- suv
- Jerome, ID
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- autoshopper.com
2004 gmc yukon xl review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Pull trailers, move crowds, haul gear. introductionthe yukon xl is gmc's version of the chevy suburban. It's a well-equipped vehicle and a good choice for families of six or more. It's a good choice for families who find themselves needing three rows of seats on a daily basis. Even when fully loaded with people, there's space left over for large amounts of gear. where the yukon xl really comes into its own, however, is when heavy-duty towing is needed. A standard yukon xl 2wd 1500 model is rated to tow trailers of up to 8,400 pounds. A yukon xl 2500, the heavy-duty model, is rated to pull a 12,000-pound trailer. This makes the yukon xl an excellent choice for families with boats or horses. though identical in many respects, there are differences between the suburban and the yukon xl. Styling cues distinguish the gmc from the chevrolet. revisions for 2003 brought improved brakes, smarter airbags, a modernized electrical system, and improved interior features. For 2004, the yukon xl is better and safer still. It comes with a tire-pressure monitor and a seatbelt reminder for the driver and front-seat passenger. The heavy-duty 2500 2wd 39,460) and 2500 4wd 42,160) are rated to pull trailers up to 12,000 pounds. A 6. 0-liter v8 comes standard on denali and 2500 models. An 8. 1-liter v8 850) is optional for 2500 models, and delivers 440 pounds-feet of torque for maximum towing capability. The top of the line is the yukon xl denali, which is a 1500. the base sle model is a well-equipped vehicle. It comes with cloth upholstery, manual dual-zone air conditioning, anti-lock brakes (abs), self-leveling suspension, cd stereo with eight speakers, power windows, power door locks, fog lights, tinted glass, heated outside mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and alarm. Three rows of seats are standard. Denali is distinguished by unique exterior design cues. walkaroundthe gmc yukon xl is a long-wheelbase version of the yukon, just as the suburban is a long-wheelbase version of the chevy tahoe. Xl means extra long: yukon xl is based on the same platform as the yukon, but it's stretched 14 inches in wheelbase and about 20 inches overall. While the yukon can carry a lot of people or a lot of cargo, the yukon xl can do both at the same time. Gmc takes a more sophisticated, more understated approach to design than chevrolet. Still, the yukon xl shares the unmistakable profile of the 'burb. denali trades the standard yukon xl's black grille for a bright mask of fine-metal mesh, but then swaps the base model's chrome bumpers for body-color bumpers, keeping the overall flash level about equal. Round fog lights are neatly tunneled into the lower part of denali's unique front bumper. The liftgate comes standard and features a glass section that opens independently. Cargo doors work better for work vehicles as they open wide and allow a closer working position to the vehicle's storage area. Cargo doors are also useful when pulling trailers because they will usually clear the trailer tongue jack. The hinges can be released, allowing the doors to open fully when loading large items. Most people find the liftgate preferable, however. They are the leaders when it comes to seating and cargo capacity (discounting the ford excursion, which is being discontinued). Big inside, the yukon xl is very roomy and, for the most part, comfortable. the exception is the seats. Gm's bucket seats are big and cushy, but i don't always find them comfortable. The seat bottoms lack support, especially on the sides, and the seat bottoms don't seem long enough. Owners often disagree with this assessment, however. Bucket seats are standard on slt and denali models an optional on the sle. The standard front seat setup in yukon xl is a three-passenger, manually reclining 40/20/40 split bench with dual manual lumbar support and six-way power for the driver. They are similar in terms of comfort. Yukon xl comes standard with nice custom cloth upholstery. The optional ultrasoft leather makes this big truck look and feel like a luxury vehicle. the bucket seats are separated by a deep center console that holds lots of stuff. The top of the console lid features a nice rubber-lined indention, handy for sunglasses and other items. It would be even better if the rubber was an insert that could be removed for cleaning. It would be better still if the top of the console wasn't angled forward: lay a clipboard there and it'll slide off. ergonomics are otherwise excellent. The cup holders are superb, a good feature for people who live and work in their vehicles. Above are well-designed map lights that can be aimed. A covered power outlet is conveniently located for cell phones and radar detectors, in addition to the cigar lighter inside the ashtray compartment. the driver information center was redesigned last year, and is now located immediately in front of the driver, below the speedometer. It's handy and easy to use, allowing the driver to program automatic locking and other features, as well as providing trip mileage, fuel economy and other data. Turn those features off, turn them on, or deploy them partially. Everything is programmable. audio and climate control systems are well designed and easy to operate. The heating and air conditioning systems were redesigned for 2003 to deliver faster warm-ups and cool-downs than before. The manual heating controls that come on the base model (sle) are nicely designed and work well. Much better, however, are the digital three-zone climate controls that come on the other models. They are sophisticated yet easy to operate, and permit separate adjustments for driver and passenger. The rear heating/air conditioning controls are mounted overhead and help improve comfort for pets as well as people. a new tire-pressure monitoring system added for 2004 continuously checks inflation pressures and flashes a warning on the instrument cluster should any tire lose air pressure. Audio controls on the steering wheel make it easy to switch among station presets and. Power Windows✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ Power Locks✔ Bucket Seats✔ CD Changer✔ Climate Control✔ Air Conditioning
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