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CanadianDriver's New Car Buyer's Guide 2008:
GMC Yukon/Yukon Denali

NEW FOR 2008:

GMC Yukon/Yukon Denali 2008

GMC Yukon/Yukon Denali 2008

GMC Yukon/Yukon Denali 2008

GMC Yukon/Yukon Denali 2008
Click image to enlarge
Images courtesy: GMC

- Yukon Hybrid model (interim introduction) with GM's new 2-Mode hybrid system
- Curtain airbags standard on all models
- StabiliTrak and six-speed automatic transmission standard on Yukon XL 2500 models
- 17-inch wheels available on Yukon XL 2500 models
- Standard remote starter and power sunroof on Denali
- Exterior colours: Stealth Gray Metallic and Sonoma Red Metallic (Yukon); Red Jewel Tintcoat and Dark Slate Metallic (Denali)

Completely redesigned in 2007, the GMC Yukon and the upscale Denali model receive tweaking for 2008. The big news is an upcoming Hybrid model, which will use a 6.0-litre V8 with Active Fuel Management, lightweight materials, and GM's new 2-Mode hybrid system, for an estimated fuel economy improvement of up to 25 per cent over the conventional model.

GMC's version of the Chevrolet Suburban, the model line comes as the Yukon, in two- or four-wheel drive; the longer-wheelbase Yukon XL in 1500 and 2500 configuration; and the top-of-the-line Denali, in regular or XL length, with full-time all-wheel drive. Depending on the model, seating ranges from five to nine passengers.

Engine choices in the Yukon are a 5.3-litre V8 with four-speed automatic transmission, or 6.0-litre V8, with six-speed automatic. The 4.8-litre V8 engine offered in 2007 is no longer available. The Denali models exclusively use a 6.2-litre V8 with six-speed automatic.

Features on the Yukon SLE include 17-inch aluminum wheels, tri-zone manual climate control, black assist steps, deep-tinted windows, heated mirrors, roof rack side rails, recovery hooks, variable intermittent wipers, rear washer/wiper, cruise control, floor mats, rear auxiliary heater, tire pressure monitoring system, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass and temperature gauge, leather-wrapped tilt wheel with audio controls, 40/20/40 front bench with six-way power driver's adjustment, second-row 60/40 split bench, CD/MP3 stereo, power locks with keyless entry, theft-deterrent system and OnStar.

The SLT adds tri-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, roof rack cross bars, centre floor console, power-adjustable pedals, garage door opener, six-way power leather bucket seats, six-CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary jack, second-row audio controls, and rear parking assist.

The Denali adds 18-inch aluminum wheels, power liftgate, power-folding heated mirrors with driver's side auto-dimming, puddle lamps, reverse tip-down and integrated turn signals, power sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, heated washer fluid system, ten-way heated leather seats, third-row 50/50 split-bench removable seat, and XM Satellite Radio.

With its new platform and well-done interior, the Yukon has a comfortable ride, good steering feel and impressive acceleration, although its bulk and fuel economy may be more than many drivers prefer, especially in the city. The upcoming hybrid version is expected to improve considerably on the Yukon's fuel cravings. All Yukon models can be optioned with three rows of seats, but for those consistently hauling a crowd, the longer-wheelbase XL is a better choice to maximize legroom for passengers in the back.

