GMC Yukon History
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With hybrids, plug-ins and electric cars in the public consciousness--if not every driveway--the big, old-fashioned sport-utility vehicle seems a little out of fashion. For some the full-size SUV still suits them best--and the GMC Yukon is a big SUV that suits many tastes with its handsome style, capable towing and hauling performance, and immense interior room.
Though it's similar to the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, as well as the Cadillac Escalade, the GMC Yukon lineup gets distinctive styling inside and out, a luxurious Denali trim level on the standard SUV or the long-body Yukon XL, and a Yukon Hybrid edition with good fuel economy. With those choices and with a base price of $38,000 that rises to more than $56,000, the Yukon competes with the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, the Cadillac Escalade, the Ford Expedition, the Lincoln Navigator, the Infiniti QX56, and the Toyota Sequoia.
In 1992 GM introduced the first Yukon, a two-door version of the old "GMT400" family of trucks and utes. In 1995, the first four-door body style emerged, though the Yukon still sported the basic V-8 and automatic powertrain. Rear- and four-wheel-drive versions were offered; in its lifetime, this generation of Yukons added Onstar, all-wheel drive and Denali trim to the basic package.
For the second-generation Yukon, GM moved to the GMT800 architecture, and introduced new engines and transmissions, including a 4.8-liter V-8 and a 5.3-liter V-8. The eight-cylinders produced between 275 and 295 horsepower. Underneath, this Yukon range pulled its weight with either rear- or four-wheel drive; the Denali kept the on-demand all-wheel-drive system as an exclusive. This Yukon was sold through the 2006 model year, over the years gaining stability control, satellite radio and rear-seat entertainment systems.
In 2007 GM began replacing all its full-size trucks and SUVs with new "GMT900" vehicles, and introduced new versions of the Yukon including a new four-door model--the Yukon XL, which replaced the former long-body GMC Suburban. The Denali returned, and the name was applied to the XL editions along with accompanying luxury trim. Engines included 4.8-liter V-8, the 5.3-liter V-8, and a 6.2-liter V-8 for Denali editions with up to 403 hp. A Hybrid model was added in the 2009 model year, to acclaim but to slow sales. A six-speed automatic became the standard transmission on all versions save for the 4.8-liter V-8 versions, which held fast with the four-speed automatic, and Hybrid, which applied a specially engineered two-mode automatic for better fuel economy.
The Yukon--including the XL, Denali and Hybrid editions--rolls on into the 2012 model year, giving moneyed truck aficionado a luxurious, comfortable way to pull thousands of pounds of lifestyle accessories. With only minor changes since the addition of the Hybrid edition for the 2009 model year, the Yukon carries its three engine options, available four-wheel or all-wheel-drive systems, strong safety ratings from the NHTSA and from the IIHS, and its nicely updated look. The Yukon's interior, particularly in XL editions, is vast and well-trimmed with options for a third passenger seat in the front row. The third-row seat isn't particularly easy to reach and doesn't fold away into the floor, but in XL editions there's already a walk-in closet worth of storage space behind the third row. Fuel economy on the Hybrid versions is exceptional, and the Denali editions are suitable Range Rover replacements for the Texans who just can't be seen in a foreign car. In all, it's a highly recommended vehicle for the people who really need it--and that's a choice your wallet's best suited to make.
