It’s tempting to call the GMC Yukon Denali a poor man’s Cadillac Escalade – problem is, poor men don’t buy $55,000 SUVs. Still, the top-of-the-line Denali undeniably packs a lot of valueinto its seven- passenger frame. The Denali represents the top rung of the GMC Yukon line, and reminds us why Americans fell in love with full-size SUVs. Cyclical gas prices have blunted that enthusiasm some, but recent news reports indicate that American consumers may be inching back toward big, truck-based sport utility vehicles.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS: I have a friend who says once you’ve driven a big, seven-passenger SUV it’s hard to backtrack. I can see what he means after spending time behind the wheel of our Yukon Denali tester from the new Integrity Automotive Group (previously Saturn of Chattanooga). Sales consultant Seth Shaver said the Yukon Denali has a combination of clean lines and driving comfort that makes it a customer favorite. Driving some of the backroads around Chickamauga Lake, the Denali was composed and quiet. Luxury options, such as ventilated leather seats and a navigation system with traffic updates, remind you the Denali is a nice showcase for GMs cutting-edge products. I found the Denali’s cabin remarkably isolated. The 6.2-liter, V-8 is a beast when it comes to hauling, but a beauty when it comes to highway cruising.
STYLING: The Denali, with its signature GMC billeted grille, is an attractive SUV. The interior plastics and leather are now on par with premium brands. Whether carpooling kids to the soccer fields or taking dad to the club for a round of golf, the Denali exudes suburban prosperity. Everything about the interior feels solid and enduring. There’s nothing trendy in the design. Black is a good color for the Denali, since it accentuates the SUVs strong lines.
BOTTOM LINE: With fuel consumption rated at 20 mpg highway, 14 mpg city, the Denali is no gas miser. But its many virtues and luxury touches – 20-inch wheels, rear-seat entertainment system, XM satellite radio – should put it on the short list for anyonelooking for a full-size SUV.
TEST DRIVE