2008 GMC Yukon/Yukon Denali Specifications:
Type4-door, 5/9-passenger full-size SUV
LayoutFront engine/rear-wheel drive/4WD
Engine5.3-litre V8, OHV, 16 valves
 6.0-litre V8, OHV, 16 valves
 6.2-litre V8, OHV, 16 valves
Horsepower320 @ 5200 rpm
 366 @ 5500 rpm
 380 @ 5500 rpm
Torque (lb-ft)340 @ 4200 rpm
 380 @ 4300 rpm
 417 @ 4400 rpm
Transmission4-speed automatic/6-speed automatic
Tires 1500P265/70R17 all-season
Tires 2500LT245/75R16 all-season
Tires DenaliP265/65R18 all-season
Curb weight Yukon 2WD2388 kg (5265 lbs)
Curb weight Yukon 4WD2506 kg (5524 lbs)
Curb weight Hybrid 2WD2513 kg (5541 lbs)
Curb weight Hybrid 4WD2625 kg (5787 lbs)
Curb weight 1500 XL 2WD2543 kg (5607 lbs)
Curb weight 1500 XL 4WD2605 kg (5743 lbs)
Curb weight 2500 XL 2WD2739 kg (6039 lbs)
Curb weight 2500 XL 4WD2870 kg (6327 lbs)
Curb weight Denali2556 kg (5635 lbs)
Curb weight Denali XL2648 kg (5838 lbs)
Wheelbase Yukon, Denali2946 mm (116.0 in.)
Wheelbase XL, Denali XL3302 mm (130.0 in.)
Length Yukon5131 mm (202.0 in.)
Length XL, Denali XL5649 mm (222.4 in.)
Width Yukon2007 mm (79.0 in.)
Width Yukon XL 2009 mm (79.1 in.)
Height 2WD1953 mm (76.9 in.)
Height 4WD1955 mm (77.0 in.)
Height XL 1951 mm (76.8 in.)
Ground clearance Yukon228 mm (9.0 in.)
Ground clearance XL 1500227 mm (8.9 in.)
Ground clearance XL 2500234 mm (9.2 in.)
Towing capacity Yukon 2WD3402 kg (7500 lbs)
Towing capacity Yukon 4WD3720 kg (8200 lbs)
Towing capacity Hybrid 2WD2812 kg (6200 lbs)
Towing capacity Hybrid 4WD2721 kg (6000 lb)
Towing capacity XL 1500 2WD3674 kg (8100 lbs)
Towing capacity XL 1500 4WD3629 kg (8000 lbs)
Towing capacity XL 2500 2WD4355 kg (9600 lbs)
Towing capacity XL 2500 4WD4218 kg (9300 lbs)
Towing capacity Denali3583 kg (7900 lbs)
Towing capacity Denali XL3538 kg (7800 lbs)
Payload Yukon 2WD832 kg (1835 lbs)(w/3rd row seat)
Payload Yukon 4WD806 kg (1776 lbs)(w/3rd row seat)
Payload Hybrid 2WD647 kg (1426 lbs)(w/3rd row seat)
Payload Hybrid 4WD626 kg (1380 lbs)(w/3rd row seat)
Payload XL 1500 2WD723 kg (1593 lbs)(w/3rd row seat)
Payload XL 1500 4WD752 kg (1657 lbs)(w/3rd row seat)
Payload XL 2500 2WD1162 kg (2561 lbs)(w/3rd row seat)
Payload XL 2500 4WD1031 kg (2272 lbs)(w/3rd row seat)
Payload Denali665 kg (1465 lbs)(w/3rd row seat)
Payload Denali XL709 kg (1562 lbs)(w/3rd row seat)
Cargo capacity Yukon478 litres (16.9 cu. ft.)(behind 3rd row)
 1707 litres (60.3 cu. ft.)(behind 2nd row,
  3rd row removed)
 3084 litres (108.9 cu. ft.)(2nd row folded
  3rd row removed)
Cargo capacity Yukon XL1297 litres (45.8 cu. ft.)(behind 3rd row)
 2548 litres (90.0 cu. ft.)(behind 2nd row,
  3rd row removed)
 3890 litres (137.4 cu. ft.)(2nd row folded
  3rd row removed)
Fuel consumption 5.3City: 14.7 L/100 km (19 mpg Imp)
 Hwy: 9.8 L/100 km (29 mpg Imp)
Fuel consumption 6.0 2WDCity: 17.0 L/100 km (17 mpg Imp)
 Hwy: 11.5 L/100 km (25 mpg Imp)
Fuel consumption 6.0 4WDCity: 17.3 L/100 km (16 mpg Imp)
 Hwy: 11.8 L/100 km (24 mpg Imp)
Fuel consumption 6.2City: 17.5 L/100 km (16 mpg Imp)
 Hwy: 10.6 L/100 km (27 mpg Imp)
Fuel typeRegular/premium recommended but not 
  Required (6.2)
Warranty3 yrs/60,000 km
Powertrain warranty5 yrs/160,000 km
Side airbagsN/A
Curtain airbagsStandard
Anti-lock brakesStandard
Traction controlStandard
Stability controlStandard
Assembly location Janesville, Wisconsin
 Arlington, Texas

*Specifications subject to change
Crash test results www.safercar.gov, www.hwysafety.org

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