2005 GMC Yukon/Denali

MSRP
$35,635-51,685

For
Acceleration (Denali), Passenger and cargo
room, Trailer-towing capability

Invoice
$31,181-45,224
Incentives
$1500 cash back or
2.9%-5.9% financing.

Against
Steering feel, Fuel economy
Review Updated
9/28/2004

Class
full-size sport-utility
vehicle
2005 GMC Yukon

Drive Wheels
4-wheel drive, rearwheel drive, all-wheel
drive
Built In
USA

Highlights for 2005

Yukon and Denali are GMC's versions of the General Motors SUVs also sold with Chevrolet and Cadillac nameplates.
Yukon is an upscale sibling of the Chevrolet Tahoe. The longer Yukon XL is a retrimmed Chevy Suburban. Denali and
XL Denali are Yukon's luxury versions. Cadillac's Escalade is the third member of this SUV family.
Yukon XL comes in half-ton 1500 and three-quarter-ton 2500 models. Other Yukons and Denalis are 1500s. All seat
up to nine. Front bucket seats are standard on Denalis and available for Yukons in place of a 3-person bench. Twin
2nd-row bucket seats are optional to replace a 3-person bench. A 3rd-row bench is standard for XLs and Denalis,
available for regular-length Yukons. All models have a rear liftgate for '05; side-opening cargo doors are no longer
available.
All models have a V8 engine. A 285-hp 4.8 liter is standard in regular-length Yukons and 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
XL2500s 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 with standard traction control or GM's Autotrac 4WD that can be left
engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing.
All models have antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and a tire-pressure monitor. Front side airbags and GM's Stabilitrak
antiskid system are standard on Denalis, available elsewhere. Optional for XL 2500s is GM's Quadrasteer 4-wheel
steering, which reduces the turning circle at low speeds and is designed to enhance stability at higher speeds and
when towing. Yukons get standard 16-inch wheels or optional 17s. Denalis and XL 2500s have standard 17-inch
wheels. Chrome-finished 20-inch alloy wheels are newly available for Denalis.
Competition Our '04 Best Buys, Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and Ford Expedition offer all the room and
versatility that growing families need at the cost of maneuverability and fuel economy. Recommended are GMC
Yukon/Denali and Toyota Sequoia. We love the size, comfort, and power of these big SUVs but wish sticker prices
were a bit lower.

Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Yukon 2WD,
4.8 V8

Yukon XL
4WD, 5.3 V8

Denali

Always adequate, though 4.8 V8 feels taxed with heavy cargo or towing loads. Automatic transmission a model of
smooth, alert shifting. No opportunity to test XL 2500. Maximum towing capacities with largest available engines:
7800 lb for Yukon 1500, 12,000 for Yukon XL 2500, 8100 lb for Denali.
Fuel Economy

In our tests, a Tahoe averaged 12.2 mpg, a Suburban 11.5; both had 4WD and 5.3 V8. Comparable GMCs do the
same. Test '04 Denali XL with 325 hp averaged just 9.8 mpg. All engines use regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

Base suspension is more controlled and absorbent than the optional Autoride system, which is standard for Denalis.
No opportunity yet to test Denali with 20-inch wheels. Yukon's available off-road package rides stiffly, so try before
buying.
Steering/Handling/Braking

No big SUV handles like a car, but these GMCs are competent for their size and mass. Base suspension outshines
Autoride, but steering lacks good feel either way. Parking no treat in any jumbo SUV, but Quadrasteer dramatically
improves maneuverability of XL 2500s, though we'd like it optional linewide. We recommend the antiskid system for
added control; credit GM for making it standard on Denali. Stopping power good, with firm, progressive pedal
movement.
Quietness

Wind rush not intrusive. Tire noise audible at highway speeds, but moderate for full-size SUVs. Full throttle brings on
engine roar, but these V8s are smooth runners.
Instruments/Controls/Interior
Materials

User-friendly, with legible gauges and intuitive controls all placed reasonably close. GM lags Ford and Toyota in not
offering side curtain airbags in its big SUVs; charging extra for front side airbags in Yukons is a further demerit.
Navigation/audio combo a sensible idea, relatively easy to use. Fabrics, plastics midquality at best even in higherpriced, leather-upholstered Denalis, belying GMC's "professional grade" mantra.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating
(front)

Stretch-out space on wide, supportive seats. Drivers have commanding view, but some nearby objects can't be seen,
and no obstacle-detection system available. Standard heated seats among Denali comforts.
Room/Comfort (rear)

