2005 GMC Yukon Denali XL | Review | Buying Guide
As a luxury sport utility vehicle, the Yukon Denali combines the tried and tested ruggedness of a regular Yukon with all of the features that accompany Denali models; namely style and excessive comfort. With the XL version, the SUV adds an extra fourteen inches for more interior space.
There are a number of changes to this year’s offering of Yukon Denalis, and they can all be termed upgrades. One of the more impressive aspects of the 2005 Denali is an increase in fuel efficiency coupled with more power. This is the result of two main additions: an electric cooling fan and a new voltage control system. The new voltage system monitors the battery’s charge status and controls the vehicle’s generator to minimize parasitic voltage loss.
On the outside, the Denali alerts onlookers that it is no ordinary sport utility vehicle. They have standard 17-inch wheels, but this year, chrome-finished 20-inch alloy wheels are newly available. Also new this year is a rear liftgate; it replaces the old side-opening cargo doors.
Under the Hood
More power is something that most owners will immediately welcome. As a result of the new upgrades, the 2005 Denali XL’s 6.0-liter Vortec V8 engine now produces 335 horsepower at 5200 rpm (up from 325) and 375 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm (up from 365).
Like the regular length Denali, 4-speed automatic transmission with a tow/haul mode is standard with the Denali XL. Both luxury SUVs use an all-wheel drive system featuring a one-speed full-time, open differential all-wheel-drive transfer case, which permits flexible torque transfer. Its 40-percent front/60-percent rear bias ratio also provides the necessary amount of front torque for excellent yaw stability.
Standard Autoride suspension makes potholes seem like pebbles. It automatically adjusts the shock dampening and includes a rear, air-assisted load-leveling system, designed to keep the truck level when filled up with goods.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
Decadent is the proper word to describe the lush interior cabin of the 2005 Denali XL. Standard features include leather upholstery, 10-way power front bucket seats with driver-seat memory, power-adjustable pedals, heated front and second-row seats, a Bose AM/FM/cassette player with in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio (requires monthly fee), steering-wheel radio controls and rear radio controls.
Topping the list of options is a new navigation system. It is a DVD-based touch-screen system with a larger display than before.
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