GMC Yukon
How it looks when you see on the street: The glacier white GMC Yukon Denali screamed get out of town for the weekend, and maybe even consider buying that boat. While we didn’t buy a boat or tow a trailer, the unfussy SUV has quality that appeal to outdoorsy types and big families who go hard at life. The in-the-know folks were delighted at the changes this model has leveled up with in the last cycle and our decked out mothership of the model — the 4WD Denali Ultimate which adds a little sparkle to the amtter. The black grille glistened in the sunshine. The kids oohed ahhed — people do love their three row SUVs. Yukon also comes in the AT4 trim pictured above.Denali Ultimate adds 24-inch 8-spoke machined wheels with laser etching,
How it makes you feel when you get in: We are a travel ball family. We often travel with big kids, bats, ball bags, coolers, chairs, booster seats, and tents. Everything is covered in a thin layer of dust. The jet black interior absorbed everything with no problem. And wireless car play and places to plug in were plentiful in ways that mattered to our crew. Power assist steps made it easier to climb in and out of for the shortest passengers. In a snazzy ride like this, the backseat entertainment was a huge hit. In our “Ultimate” model we had 6-way powered heated and ventilated massaging front seats, leather-lined steering wheel, a second row luxury captain’s chair, wood décor overlaid on patterns, chrome and Bose’s Performance Series sound system7 with 22 speakers.
How it drives: The air suspension makes the hefty Yukon squishier to drive, and adjusts automatically. Yukon has big power to pull all its weight —a 6.2 liter V-8 engine that produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque to hoist its 6000 pound curb weight. Yukon driving comes with a tax on the environment — an EPA rating of 16 miles per gallon. These numbers aren’t great, but they are far better than older large SUVs. There’s also a slightly smaller 5.2 liter engine and turbo diesel engine, too.
Space for people and things: All the space a big family needs with the third row split bench roomy enough for adult-sized kids.Our Yukon had the bossy cabin seats in the second row.
How much does it cost: Our test was loaded up to a sticker price of $113,785, laced with the Denali trim that added rear seat entertainment, a sunroof, high def screen, extra trailer capability and a V8 engine. The base price is $72,395.