All models have space aplenty in 2nd row, and Denali includes heated seats. XLs offer adult-size room in 3rd row,
but only kids will be happy there in other models. Lower step-in than Ford Expedition and Excursion, but higher than
typical minivan; running boards help. Rear doors' narrow lower openings hamper ingress/egress, especially on
regular-length models.
Cargo Room

XLs take fair-size loads behind 3rd-row seat. Regulars have little more than grocery space, but their 50/50 split seat
is more versatile than XLs' one-piece bench--and also easier to remove or install.
Value within Class

Yukon and Yukon XL offer fine value in base form and most of the sensible luxury options anyone could want. Denalis
mix those basic virtues with more standard power and extra amenities, but not enough of either to warrant their
higher prices.
Totals

64

64

60

All Full-Size Suvs

High Score

65

Low Score

48

Average Score

59

Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category

Engines
Size, liters/cu. in
Horsepower @ rpm

ohv V8

ohv V8

ohv V8

ohv V8

4.8/293

5.3/325

6.0/364

8.1/496

285 @ 5600

295 @ 5200

335 @ 5200

320 @ 4200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm

295 @ 4000
1

Availability

335 @ 4000
2

375 @ 4000
3

440 @ 3200

Standard

Standard

Standard

Optional4

NA

NA

12/166

NA

EPA city / highway mpg

4-speed automatic

Notes: 1. Yukon. 2. Yukon XL 1500; optional Yukon. 3. Denali; Yukon XL 2500 has 325 hp, 365 lb-ft. 4. Yukon XL
2500.
Engine Key: l/cu. in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead
camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizontally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders
in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not
available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

GMC Yukon/Denali 4-door wagon

GMC Yukon XL/Denali XL 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.

116.0

130.0

Overall Length, in.

198.8

219.3

Overall Width, in.

78.8

78.8

Overall Height, in.

76.5

75.7

Curb Weight, lbs.

5192

5474

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.

104.6

131.6

Specifications

Standard Payload, lbs.

--

--

26.0

31.0

Front Head Room, in.

40.7

40.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.

41.3

41.3

Rear Head Room, in.

39.4

39.0

Min. Rear Leg Room, in.

38.6

39.1

Fuel Capacity, gals.

Seating Capacity

Towing / Payload Capacity Payload ratings for regular-length models range from 1457 lb on Denali to 1608 lbs on
4WD Yukon. Maximum trailering capacity is 8100 lb for Denali, 7800 lb for 4WD Yukon. XL rated payloads range
from 1440 lb on Denali to 2827 lb for 2WD 2500s. Maximum XL trailering weight is 8100 lb for Denali, 7900 for XL
Denali, 7700 lb on 2WD Yukon, 8400 lb for 4WD Yukon XL, and 12,000 lb for Yukon XL 2500s.
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash Test Results

GMC Yukon/Denali 4-door wagon

GMC Yukon XL/Denali XL 4-door wagon

Crash Test, Driver

Crash Test, Passenger

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's crashworthiness in front- and sideimpact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Their test results suggest the chance of serious injury, while
rollover resistance ratings are based on how top heavy the vehicle is and indicate the chance for rollover when the
vehicle leaves the roadway. Front crash test numbers indicate: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 3545%; 1 = More than 45%. Side impact numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1
= More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 3040%; 1 = More than 40%.

Model Prices (Updated 09/22/2004)

Trim Name

MSRP

Invoice

Destination
Charge

Yukon 2WD 4-door wagon

$35,635

$31,181

$850

Yukon 4WD 4-door wagon

$38,335

$33,543

$850

Denali AWD 4-door wagon

$50,035

$43,781

$850

Denali XL AWD 4-door wagon

$51,685

$45,224

$850

Yukon XL 1500 2WD 4-door wagon

$38,865

$33,849

$850

Yukon XL 1500 4WD 4-door wagon

$41,385

$36,212

$850

Yukon XL 2500 2WD 4-door wagon

$40,185

$35,162

$850

Yukon XL 2500 4WD 4-door wagon

$42,885

$37,524

$850

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each
car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not
included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies
change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window
sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

Rebates & Incentives

Models

Expires

Rebate

Yukon/Denali

09/30/04

$1500 cash back or 2.9%-5.9% financing.

Consumer Guide's Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available.
Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model.

