Yukon XL comes in half-ton 1500 and three-quarter-ton 2500 models. Other Yukons and Denalis are 1500s. All have a rear liftgate with separate-opening glass and seat up to nine. Front bucket seats are standard on Denalis and available for Yukons in place of a 3-person bench. Twin 2nd-row bucket seats are optional to replace a 3-person bench. A 3rd-row bench is standard for Denali, XL SLE, and XL SLT; available for regular-length Yukons and XL SL.
All models have a V8 engine. A 285-hp 4.8-liter is standard in regular-length Yukons, a 295-hp 5.3 is offered. The 5.3 is standard on Yukon XL 1500s. A 335-hp 6.0 is standard on Denali and 2500 models, a 325-hp 8.1-liter is optional for the 2500.
All models have an automatic transmission with GM's Tow/Haul mode. Denalis include all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Yukons offer either rear-wheel drive or GM's Autotrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing.
All models have antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. GM's Stabilitrak antiskid system is standard for Yukon and Denali models. Front side airbags are standard on Denalis, available elsewhere. Yukons get standard 16-inch wheels or optional 17s. Denalis come with 17-inch wheels or newly available 20-inch chrome wheels.
GM's OnStar assistance is standard on all models. Denalis come with power-adjustable pedals and an automatic climate system with front/rear controls. All are available for Yukons. Optional for SLT and Denali models is an audio/navigation system, which adds a control touch screen.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large SUVs are traditionally workhorse 7-plus passenger wagons with brawny chassis, ample towing ability, lots of cargo space, and generally abysmal fuel economy. These vehicles offer towing and payload ratings similar to large pickup trucks.
Our Best Buys include Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, and Ford Expedition. Our Recommended picks are GMC Yukon, GMC Denali, and the Toyota Sequoia.
News
Though just redesigned, these GMCs and their Chevrolet relatives are expected to add a hybrid powertrain option for 2008. The result of a GM-DaimlerChrysler-BMW collaboration, this "two-mode" system is said to use twin electric motors and a 300-volt battery pack to assist a 5.3 V8 with GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder-shutoff feature. It allows low-speed driving on either power source, and promises better overall fuel economy than conventional powertrains. Rival Dodge's midsize 2007 Durango SUV offers a similar hybrid option.
Download 2006 GMC Yukon Denali XL information in pdf format
Source: 2006 GMC Yukon and Denali Road Test >
