Test Drive: 2007 GMC Yukon Denali

[91 s-10baja]

Setpember 27, 2006

Test Drive: 2007 GMC Yukon Denali

2007 GMC Yukon Denali. Click image to enlargeReview and photos by Jil McIntosh
Discuss this story in the forum at CarTalkCanada
If you're of a certain age, you remember a television show called Laugh-In, where Lily Tomlin played five-year-old Edith Ann, rocking in a giant wooden chair. Being of that certain age, I felt very much like Edith Ann as I hauled my five-foot-four frame up and over the sill into the 2007 Yukon Denali, settled into that sofa of a leather seat, and moved the power pedals so I could reach them. This is one big truck - and I just

The Yukon and its XL big brother are GMC's largest vehicles, and are completely redesigned for 2007, with new interior and exterior features, a chassis that's stronger than that of the model it replaces, and new engines. The Yukon line-up starts with a 5.3-litre V8 (a 4.8-litre V8 will be used in 4X2 Yukons later in the model year), but the top-of-the-line Denali comes strictly with a 6.2-litre V8, mated to an exceptionally smooth heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission, and with standard all-wheel drive.


The new platform, which underpins all of GM's new full-size SUVs, combines a fully boxed frame with wider front and rear tracks, and a new coil-over-shock design. In order that passengers forget they're really in a truck, the Yukon comes with a real-time damping system that GM calls Autoride; its electronically-controlled shock absorbers react almost instantly to road conditions and adjust the damping rate. And you do forget, pretty quickly; this Yukon rides more like a Cadillac sedan, and with much less body roll than I expected given its size. The entire effect is a bit disconcerting: it drives and handles like a much smaller vehicle, until you look around and realize exactly how large your footprint really is.

2007 GMC Yukon Denali. Click image to enlargeThere's the illusion of lower speed common to most oversize vehicles - it generally only hit me when I wondered why everyone else on the highway was plodding along, and I looked down at my speedometer to find myself in "Hello, Officer" territory - but I found much less disconnection to the road than I've felt in a few other large luxury SUVs. Wheel feedback is quite good, and there's decent on-centre feel; brakes are improved over 2006, with larger rotors, stiffer calipers and a new Bosch ABS system. I don't think I'd go so far as to call it "nimble", but it's far less of a handful than its bulk would suggest.
It's also capable: this is a truck, after all, and in this configuration it'll haul 3,492 kg (7,700 lbs); the towing package is included, with a heavy-duty hitch, seven-pin connector and trailer brake wiring harness. The six-speed transmission also has a "tap up/down" function, operated by a button on the shifter, which allows the driver to control up- and downshifts when towing.
The Denali is already a flashy vehicle, but GM pimped my ride: my tester was equipped with 20-inch chrome aluminum wheels (a $1,565 option), navigation system, rear-seat DVD, power sunroof and heated steering wheel. Between the Denali's standard bright grille and those big chrome hoops, especially against the black paint, the truck did stand out, and I was surprised at how many people went out of their way to look at it. Maybe they thought I had a rap star in the back seat.



2007 GMC Yukon Denali. Click image to enlargeSpeaking of seats, the Denali has plenty of them: the model comes standard with a three-passenger 50/50 split third row. This three-row seating configuration has become a badge of honour among SUV builders, but it does the Denali no favours. It may be fine in the long-wheelbase XL model, but in the standard version, third-row passengers sit on hard, flat cushions over the rear axle, with their chins on their knees thanks to the raised floor. Entry is via flip-and-fold second-row seats, but because it's a 60/40 seat, the one on the driver's side is heavy and difficult to manoeuvre; there's a power release, but you still have to pull it back up manually.
Second-row passengers have a much better time of it, with plenty of legroom, the same level of comfort as the front seats, and with three-point seatbelts for all three seating positions.
There's only a 26 cm-long space for cargo with the third seat upright. It can be flipped and folded by pulling a latch, but you're still left with a bulky folded seat that must be removed if you want to put any cargo there. If you want to pull the seat back up to its upright position, you've got to go into the truck, flip the second row and then pull the seatbacks up; the third row has no handles on the seatbacks, and so unless you're extremely tall and can grab them by the head restraints, you can't pull them back up while you're standing at the liftgate. Remove the third seats entirely, and there's a 114-cm long cargo floor; if you then flip the second row up, you've got 156 cm of flat floor. If I actually owned this truck, that third row would be stored in my cellar, which would turn the Denali into a far more useful five-passenger vehicle with room for hauling things.


