Teresa’s View
When my sister and her family decided to replace their full-size sport-ute, Ann did what she does best. She shopped. After careful consideration, they purchased the GMC Yukon Denali.
They chose the truck-based SUV over a growing number of crossover sport-utes for a number of reasons.
First, it had to look good. Style is a “must-have” for my fashion-conscious sis. There’s no way she’s going to be seen in the car-pool lane driving some crude rig, no matter how practical. Sporty and smart, the 2007 Denali’s handsome all-over makeover is as striking, practical and comfortable as the workout outfits my sister wears.
The family’s primary transportation must provide adequate room for the kid’s various soccer, baseball, basketball and lacrosse teams and all their gear. When my niece isn’t playing sports she’s traveling hither and yon for dance competitions, so the new rig must be comfortable for road trips.
The Denali scores on all points. The Bose surround sound audio system is MP3-compatible and includes satellite radio; tri-zone air conditioning keeps even the back-seat occupants comfortable; and the second-row, leather-appointed seats are heated. High on the plus side of the decision-making equation for my sister’s family was the optional DVD rear-seat entertainment system with a large, 8-inch screen and enhanced features.
Standard safety features include front, side and curtain airbags, one year of OnStar service, antilock brakes, a stability control system, theft deterrent system and a tire-pressure monitor.
An optional rearview camera system helps one from dinging small sedans that seem to inconveniently lurk behind looming sport-utes.
The Denali’s third-row seats tumble forward for additional cargo space — but not easily. At 5-foot-2 and 5-foot-5 respectively, my sister and I both struggled to stow the seats. Once out of the way, the third row leaves unsightly hooks and holes that you know will attract all manner of disgusting car gunk.
I’m not fond of the massive center console that puts some much distance between the front seat occupants; they’re out of cell-phone range, although my sis likes the storage.
Most impressively, the big rig passed the garage test. The Denali’s new, more compact frame just barely fits into my sister’s garage.
Ann says it still pains her to gas up the Denali. Fuel ratings for the 380-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8-powered rig are 13 mpg city and 19 highway. On the plus side, the 26-gallon fuel tank means you’re more apt to stop to refill on lattes than gas.
What Is It?: The Yukon Denali is the luxury version of the full-size Yukon SUV. Prices for the Denali run about $48K and change, including destination charges. Still looking for something bigger? An extended trim Denali is available for $50K.
So, Where Are Ya From?: Final assembly for the Denali is Janesville, Wisc.
Lordy, Lordy, Look Who’s One Hundred: GMC celebrates its 100th birthday this year. It’s been a member of the GM family since 1909.