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“Jumbo shrimp,” “pretty ugly,” and “military intelligence,” are all famous oxymorons. But is the world ready for the most shockingly conflicting one yet? How about “environmentally-friendly SUV?”
It’s true — GMC has a ute that does not help kill the rainforest, all of the time at least. A longtime staple in the GMC lineup, the 2007 Yukon offers an impressive, feature-packed replacement.
I will get to the flower friendly bit in a moment, but first, the meat.
Every 2007 Yukon comes with standard 17-inch wheels, running boards, luggage rack rails and undeniable girth. These are expected, and they are the kind of things that make SUVs, well, SUVs. The Yukon is big on a totally new level.
While appealing at first, the car’s massive dimensions with the tight parking arrangements found here in California. Parking this car can make life difficult and is a quickly sobering reminder of the massively exaggerated proportions of the car.
The headlights are literally about the size of my head. The taillights are as tall as my forearm is long.
And I think that, if you’re not careful, the grill will devour the small frolicking fawns around campus.
Outstanding features set the GMC Yukon apart.
One of the most practical features equipped on the SLT model I drove was the park distance control.
In a car the size of Texas, this parking assist is almost a necessity.
The rear sensor communicates with the driver through audible and visual cues as the car approaches whatever may be behind it.
Another feature that comes in handy is the driver information center, a digital screen located below the tachometer in the dash that allows the driver to scroll through various vehicle information screens such as remaining oil life, tire pressure and fuel range.
All 2007 Yukons come with three independently adjustable climate zones. Since the car is so huge it barely fits in one time zone.
I suppose that the good people of General Motors felt it was almost necessary to include this feature.
It is impossible to buy a Bose wave radio, the little alarm clock on steroids thing, for less than $500.
This being the case, I think the Yukon’s optional premium Bose sound system for $495 is an absolute steal for any consumer.
It is a great sound system that allows for playing sophisticated, crystal clear classical music and punctuating the droning, repetitive, yet undeniably catchy bass lines from rap songs.
The 2007 Yukon knows how to treat a lady, especially if that lovely lady is Mother Earth.
Powered by a 5.3 liter V8 motor one might not think this is the case, but the 2007 Yukon actually has several ozone-conscious qualities that are going for it.
First and foremost, this is a Flexfuel vehicle.
Flexfuel is a new technology that allows automobile engines to run on oil-based pump gasoline, the regular stuff, and on E85, a corn-based fuel.
Theoretically, if all vehicles had Flexfuel or E85 capable motors we (the United States) could power them all if we grew enough corn.
Don’t start giving peace signs and chanting flower power yet though because, at least for now, there is a serious draw back.
When is the last time you saw an E85 fueling station?
If you have seen one at all, you are ahead of me without a doubt.
As I am writing this article, one station in Southern califCalifornia carries E85, and it is in San Diego.
On E85 or on good ol’ pump gas the Yukon gets pretty impressive gas mileage for an SUV. The EPA rates the 5.3 liter power plant at 15 city and 21 highway. I know many similar SUVs struggle to hit double digits and will rarely hit the big 20 mpg mark.
These ratings can be attributed to the second ace up this engine’s sleeve, cylinder shutdown. When coasting, using the breaks, or on cruise control the Yukon will shut down four of its eight cylinders. Basically anytime power is not being applied, the car recognizes this fact and begins to run like a more economical four banger. So I guess the oxymoron stands — the 2007 Yukon is breaking the mold and turning away from the stereotypical gas guzzling SUVs.
GMC presents a pretty convincing argument for the SUV dollar. The 2007 Yukon bases around $38,000, and our SLT test vehicle, which was fully equipped, came in at about $46,000. The king of Yukons, the Denali, whose key distinguishing features are aesthetic grill and wheel treatments, starts at $48,000. But perhaps we shouldn’t leave out the other members of the GM family. If you want the size and not the features, you can go for the Chevy Tahoe. If you’re looking for luxury, street cred, and something to have in common with the G-Unit, opt for the Cadillac Escalade. But if you like the porridge that’s not too hot and not too cold, you’ve landed in the right place, the 2007 GMC Yukon.
Submitted 09-07-2006
MALIBU, CA
