2005 GMC Yukon Denali | Review | Buying Guide
GMC continues to set its vehicles lucky enough to receive Denali distinction apart from the pack. This year, in addition to the amazing array of standard luxury features, GMC adds more power and ability to the impressive Yukon Denali.
What results is a blend of performance, safety and comfort that is nearly unmatched in the segment. The standard features list reads more like a novel than anything, and the resulting ride is just as regal. And of course, underneath it all is GMC’s Professional Grade ruggedness.
If you need to take a long trip, the Denali will make it as relaxing as possible. Splurging a little and purchasing one of these big SUVs gets you such things as leather upholstery, 10-way power front bucket seats with driver-seat memory, power-adjustable pedals, heated front and second-row seats and a Bose AM/FM/cassette player with in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Under the Hood
This year, engineers did two things that generally don’t go hand-in-hand: they increased power and upped the fuel economy. The Denali’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).
Engineers achieved this feat by adding two main features: an electric cooling fan and a new voltage control system. The latter monitors the battery’s charge status and controls the vehicle’s generator to minimize parasitic voltage loss.
4-speed automatic transmission with a tow/haul mode is standard. The Denali uses all-wheel drive for maximum responsiveness. It employs 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.
The Denali’s ride is ever so smooth, thanks to a standard Autoride suspension system. 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
For driving convenience, 2005 Denalis are now equipped with the new OnStar system—now in its sixth generation. It features new hardware with digital and analog coverage and upgraded hands-free voice recognition capabilities.
Optional this year is a multimedia package, which includes a new navigation system and satellite radio. The DVD touch-screen navigation system maps routes with 2-D and 3-D full-color map views on a large 6.5-inch display screen.
|