2007 GMC Yukon Denali. Click image to enlargeUp in the first row, driver and passenger are separated by a massive console, covered with the same glossy plastic wood that adorns the dash, steering wheel, centre stack and armrests; it looks very fake, and when the sun comes through the windshield and strikes the flat console, the glare is blinding. And while the huge mirrors are very helpful for checking blind spots, they also create one: between the thick A-pillar and the massive mirror, I lost a minivan, which only became visible once it moved into my windshield area.
The Denali comes with numerous standard features, including remote vehicle starter, power liftgate, power folding mirrors, heated washers, rain-sensing wipers, tri-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming mirror with compass, OnStar, garage door opener, XM Satellite radio and auxiliary rear heater. Rear parking assist is also standard, and uses an audio signal combined with three lights in the inside passenger side C-pillar that light up in succession as you get closer to objects. (If that isn't enough, you can upgrade the navigation system with a rear-view camera.)

2007 GMC Yukon Denali. Click image to enlargeBut it's overly busy: between my tester's dash, doors, centre stack, navigation radio, shifter, wheel, mirror and overhead console, there are 83 buttons in the first row, and that's without counting the power seat controls. (Second-seat passengers get another dozen buttons and two dials for their audio and climate controls.) Remember: always keep your eyes on the road.
Buttons aside, GM has put a lot of care into its new line of truck interiors, and it shows: this generation, including SUVs and the new generation of trucks, boasts excellent fit-and-finish and some of the best workmanship the company has turned out in years. Gaps are minimal, seat hardware is covered and everything is backlit. My only quibble is with the cupholders; they're covered with a panel that opens to a vertical rest, facing the driver. Hinging it on the other side would avoid having to lift the cup over it.
In short, GM has done a great job on this truck: it handles well, rides beautifully, and provides a superb level of comfort and an eye-catching exterior.
2007 GMC Yukon Denali. Click image to enlargeBut in this day and age of rising fuel prices and the slow decline of conspicuous consumption, the relevance of such a vehicle is questionable. In combined driving, mostly in urban areas, I got a dismal 18.0 L/100 km (15.6 mpg Imp), and when I had to go to an event in downtown Toronto, I left the Denali at home and took a subcompact; I just wasn't in the mood to tackle tight streets and even tighter parking spaces. There will always be buyers who need the Denali's towing ability or want its eight-passenger seating, or just like driving something that big; but before you commit, take a look at GMC's other vehicles, including the Envoy and all-new Acadia; when it comes to trucks, bigger isn't always better. (And that's the truth.)

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articl...ukondenali.htm

[importedtuna]

I like everything about GM's full size SUV's except the space hogging folding seats that really give away the age of the platform's origins. If it was truly an all-new SUV platform it would have fold-flat type seats, not those fold-in-half embarassments that look like they belong in a 1970's Suburban with avocado colored vinyl seat coverings.

[boblutzfan]

Originally Posted by importedtuna

I like everything about GM's full size SUV's except the space hogging folding seats that really give away the age of the platform's origins. If it was truly an all-new SUV platform it would have fold-flat type seats, not those fold-in-half embarassments that look like they belong in a 1970's Suburban with avocado colored vinyl seat coverings.

While I admit fold flat would have been better - it can be argued that the fold flat seats in the Expedition didn't really dent GM Full size SUV sales in the last generation.

My personal feeling is that if you buy a Yukon or Suburban - you aren't necessarily looking for space efficiency - if so you would have purchased a minivan. I really doubt the lack of fold flat third row seats will hurt sales.

GM invested the resources into the Lambda platform for those who want an SUV look withouth the gas guzzling and garage hogging space of a GMT-900. If you want fold flat seats - buy an Acadia.

[WishIhadatruck]

Originally Posted by importedtuna

I like everything about GM's full size SUV's except the space hogging folding seats that really give away the age of the platform's origins. If it was truly an all-new SUV platform it would have fold-flat type seats, not those fold-in-half embarassments that look like they belong in a 1970's Suburban with avocado colored vinyl seat coverings.

My only complaint as well. Other than I'm still waiting on the diesel/hybrid option.

