Lengthy-Term Road Test Intro
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Big, and proud of it.
Astute marketing by GM has split the fraternal truck twins Chevrolet and GMC into distinct marketplace segments, at least in the standard consumer’s mind. In the full-size-SUV category, an invisible wall stands amongst the worth-conscious Chevy Tahoe and Suburban and the far better-dressed GMC Yukon and Yukon XL.
Tack on a Denali badge—which, for a tidy $ 16,345 surcharge above the expense of a base Yukon or Yukon XL, adds Cadillac Escalade–worthy trim and equipment—and you have got a GMC welcome alongside the pricey imports at swish watering holes. There’s so significantly cachet associated with this trim level that most of the Yukons sold are now Denali editions.
The rise of any domestic solution into premium import havens is result in for celebration. Element in a redesign for the 2015 model year and our perpetually higher demand for comfy autos capable of hard work and you have got a Automobile and Driver extended-term test in the generating.
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Not a Minivan
As usual, we checked every expensive box: Denali trim with its standard 6.2-liter V-8, 4WD with a dual-variety transfer case, a $ 4160 Touring package (such as rear-seat entertainment, a sunroof, a head-up display, and adequate theft-deterrence gear to thwart a government operative), and 22-inch aluminum wheels. The net result is a $ 74,030 3-row, leather-trimmed, electronics-steeped, purple-ish Iridium Metallic, all-weather, tow-ready family members transport that will never ever be confused with a minivan.
Or, for that matter, something mini. Very first observation: The dark paint doesn’t help this Yukon XL appear any smaller sized. We’re speaking much more than 3 tons of curb weight, a 10-foot-plus wheelbase, and the need for a parking space big adequate to host a pair of Wise For2s. Completing a U-turn in one sweep calls for a 43-foot stretch of pavement.
Lengthy rear doors offer great access to second- and third-row areas, despite the fact that there’s often a climb up to get in. Simply because the fold-flat seats align with a cargo floor raised 3 inches, there’s a 25-inch-long level surface and 121.1 cubic feet of space amongst the tailgate and the front seatbacks. 4-by-8 sheets of building material fit nicely. The stitched and perforated leather, brushed metal, and burl-wood trim are desirable, and there are enough cup holders and cubbies to host a scout troop.
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Out on Maneuvers
A trip to the track revealed decent functionality for such a big rig. The run to 60 mph took 6.5 seconds, and we clocked a 96-mph quarter-mile in 15.1 seconds. The 22-inch all-season Bridgestone Dueler tires hung on for .75 g of grip on the skidpad, and pizza-sized brake discs stopped our Denali from 70 mph in 189 feet with moderate fade.
The much more time we invest behind the wheel, the smaller this grand van feels. What seems large and cumbersome in your driveway shrinks around you as the miles of interstate disappear behind you. The husky V-8 cruises silently even whilst running on 4 cylinders, and the magnetic adjustable dampers and all-coil-spring suspension provide a placid ride. We can’t wait to put the 7900-pound tow rating and the 8-passenger interior to getaway use.
Certain, we really like sports cars and nimble hatchbacks for our day-to-day commutes. But when there are swimming holes to pay a visit to, collector cars to retrieve, and road trips with family members and close friends, this Yukon XL Denali is the very first to be reserved, typically weeks in advance. Watch this space to see how a classic American pickup-primarily based luxury wagon fares more than the long haul.
Months in Fleet: 3 months
Existing Mileage: 12,750 miles Typical Fuel Economy: 17 mpg
Fuel Tank Size: 31 gal Fuel Range: 530 miles
Service: $ 94 Normal Put on: $ Repair: $
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2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali Lengthy-Term Intro: It’s Mega Supreme
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