2007 GMC Yukon Denali is a smooth, luxury ride

Just because a vehicle looks like a large truck doesn't mean it rides like one, especially these days when some automotive engineers have taken the art of fine tuning big-vehicle suspensions to a new level.

The proof is the 2007 GMC Yukon, the redesigned and re-engineered full-size sport utility vehicle that's GMC's version of the new Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade SUVs. GMC's parent company, General Motors Corp., owns the Chevrolet and Cadillac brands.

Like its Chevy and Cadillac siblings, the Yukon rides on a new, fully boxed frame that's more rigid and firm than the previous Yukon's. This frame is able to support wider tracks in the front and rear of the vehicle -- basically, wider placement of the wheels -- for a more stable riding experience.

Combined with a new front suspension and new rack-and-pinion steering, the underpinnings of the 2007 Yukon make for a smooth, confident and even nimble-feeling ride that's impressive for an SUV this size -- almost 17 feet long with a weight of some 2.5 tons.

Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, in the United States is $34,690 for a base, two-wheel-drive, 2007 Yukon SLE with 320-horsepower, 5.3-liter V8.

Competitors include the 2006 Ford Expedition XLS with two-wheel-drive and 300-horsepower, 5.4-liter V8 that starts at $33,480 and the 2006 Nissan Armada, which has a starting MSRP, including destination charge, of $35,405 for a two-wheel-drive SE with 305-horsepower, 5.6-liter V8.

There are three trim levels of 2007 Yukon: base SLE with cloth seats, mid-range SLT with leather-trimmed seats and luxury-appointed Denali with leather and many standard features.

GMC officials said the Denali, which was the test vehicle, accounts for a surprisingly strong portion of Yukon sales: 37 percent.

With a starting MSRP, including destination charge, of $47,990, the Denali version of Yukon is squarely in the luxury SUV range. Indeed, the tester topped out at more than $52,000 when options were added.

But the Yukon Denali can be thought of as a bit of a bargain in another sense.

Its starting price is far less than the $54,725 of the 2007 Escalade, yet the well-appointed Denali shares the same, strong V8 as the 2007 Cadillac Escalade.

The 380 horses that the 6.2-liter Vortec V8 generates in the Yukon Denali is a healthy 60 additional horsepower than the smaller-displacement V8s in the other Yukons.

And the Denali's maximum torque of 417 foot-pounds at 4,400 rpm is identical to the torque in the Escalade and compares with 340 foot-pounds of torque at 4,200 rpm in other Yukons.

The Denali also is the only Yukon with the Escalade's capable six-speed automatic transmission. Other Yukons come with a four-speed automatic.

In the test Denali, the engine responded easily to the gas pedal and shifts in the transmission were so smooth, they weren't noticeable. Indeed, the SUV easily powered up mountain roads, and there was plenty of power in reserve on highways for passing other vehicles.

I especially liked the low, satisfying V8 sounds that emanated from the tailpipe when I pushed on the gas pedal. But these sounds weren't there at idle, so passengers weren't bothered with constant engine sounds. In fact, the interior was quiet and unfettered.

As you might expect, the fuel economy rating of 13 miles a gallon in the city and 19 mpg on the highway is the worst of all Yukons because of the bigger, more powerful engine. But this powerplant doesn't require premium gasoline.

Like the Tahoe and Escalade, the Yukon has the newest convenience feature found in a large SUV: Power-operated second-row seats that flip down and out of the way to allow easy access to the vehicle's third row seats with just a touch of a button. No non-GM SUVs have this power feature.

The Denali's front bucket seats are roomy, even for ample-sized passengers, and long-length cushions extended right to the backs of my knees for full leg support. But I wished the heater/air conditioner mechanicals didn't intrude so much into the front-passenger leg area.

Second-row seats also were separate bucket and seated two comfortably. But three-person benches also are available for each row.

Passengers in the third row sit nearly on top of the floor, so many adults will find their knees resting upward, by their chins. Legroom back there is only 25.6 inches, which is less than the 32.2 and the 36.3 inches, respectively, in Nissan's Armada and Ford's Expedition.

The Yukon's maximum cargo space is competitive at 108.9 cubic feet. This is available when second-row seats are folded down and third-row seats are removed.

There are handles and easy-to-operate levers to remove these rearmost seats.

Fit and finish, inside and out, on the test vehicle were excellent, save for plastic trim pieces on the second-row door windows.

I advise getting the optional rearview camera because it's difficult to see what's behind the vehicle while backing up.