An all-new, full-size Yukon, rolls off the GMC ramp for the 2007 model year. First introduced as the ‘Jimmy’ in its 1982 debut, the 2-door SUV was renamed the ‘Yukon’ in 1992; a 4-door variant was added in 1995. The 1999 model year, saw the exit of the 2-door version. The all-new 2007 Yukon debuts as a 2007 model in early 2006; the model lineup offers a choice of four different V-8 engines in two-wheel or four-wheel drive configurations; the Yukon Denali comes with all-wheel drive.

For 2007, the redesigned GMC Yukon features distinctive styling, improved handling, impressive braking power and upscale interiors. The SUV displays a fully boxed frame, wider tracks, improved suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering. Additional features include power- fold rear seat, remote start up, heated seats, rear parking assist, a rearview camera, a navigation system, power-articulated running boards, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

The GMC Yukon full-size SUV lineup includes three models: base Yukon, XL, and Denali/XL Denali. The Yukon and XL are available in four packages each: SLE 3SA, SLE 3SB, SLT 4SA, and SLT 4SB. These are available in 2WD and 4WD configurations. The flagship Denali is a distinctive model, with exclusive features that elevate its performance to exceptional levels.

Top competitors to the GMC Yukon include the Ford Expedition, the Toyota land Cruiser, the Lincoln Navigator, the Chevrolet Tahoe, and the Nissan Armada. The Yukon comes with a powertrain warranty of 5 years or 100,000 miles.

A choice of four V-8 engines is available in the Yukon lineup. The two-wheel-drive base Yukon SLE 3SA package gets a 4.8-liter (L) V-8 that makes 295 horsepower (hp) and 305 lb-ft. of torque. The other base Yukon trims come standard with a 5.3L V-8 with active fuel management that churns out 320 hp and 340 lb-ft. of torque. All trims of the XL model come standard with this same 5.3L V-8. The 5.3L V-8 flex-fuel engine is available as an option on all trims in the XL model and base-Yukon model. The XL models also have the options of a 6.0L V-8 that gives 352 hp and 383 lb-ft. of torque and a 6.0L V-8 with active fuel management that produces 366 hp and 380 lb-ft. of torque.

A four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive and "tow-haul" mode is the standard transmission for all base Yukon and XL models. However, XL models also have the option of a 4-speed electronically controlled heavy-duty automatic transmission with overdrive and tow/haul mode.

The GMC Yukon Denali comes with a 6.2L V-8 that generates 380 hp and 417 lb-ft. of torque, coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode. The Denali trims are equipped with an all-wheel-drive system and do not have low-range gearing.

A Yukon base and XL models have a towing capacity of up to 8,200 pounds. The Denali follows close with a towing capacity of 7,900 lbs. EPA estimated fuel ratings are 16/22 mpg (city/highway) for a 2WD SLT.

The 2007 Yukon gets a total revamp, beginning with the exterior, which is sleek and taut, to the expressive interior styling that announces a new look for GMC. The re-styled front fascia maintains the Yukon’s distinguished shape and prominent badge. The quieter, no-fuss surfaces make the SUV look smaller, with gently rounded flanks and a straight beltline.

The front end presents a softer profile without compromising the Yukon's brawny presence. Wrap-around premium-looking headlamps in the front and tail-lamps in the rear fascia with styled mirrors and integrated running boards provide a contemporary appearance.

The 2007 models are nearly three inches longer than their predecessors; the four-door Yukon measures 198.9 inches and the full-size Yukon XL comes in at 219.3 inches. The rear-drive Yukon is built on a 116-inch wheelbase and 78.9 inches wide. The Yukon's exterior styling is clean, the new look improves aerodynamics with a 0.36 co-efficient of drag.

The Yukon SLE 2WD and 4WD come with the usual features that include a full-size spare tire, all-season tires, 17-inch alloy wheels, power heated exterior mirrors, electro chromic interior mirror, power windows, tinted glass, rear window defroster, intermittent windshield wipers, color-keyed bumpers, body side moldings, and roof rails.

Yukon Denali receives a unique chrome grille, chrome-accented side molding, roof rack trim, distinctive headlamps, tail-lamps, and 18-inch polished aluminum wheels; wheel designs are not shared with other Yukon models.

Everything is new on the inside of the Yukon; the styling is a refreshing combination of elegance and luxury. Seats are lighter and more comfortable and materials are high quality. The fit and finish is top-notch. The dash is simple, with user-friendly knobs, settings and displays. The SLT has leather-covered seating, heated first and second-row seats, leather trim, a Denali leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood accents and auxiliary controls. Yukon Denali also offers an available heated steering wheel.

The SUV seats nine occupants when fully equipped. Seating options differ with each model; the first row can be equipped with two-bucket seats or a three-passenger bench seat; the middle row can have a three-passenger bench seat or captain's chairs; a three-seat rear bench can be installed.

Cargo volume is nearly 108.9 cubic feet without the middle and rear seats, but decreases to 16.3 cubic feet with all the seats in place.

Standard interior features include a 6-way power driver's seat, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, 40/20/40 split front bench seat with manual recliners, and a 60/40 split folding second row bench seat. Cruise control, multi-zone air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3/8-speaker stereo, driver information center, three power outlets, steering wheel-mounted audio/cruise controls, and rear-seat audio controls add to the premium feel.

The redesigned Yukon features improved handling, braking, ride comfort, and interior styling compared to its predecessor. It is easy to drive in spite of its lumbering size. The full-size SUV steers with a light touch and provides a smooth ride. Denali models are well accommodated, come fully loaded with luxuries and deliver a vigorous performance. The responsive handling is further enhanced by a rack and pinion steering and a new suspension, with coil-over shocks up front and a five-link setup in the rear.

The Yukon’s hefty 5,500-pound curb weight slows down its reflexes, but a small turning radius of 39 feet, makes it maneuverable. The fully boxed frame supports wide front and rear tracks that enhance stability and allow for a more secure road feel.

Driving control can be enhanced by the available Autoride (GM’s suspension technology) system (standard on Yukon Denali), which uses electronically controlled shock absorbers to make damping adjustments.

Bottom line: The GMC Yukon was built for cruising.

A driver airbag, passenger airbag, side head-curtain airbags, child safety door locks, a panic button, a vehicle theft tracking system, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a stability control system, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and an OnStar system are standard.

Standard on the SLT and Denali and optional on the SLE are head curtain airbags for all three rows.