[samy1691]

VERY...VERY....Bland design!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bggriffi]

Most people take the 3rd row seats out when they aren't going to be using them.

[logansowner]

Originally Posted by samy1691

VERY...VERY....Bland design!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go rent a Camry. That is the essence of bland. This truck is the best looking SUV yet. IMO better than the Escalade in the looks department. Sometimes class is better than in your face-ness.

[importedtuna]

Bggriffi Most people take the 3rd row seats out when they aren't going to be using them.

Removing 3rd row seats to gather dust in the garage, and putting them back in at a moment's notice while straining one's back is one of the least efficient and enjoyable things I've experienced with trucks and vans. Especially in 90 degree humid heat. I'll pass. Give me fold flat with a button in the back like the Ford big SUV.

Sometimes class is better than in your face-ness.

Needs more hoodscoops, intakes and stickers!

[logansowner]

Originally Posted by boblutzfan

While I admit fold flat would have been better - it can be argued that the fold flat seats in the Expedition didn't really dent GM Full size SUV sales in the last generation.

My personal feeling is that if you buy a Yukon or Suburban - you aren't necessarily looking for space efficiency - if so you would have purchased a minivan. I really doubt the lack of fold flat third row seats will hurt sales.

GM invested the resources into the Lambda platform for those who want an SUV look withouth the gas guzzling and garage hogging space of a GMT-900. If you want fold flat seats - buy an Acadia.

This is true, I am not so much worried about lost sales, as with the trucks, a Ford guy wont buy a Chevy. So thats not as much of a worry as it is with cars. I'm more concerned with the fact that this 900 is better than anything in the class in every way-except this. It was so close, then they cheaped out on crappy seats. Maybe the solution here is an option to not get those seats in the first place. Make them optional (FREE NO CHARGE OPTION) so if you don't need em, you don't have to worry about what to do with them. Adn you just get the extra space.

[tgagneguam]

Originally Posted by samy1691

VERY...VERY....Bland design!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's funny, I used to prefer the styling of GMC's trucks versus their Chevrolet counterparts, which always seemed more pedestrian. With this current generation of FS trucks/SUV's, I find myself definitely preferring the Chevrolet iterations; they're more appealing... The Cadillac versions generally have always been a little too "mack-daddy" for my taste.

[logansowner]

Ok, if we need something to complain about...that "wood" is THE most pathetic attempt at it I have ever seen. Ever. I have never sen fake wood that horrendous, and I owned a paneled Caravan LE from the early 90's...:lol: Brushed aluminum looks fine, even on "luxury" vehicles, so why not go with that. There is good looking fake wood out there, but that is absolutely pitiful.

[unkillsam]

Originally Posted by logansowner

Ok, if we need something to complain about...that "wood" is THE most pathetic attempt at it I have ever seen. Ever. I have never sen fake wood that horrendous, and I owned a paneled Caravan LE from the early 90's...:lol: Brushed aluminum looks fine, even on "luxury" vehicles, so why not go with that. There is good looking fake wood out there, but that is absolutely pitiful.

Don't base your opinions on a 3" by 2" photo. The wood, even though it is fake, looks exceptionally good.

The GMT 900's interiors have all been praised by the automotive press. I can't once recall anyone complaining about the wood trim.

I remember when I sat in one at the Philly International Auto Show that I thought it was real wood till I asked someone.

[TaHoE]

[the wood] looks very fake

Strange, Edmunds said the exact opposite saying that it was the best fake wood they had ever seen. I think this guy was looking for something negative to say about the interior.

[Murrow]

Originally Posted by logansowner

Ok, if we need something to complain about...that "wood" is THE most pathetic attempt at it I have ever seen.

It's my biggest beef too. If you're going to put fake wood in a car, do you have to use SO MUCH of it?? It looks like they must have chopped down a plastic forest just to use as trim in each Tahoe/Yukon.

With the Escalade, the fake wood is even more inexcusable.

[mikesright]

Originally Posted by importedtuna

I like everything about GM's full size SUV's except the space hogging folding seats that really give away the age of the platform's origins. If it was truly an all-new SUV platform it would have fold-flat type seats, not those fold-in-half embarassments that look like they belong in a 1970's Suburban with avocado colored vinyl seat coverings.

The platform is all-new. The seats are a compromise, but consider this. They went with a solid axle, which will improve stability and a five-link suspension, which consumes space but gives it good ride and handling.