2005 GMC Yukon | Review | Buying Guide
The Yukon is an upscale version of the Chevy Tahoe. It shares the same basic design as the large sport utility vehicle, but offers a little more in the way of refinement. If that’s your thing, then the Yukon is a good option.
The Yukon is offered as a ½-ton 1500 model, while the larger Yukon XL gets even bigger (Yukon XL covered separately). For 2005, there are number of new features, including an enhanced safety belt reminder, improved fuel economy, new colors and the line-wide availability of the StabiliTrak stability enhancement system.
StabiliTrak is an added safety feature that aides in emergency braking situations. It assists the vehicle in maintaining the driver’s intended path by applying a brake force at any corner of the vehicle independent of the driver’s use of the brake pedal.
Under the Hood
The standard powertrain for the 2005 GMC Yukon is a 4.8-liter Vortec V8 engine. It produces 285 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. 4-speed automatic transmission is mated to this beating heart.
Optional this year is a 5.3-liter Vortec V8 engine. It dishes out 295 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 335 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. It also uses a 4-speed automatic transmission, but it has a slightly less favorable fuel rating at 15/19 mpg (city/highway).
GMC offers an Autoride package this year for increased suspension ability. It adds variable shock-absorber control and load-leveling rear suspension.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
Yukons are big, friendly SUVs that make family driving a snap. They sit up to nine people, and provide a range of standard features for comfort. Some of those items include front and rear air conditioning with tri-zone manual climate controls (including rear controls), a rear heater, a tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, heated power mirrors, power windows and door locks and an AM/FM/cassette/CD player.
All 2005 Yukon models have a rear liftgate—side-opening cargo doors are no longer available.
Also offered this year is an available DVD-based touch-screen navigation radio. The system employs touch-screen functionality and a 3-D full-color map on a large, 6.5-inch display screen. Once the navigation DVD is inserted and the address entered on the system's screen, a route map is generated and audio commands are provided.
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