By Nitish Rele
THE RIDE: Four-door, up to nine-passenger 2015 GMC Yukon Denali full-size SUV.
DOWN THE ROAD: Redesigned for 2015, the body-on-frame ride is solidly built for rapid acceleration from any speed, generous passing ability and precise balance/handling. Active noise cancellation guarantees silence and poise at highway speeds.
TECH & PERFORMANCE: A 6.2-liter V-8 Ecotec engine, coupled with an 8-speed auto gearbox, pumps out 420 horsepower (up by 17 from its predecessor) and 460 lbs.-ft. of torque @ 4,100 rpm. An independent coil-over shock front and a solid axle rear suspension, similar to the Sierra pickup, works well to eagerly tackle sharp, sudden curves on the road. The power rack-and-pinion electric power steering has a trusty and communicative feel. GM’s Active Fuel Management system deactivates four of the eight cylinders for fuel savings. Tow capacity is a remarkable 8,500 lbs.
LOOK & FEEL: Up front, GMC signature C-shaped HID headlights flank the enormous chrome-accented grille. Also apparent are the familiar vertical tail lamps and rear chrome bar with GMC etching, body-color side moldings, fog lamps and a wider rear track. Step into the capacious cabin and you will realize there is no need to remove the third-row seat. Instead, press a button in the cargo hold and watch the bench fold. Ditto for the second-row seat. That leaves you 94.7 cubic feet of space. The two-gauge analog instrument cluster is well-lit and crystal clear. And the huge center console can swallow a laptop. Other notable features include tri-zone auto climate control, power tilt/telescopic steering column, 8-in. color touch screen for audio, navigation and Intellilink readings, 10-speaker Bose surround system, heated/cooler front seats, wood trim on dash and doors, several USB slots and a 110-volt outlet.
OUT THE DOOR: $62,680, plus tax, tag, delivery and destination charges.
BY THE NUMBERS: Tires, P285/45R22; wheelbase, 116 inches; length, 203.9 inches; weight, 5,533 lbs.; fuel capacity, 26 gallons; Website: www.gmc.com.
The Yukon Denali boasts ample room for cargo and passengers, laudable tow capacity backed by a potent engine.
Test-drive the GMC Yukon at Century Buick GMC, 3308 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL 33614 or call 872-7746.