Standard Equipment
Yukon

Powertrain
4.8-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control, limited-slip rear differential
Safety
dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights
Comfort and Convenience Features
front and rear air conditioning w/tri-zone manual climate controls (including rear controls), rear
heater, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, split
front bench seat, 6-way power driver seat, cupholders, 2nd-row split folding seat, heated power
mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player,
digital clock, tachometer, engine-hour meter, illuminated visor mirrors, intermittent wipers, map
lights, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats
Appearance and Miscellaneous
theft-deterrent system, fog lights, roof rails, rear liftgate/liftglass, deep-tinted rear glass
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
7-lead trailer-wiring harness, full-size spare tire, P265/70R16 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks. Deletes: traction control

Denali/Denali
XL add to
Yukon:

Powertrain
6.0-liter V8 engine, all-wheel drive
Safety
front side airbags, antiskid system
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, tri-zone automatic climate controls (including rear
controls), leather upholstery, 10-way power front bucket seats w/driver-seat memory, poweradjustable pedals, center console, heated front and 2nd-row seats, 3rd-row split folding seat,
outside-mirror-mounted turn signals, driver-side automatic day/night mirror, passenger-side tiltdown back-up-aid mirror, Bose AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio
(requires monthly fee), steering-wheel radio controls, rear radio controls, automatic day/night
rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage-door opener, cargo
cover

Appearance and Miscellaneous

running boards, roof rack
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: traction control, limited-slip rear differential
Adds: front tow hooks, trailer-hitch platform, Autoride suspension, load-leveling rear suspension,
P265/70R17 tires
Yukon XL adds Powertrain
to Yukon:
5.3-liter V8 engine (1500), 6.0-liter V8 engine (2500)
Comfort and Convenience Features
3rd-row bench seat
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
front tow hooks (2500), LT245/75R16E tires (2500), 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer
case, front tow hooks. Deletes: traction control

Optional Equipment

Retail
Price

Invoice
Price

Major Packages
SLT Marketing Option Pkg. 1SC,
Yukon

$2,530

$2,176

Yukon XL

$3,290

$2,829

Leather upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, tri-zone automatic climate controls (including rear
controls), Bose sound system, rear radio controls, running boards, bright alloy wheels (Yukon XL).
SLT Marketing Option Pkg. 1SD,
1500 Yukon XL

$5,750

$4,945

Yukon

$6,355

$6,465

2500 Yukon XL

$5,175

$4,451

SLT Pkg. 1SC plus 5.3-liter V8 engine (Yukon), OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, heated 10-way
power front seats, driver-seat memory, power-adjustable pedals, 3rd-row split bench seat (Yukon), Bose AM/FM
radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio (requires monthly fee), steering-wheel radio controls,
automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, cargo net, cargo cover and mat
(Yukon XL), outside-mirror-mounted turn signals, driver-side automatic day/night mirror, passenger-side tiltdown back-up-aid mirror, roof rack.
OnStar Plus Pkg.,
Yukon, Yukon XL

$995

$856

OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, steering-wheel radio controls, automatic day/night rearview
mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator.
Safe and Secure Pkg.,
Yukon, Yukon XL

$2,075

$1,785

Yukon, Yukon XL

$2,270

$1,952

Yukon/Yukon XL w/Pkg. 1SC

$2,720

$2,339

Yukon/Yukon XL w/Pkg. 1SD

$2,395

$2,060

Front side airbags, antiskid system, Autoride Suspension Pkg. Requires SLT Pkg. NA 2500.
Sun, Sound, and Entertainment Pkg.,

Power sunroof, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, satellite radio (requires monthly fee after 3rd month).
Requires SLT Pkg., AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Sun, Sound, and Entertainment Pkg.,
Denali, Denali XL
Power sunroof, navigation system, AM/FM/CD player, rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
Cargo Pkg.,

$4,440

$3,818

Yukon, Yukon XL
Yukon w/3rd-row seat

$205

$176

$75

$65

$118

$101

$1,995

$1,716

Cargo cover and mat (Yukon without 3rd-row seat, Yukon XL), cargo net, roof rack.
Snow Plow Prep Pkg.,
2500 4WD
Wiring prep. Requires 8.1-liter V8 engine. NA w/Quadrasteer 4-wheel steering.
Quadrasteer 4-wheel steering,
2500

4-wheel steering, roof marker lights, heavy-duty limited-slip differential, unique rear fenders. Requires HeavyDuty Trailering Pkg., Autoride suspension. NA w/8.1-liter V8 engine, power sunroof.
Autoride Suspension Pkg.,
Yukon, 1500 Yukon XL

$1,120

$963

2500 Yukon XL

$1,170

$1,006

Variable shock-absorber control, load-leveling rear suspension. Yukon, 1500 Yukon XL require SLT Marketing
Option Pkg. 2500 Yukon XL requires either SLT Marketing Option Pkg., 8.1-liter V8 engine, or Quadrasteer 4wheel steering.
Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.,
4WD Yukon

