2005 GMC Yukon XL Preview

Extra Large Yukon Denali

Except for the Ford Excursion, they don't make SUVs bigger than the Yukon XL. But bigger isn't necessarily better.

Should You Buy This Car?

The Yukon XL isn't about efficiency. If you want to make a big statement, this might be the right vehicle. Even in highway driving this truck won't deliver mileage better than the low teens. But owners who can afford this vehicle probably won't feel severely pinched -- even if gasoline goes to two or three bucks per gallon.

So what do you get with a $50K Denali XL? Full-time all-wheel drive for one, which automatically balances torque transfer between the front and rear wheels, depending upon road conditions. The all-wheel drive is imperceptible in normal driving, and that's a good thing, but it's really set up for tackling suburban blacktop, not fire roads, especially since there's no second set of four-by-four-only gears.

GM's AutoRide suspension -- automatic load leveling -- is also part of the Denali package, as is an 11-speaker Acoustimass Bose music system with a six-CD changer. The sound system has a second set of the most important audio controls mounted on the steering wheel. But killer stereo it isn't. The first row of passenger seats are heated, and GM's OnStar information/emergency system is included with all Denali models.

Our tester carried a base sticker of $48,050 and came with only two options -- a $1,000 sunroof and second-row bucket seats for $490. Destination charges brought the total to a tad north of $50,000. This money buys a lot of truck, but it is a lot of money. And it doesn't include some of the things often found at this price point, such as a satellite navigation system with graphic display or separate driver and front passenger ventilation controls.

If you're still enamored with GMC's biggest SUV you can save $9,300 by skipping the Denali package and opting for the less-expensive four-wheel-drive Yukon XL. This model swaps out AWD in favor of 4WD and comes without baubles such as the 11-speaker stereo and standard OnStar. Besides its lower sticker and more attractive front and rear ends, the standard Yukon XL can seat a maximum of nine passengers, whereas the Denali XL tops out at only eight.

Another option is GMC's somewhat smaller, but much more modern, Envoy. An extended-wheelbase Envoy, the XL, which seats 7, is coming to market this spring. The top dog Envoy XL starts at $36,000.

The Denali XL also has plenty of good competition outside of General Motors. The same $50,000, give or take a few grand, will get you into some models of the BMW X5 and the Mercedes ML. Both these luxury SUVs are smaller than the Yukon XL, so if size does matter you might want to check out the new 2003 Lincoln Navigator. The restyled Navigator has independent suspension both front and rear and a far more refined cockpit than any other SUV made in Detroit. That truck debuts in late summer.