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2009 GMC Yukon Denali Safety Review

July 26, 2009

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Five stars, frontal impacts; five stars, side impacts; three stars, rollover rating
NHTSA

New safety options include a blind-zone alert system
Cars.com

The tank-like stature and dimensions of full-size, body-on-frame SUVs like the 2009 GMC Yukon Denali tend to give them an aura of safety, and in this case, it's well deserved. Not only does the Yukon Denali 2009 lineup ace its impact tests, but the Yukon Denali also comes loaded with safety features.

The IIHS has not yet had a chance to crash test the 2009 GMC Yukon Denali, but the federal government has conducted its full battery of tests on the Yukon Denali and given it the stamp of approval. The Yukon Denali 2009 lineup earned a perfect five-star rating in both frontal impact tests, as well as both side impact tests. Unfortunately, as is the case with most tall SUVs, the 2009 GMC Yukon Denali earned just three out of five stars in the rollover risk category. While the three-star rating is poor, it is hardly unusual and shouldn't be considered a deal breaker.

The 2009 GMC Yukon Denali and Yukon Denali 2009 XL both come with a lengthy list of safety features, according to TheCarConnection.com's research. Road & Track reviewers report that "GM's Side Blind Zone Alert monitoring system is a new option," and Cars.com adds that "a rearview camera system that's integrated into the rearview mirror, rear parking assist and rain-sensing wipers" are all available. Kelley Blue Book recommends springing for the rearview camera, advising that "vehicles this big benefit the most from rearview cameras that let the driver see what's lurking behind the back bumper." While the newly available optional features are appealing, the Yukon Denali is no slouch in terms of standard safety features. Edmunds observes that "antilock disc brakes, stability control, OnStar communications, front-seat side impact airbags and full-length head curtain airbags with rollover sensor are standard on all Yukons." Last but not least, Cars.com reminds potential GMC Yukon Denali owners that a "tire pressure monitoring system" comes standard.

As noted earlier, visibility can be a sore spot on large SUVs like the GMC Yukon Denali. Despite the reputation that some have for blind spots, ConsumerGuide says that, when driving the GMC Yukon Denali, "visibility is unobstructed by headrests or roof pillars," although the "body's tall flanks block the driver's view of small nearby objects, making the optional rearview camera worth considering."

Conclusion

Rollover risk aside, the 2009 GMC Yukon Denali holds up well in crash tests and offers the safety features you would expect.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Five stars, frontal impacts; five stars, side impacts; three stars, rollover ratingNHTSANew safety options include a blind-zone alert systemCars.com The tank-like stature and dimensions of full-size, body-on-frame SUVs like the 2009 GMC Yukon Denali tend to give them an aura of safety, and in this case, it's well deserved. Not only does the Yukon Denali 2009 lineup ace its impact tests, but the Yukon Denali also comes loaded with safety features. The IIHS has not yet had a chance to crash test the 2009 GMC Yukon Denali, but the federal government has conducted its full battery of tests on the Yukon Denali and given it the stamp of approval. The Yukon Denali 2009 lineup earned a perfect five-star rating in both frontal impact tests, as well as both side impact tests. Unfortunately, as is the case with most tall SUVs, the 2009 GMC Yukon Denali earned just three out of five stars in the rollover risk category. While the three-star rating is poor, it is hardly unusual and shouldn't be considered a deal breaker. The 2009 GMC Yukon Denali and Yukon Denali 2009 XL both come with a lengthy list of safety features, according to TheCarConnection.com's research. Road & Track reviewers report that "GM's Side Blind Zone Alert monitoring system is a new option," and Cars.com adds that "a rearview camera system that's integrated into the rearview mirror, rear parking assist and rain-sensing wipers" are all available. Kelley Blue Book recommends springing for the rearview camera, advising that "vehicles this big benefit the most from rearview cameras that let the driver see what's lurking behind the back bumper." While the newly available optional features are appealing, the Yukon Denali is no slouch in terms of standard safety features. Edmunds observes that "antilock disc brakes, stability control, OnStar communications, front-seat side impact airbags and full-length head curtain airbags with rollover sensor are standard on all Yukons." Last but not least, Cars.com reminds potential GMC Yukon Denali owners that a "tire pressure monitoring system" comes standard. As noted earlier, visibility can be a sore spot on large SUVs like the GMC Yukon Denali. Despite the reputation that some have for blind spots, ConsumerGuide says that, when driving the GMC Yukon Denali, "visibility is unobstructed by headrests or roof pillars," although the "body's tall flanks block the driver's view of small nearby objects, making the optional rearview camera worth considering." ConclusionRollover risk aside, the 2009 GMC Yukon Denali holds up well in crash tests and offers the safety features you would expect. 2009 GMC YUKON DENALI STYLING | [8 out of 10] Cars.com: "A number of features that distinguish them from other models, including a chrome grille and 20-inch wheels" Kelley Blue Book: "All but antiquates the previous generation, which seems light years apart in styling" ConsumerGuide: ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2009 GMC Yukon Denali is nearly identical mechanically to the Cadillac Escalade and has nearly the same driving experience. Among all these trucks, the Denali would likely be the choice of TheCarConnection.com editors if they had serious towing needs yet needed to look good—pulling a show trailer, for instance. The Denali manages to look respectable and classy without inducing the sneer factor or urban associations that the Escalade brings, and it has all the comfy luxury and tech features. Another vehicle to consider is the Lincoln Navigator, which costs a bit more than the Denali but not as much as the Escalade. The Navigator has a more conservative look that some people like, and it handles well and has a smooth ride, but it comes up short on power relative to the Denali. The Chrysler Aspen is another alternative; it has good performance from its HEMI V-8, but its interior layout isn't quite as spacious and its fuel economy isn't much better. Or for about the same money as the Yukon Denali, you could get a Yukon Hybrid. The Hybrid doesn't come quite as loaded with features and luxury as the Denali, but it has EPA fuel economy ratings of up to 21 mpg city, 22 highway and uses half the fuel of the Denali in ordinary driving. Plus, it's capable of towing nearly as much as the Denali.

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See the GMC Yukon Denali in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999

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