermuda blue color.

[GMFreak8]

I can't say I agree with his comments about blandness and blending in. I find it stands out, guess it's just me though.....

[Kheiron]

Although the rear taillights may be out of place on this model, they look gorgeous IMO, I really like the way they light up but wish they were offered on the Tahoe. The interior is much more luxurious than on the Tahoe, I just wish it would have had its own individual layout instead of a carbon copy layout of the dash of the Tahoe, the Escalade is well differentiated but the Yukon, not so much. Still materials are top-notch. I have yet to drive the vehicle, but all indications are good thus far, anyone feel free to comment on driving dynamics?

[likearock00]

my beef is w/the front end. I love the current front ends on GMC, but the 900's look ugly. It lost it's appeal to me.

[Murrow]

If the wood must be fake, I wish they wouldn't use so much of it.

[griswold44]

Originally Posted by Murrow

If the wood must be fake, I wish they wouldn't use so much of it.

I have nothing against fake wood if it's actually convincing, and if it's not in a vehicle where it doesn't belong. It's fine for the Tahoe & Yukon to have it, but the Escalade having fake wood is wrong on so many levels.

[01cavalier]

They all get my attention when I see them. Definitely look great!

[TahoeMikeZ71]

I think that the Yukon Denali models the second best behind the Escalade models. When I first saw the Yukon and Denali pics I thought they didn't look that good, but when I saw them in real life I thought they looked great espically the Denali.

[ATPeele]

There's something about the Yukon that looks SO much better in person.

Second point, fake wood doesn't age well. I wish they would be more conservative with it. Look at any 70's era car. It just looks tacky.

[Gm786]

Very nice SUV. Love the interior!

[GMFreak8]

Ask most people to distinguish between real and fake wood in vehicles today, and I can guarantee you, most can't.

[CACressida]

And I can garuntee you that my neighbor who owns a GMC Yukon Denali 2005 mistaked a new Yukon for a minivan. That thing is just but ugly up front. Now the Tahoe? Thats a different story. I like the tahoes looks up front. The Escalade and the Yukon just look plain boring as far as the headlight design goes. And the Yukons bumper seems alot less offroad friendly than the Tahoe. It sticks out way to much.

I have to walk by one every day at work. The more i think about it, the more it does look like a minivan.