When you are looking at yukons and yukon denalis, you are really just looking at GMs models of SUVs. You might even think that the yukon looks like the tahoe, because it is really just a fancier version. And of course that would make the yukon XL the upscale chevy suburban. And the denali is just one step up above the yukons in class.
With the yukon xl, you got a couple of choices in models, from the half ton 1500 to the 3/4 ton 2500. The denalis get front row bucket seats standard, and there are optional for the yukons. The second row also has the option for bucket seats instead of a bench. And the third row gets a bench in the yukon xls and denalis, but is optional in the regular yukon.
All models have a V8 engine. A 285-hp 4.8-liter is standard in regular-length Yukons, a 295-hp 5.3 is optional. The 5.3 is standard on Yukon XL 1500s. Denalis have a 6.0 of 335 hp, up 10 hp for ’05. A 325-hp 6.0 is standard on XL 2500s and a 320-hp 8.1-liter is optional.
All models have 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. Yukon XL 2500s, with 2WD and the 6.0 V8, have traction control.
You get antilock brakes and a tire pressue monitor on all these models, which comes in handy. In the ’05 models, gm started putting their stabilitrak system in all the yukon 1500 and denali models. Denalis get front side airbags standard, but are optional otherwise. A cool option for the 2500 xls is gms quadrasteer, which helps in turning circles at low speed and towing at high speeds.
16 inch wheels are standard on the yukon, and you have the option to go to 17 inch wheels. Denalis get the 17 inch wheels standard. And if you want to get really fancy, you can get the 20 inch wheels on the newer model of denalis. You’re gonna get onstar as well with all these models.
In the denalis, they have put in the climate control system with front and rear controls and also adjustable pedals. They did make these options available on the yukon as well. You can also get a touch screen navigation as an option, for those of you who get lost easy.
We have no specifics yet about the redesign itself, but look for huskier styling, slightly larger dimensions, and a possible switch to independent rear suspension. The last would help ride and handling and also make room for a fold-flush 3rd-row seat to match Ford Expedition. A new “strong hybrid” gas-electric powertrain option is rumored for some near-term point.
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