Used 2007 GMC Yukon

With seating for up to nine people, substantial towing capacity and aspirational appeal, GM’s biggest family haulers have recently accounted for more than 60 percent of full-size SUV sales. GMC’s version, the Yukon, bridges the gap between its Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade siblings with a lineup that includes a base model priced similarly to the Tahoe, as well as a distinctive Denali model that can approach Escalade prices when fully loaded. While the outgoing Yukon continues to serve millions of families well, the impressive new 2007 Yukon all but antiquates the model it’s come to replace.

With a stiffer new fully-boxed frame, revised suspension and greatly improved steering and braking characteristics, the all-new Yukon is a far better communicator than the model it replaces. It responds with confidence to both the driver and the road while also providing more accurate feedback. Crisp and alert around town (for a tall SUV weighing well over 2.5 tons, of course), comfortable and stable on the highway, the latest Yukon provides the driver a level of confidence unapproached by its predecessors – an experience good enough to qualify GMC’s newest full-size SUV as one of the category’s best.

The Yukon’s interior can be configured with any number of seating positions from six to nine, with each row available in two- or three-passenger layouts. Other seating options include leather, first-row heated seats and power fold-and-flip second row seats (all standard on the Denali). Getting past the seats, the Yukon’s all-new passenger cabin is attractive, comfortable and refined enough to make the outgoing models feel downright old-fashioned. Where lower-cost materials still exist, they aren’t as conspicuous as in the past. Again, the vehicle’s weakest link in some people’s eyes will be the lack of a fold-flat rear seat.

The GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe are most differentiated up front, with each sporting its own grille, hood, fascia and headlights. The variation continues down the sides and to the back with unique trim, wheels and taillamps. Yukon Denali models are further distinguished by a signature perforated grille, modified headlights and taillamps, revised front and rear fascias, distinctive 18-inch wheels (with unique 20-inchers available), chrome-accented side moldings and unique side steps.

Power Fold-and-Flip Second Row
Accessing the third row is made easier with power fold-and-flip second-row seats that can also be activated by driver or front passenger via roof-mounted switches.

Rearview Camera
Vehicles this big benefit the most from rearview cameras that let the driver see what’s lurking behind the back bumper.

A base Yukon features a four-speed automatic transmission (as does every non-Denali), two-wheel drive and a 4.8-liter V8 engine (early base models will feature the 5.3-liter V8). Other standard features include manual dual-zone air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power heated mirrors, eight-speaker AM/FM/CD-MP3 sound system with auxiliary audio input, OnStar, cruise control, Driver Information Center, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and outside temperature display, height-adjustable leather steering wheel, and a cloth interior featuring a 40/20/40 split bench up front (with power driver’s portion) and 60/40 split bench in the middle row – a third-row seat is optional. Outside, a base Yukon is equipped with 17-inch aluminum wheels and a tow package. Standard safety equipment includes front-driver and passenger airbags, electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, tire pressure monitoring system and Antilock Braking System (ABS).

Yukon powertrain options include a traditional 5.3-liter V8, a Flex-Fuel 5.3-liter V8 capable of running on gasoline and/or E85 ethanol, plus a four-wheel-drive system. The Yukon Denali’s exclusive powertrain consists of a 6.2-liter V8, six-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel-drive system. Optional equipment that’s standard on Denali includes a power liftgate, power fold-and-flip second row seats, three-row side-curtain airbags, power adjustable pedals, upgraded audio system, automatic climate control, active damping system and power-folding exterior mirrors. Optional even on Denali are a rearview camera, ultrasonic rear parking assist, navigation system, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, 20-inch wheels and sunroof.

The Yukon powertrain lineup consists of four V8 engines, four- and six-speed automatic transmissions (the latter with tap-up/down gear selection), plus two-, four- and all-wheel drive. A Flex-Fuel version of the 5.3-liter V8 performs almost identically to the gasoline-only 5.3-liter engine but will also run on E85 ethanol – a "biofuel" produced in part using renewable materials like corn. Both 5.3-liter engines feature cylinder deactivation technology that imperceptibly "turns off" four cylinders under light loads and helps the Yukon achieve what GM claims to be the best fuel economy in the category. Maximum towing capacity on four-wheel-drive models is 8200 pounds.

4.8-liter V8 (late availability)
290 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
290 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/19

5.3-liter V8
320 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
340 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21 (2WD), 15/20 (4WD)

5.3-liter V8 Flex-Fuel
320 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
340 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21 (2WD), 15/20 (4WD)

6.2-liter V8
380 horsepower @ 5700 rpm
415 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/19