$639

$550

Gas shock absorbers, skid plates, P265/70R17 on/off-road tires. Requires SLT Pkg. 1SC or 1SD. NA w/antiskid
system.
Heavy-Duty Trailering Pkg.,
Yukon, 1500 Yukon XL

$330

$284

2500 Yukon XL

$235

$202

Trailer-hitch platform, 7-wire harness, heavy-duty transmission-oil cooler, heavy-duty air cleaner. 1500 2WD
requires optional axle ratio. Std. Denali.
Powertrain
5.3-liter V8 engine,
Yukon

$800

$688

$950

$817

$100

$80

$350

$301

2WD Yukon/Yukon XL

$555

$477

4WD Yukon/Yukon XL

$750

$645

8.1-liter V8 engine,
2500
Requires Autoride Suspension. 2WD deletes traction control.
Special axle ratio,
Yukon, Yukon XL
Safety
Front side airbags,
Yukon, Yukon XL
Antiskid system,

4WD models exchange 4WD transfer case for AWD transfer case. 2WD deletes traction control. Yukon requires
5.3-liter V8 engine. NA 2500.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system,
Yukon, Yukon XL

$820

$705

Includes one-year service, steering-wheel radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside
temperature indicator.
Multimedia Sound System,
Denali/Denali XL, Yukon, Yukon XL

$2,145

$1,845

$300

$258

Yukon, Yukon XL

$1,100

$946

Denali, Denali XL

$1,000

$860

$995

$856

$1,035

$890

Navigation system, AM/FM/CD player, satellite radio. Yukon, Yukon XL require SLT Pkg.
AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer,
Yukon, Yukon XL
NA w/front split bench seat.
Power sunroof,

Yukon/Yukon XL w/Pkg. 1SD

Yukon/Yukon XL include universal garage-door opener. Requires bucket seats.
Front bucket seats,
Yukon, Yukon XL

Includes floor console, tri-zone automatic climate controls (including rear controls), Bose sound system, rear
radio controls.
Front split bench seat,
Yukon, Yukon XL (credit)

$-190

$-163

$490

$421

Yukon

$360

$310

Yukon w/Pkg. 1SC

$760

$654

$120

$103

$1,295

$1,114

Standard equipment. NA w/SLT Option Pkg.

2nd-row bucket seats,
Denali/Denali XL, Yukon, Yukon XL
Yukon requires SLT Pkg., 3rd-row seat. Yukon XL requires SLT Pkg.
3rd-row split folding rear seat,

Includes floormat. Deletes cargo cover.

Power-adjustable pedals,
Yukon, Yukon XL
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system,
Denali/Denali XL, Yukon, Yukon XL

Yukon, Yukon XL require SLT Pkg. Requires Heavy-Duty Trailering Equipment when ordered w/power sunroof.
Steering-wheel radio controls,
Yukon, Yukon XL

$125

$108

$105

$90

$175

$151

2500

$355

$305

2500 w/Pkg. 1SD

$175

$151

Universal garage-door opener,

Yukon, Yukon XL
Automatic day/night rear mirror,
Yukon, Yukon XL
Includes compass, outside-temperature indicator.
Heated power camper mirrors,

Includes turn signals.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Running boards,
Yukon, Yukon XL

$395

$340

$395

$340

$35

$30

$38

$33

$95

$82

$295

$254

$645

$555

$2,995

$2,085

$144

$124

$125

$108

$125

$108

Special paint,
Denali/Denali XL, Yukon, Yukon XL
Engine-block heater,
Denali/Denali XL, Yukon, Yukon XL
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hooks,
2WD Yukon, 2WD Yukon XL
Std. 2500.
Skid Plates,
4WD
17-inch alloy wheels,
Yukon, Yukon XL
Includes P265/70R17 tires. Requires SLT Option Pkg.
17-inch polished alloy wheels,
Yukon, Yukon XL
Includes P265/70R17 tires. Requires SLT Option Pkg.
20-inch chrome alloy wheels,
Denali
Includes skid plates, unique suspension, P275/55R20 tires. Deletes roof rack center rails.
LT245/75R16 on/off-road tires,
4WD Yukon XL 2500
P265/70R16 white-letter tires,
Yukon, Yukon XL 1500
NA w/Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
P265/70R17 white-letter tires,
Yukon, Yukon XL
Requires 17-inch alloy wheels.

Manufacturer's Warranty
Type

Years

Miles

Copyright 2004 Consumer Guide and Publications International, Ltd.

Consumer Guide is a trademark of Publications International, Ltd.

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