GMC Yukon
Casey Williams, www.car-data.com
There will always be a market for full-size SUVs regardless of fuel prices and greenenlightenment. As good as the GMC Acadia and similar crossovers are, and for most people are allthey will ever need, this breed can not tow 8,200 lbs, tackle tough off-road trails, and get tonsof gear anywhere you want it. For people who truly need a serious SUV, they will be hard press tofind a better one than the GMC Yukon.
Exterior styling is clean, smooth, and tough without slapping on a mess of wheel extensions andgray plastic. You could drive the big SUV through the woods, spray it off at a car wash, pick upyour wife, and head to the finest restaurant and look great doing all of it.
Since the 2007 re-design, the Yukon’s interior has been a great place to spend time. The dash isstyled like a Cadillac Escalades and includes wide expanses of woodgrain, large center console,sporty analog gauges, and controls that can be used with gloves on. Leather seats, power sunroof,navigation, XM Satellite Radio, and a CD/DVD player keeps everybody comfortable and on the rightpath.
Yukon seats have always been great and the latest ones are the best. Up to eight passengers canfit in three rows of seats.
What really matters for serious SUV buyers is what’s under the suave outer attire. Our testvehicle was equipped with GM’s automatic 4×4 system that includes a locking rear differential.Four-wheel ABS disc brakes and Stabilitrak electronic stability control add artificial intelligenceto assist the mechanics in keeping the Yukon going straight.
On-road and off, there was never a shortage of gusto from the 310-HP 5.3-litre V8, connected toa newly available 6-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy ratings of 14/20-MPG are typical ofSUVs and the price of so much capability.
On a Tuesday afternoon a few weeks ago, snow started to fall. By the time I left the office inIndianapolis, an inch was on the ground. While sleeping soundly, another 11 inches came down. Iwoke up to a neighborhood full of people trying to get their cars out of their driveways ‘ withshovels, snow blowers, and plows. I took a few extra minutes to brush off the foot of snow, steppedinside the Yukon, started the engine, put it in reverse, and backed out. People were literallystuck at stoplights, but I made it to the office on time. That’s what full-size SUVs are all about’ being able to do anything you want, when you want, without excuses.
Ask any new car dealer and he or she will tell you that SUV sales have plunged in the last year.Given the price of gas last summer and the economy, it’s unavoidable. However, SUVs are still thegreat vehicles they always were. If you need one, drive the 2009 GMC Yukon before also checking outthe Toyota Sequoia, Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada, or similar Chevy Tahoe. Price as tested came to$51,130.
