The top-level Yukon Denali ($47,115) comes with a 380-hp 6.2-liter V8 with all-wheel drive and a new six-speed automatic. Standard features over and above those expected include heated first- and second-row seats; auxiliary transmission oil cooler; locking rear differential; power second-row seat release; front-row bucket seats, second-row Captain's chairs and removable three-passenger, third-row bench seat; digital 10-speaker Premium Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound System; wood-and-leather trimmed steering wheel; Autoride suspension; and trailer tow package. Options include many of those offered on the SLE and SLT models plus a heated steering wheel ($150).

Safety features that come standard on all models include dual-stage front airbags; four-wheel antilock brakes with dynamic rear proportioning that balances braking front to rear for optimum stopping force; Stabilitrak stability control system; LATCH child safety seat anchors; tire pressure monitoring system; and OnStar emergency notification system with one-year pre-paid subscription. Optional are roof-mounted, full-coverage, side curtain airbags ($350; standard on SLT and Denali); rearview camera system ($195; SLT and Denali only); and rear park assist ($245; standard on Denali).

Walkaround

Designers can do interesting things with styling cues, and with the 2007 GMC Yukon, they've managed to make a vehicle that's larger than its predecessor look smaller, more compact, and definitely more svelte.

Stripping off excessive cladding and overly decorative brightwork and ironing out tired body ripples combine to transform the looks of the Yukon and Yukon Denali. Although the 2007 models are nearly three inches longer than their predecessors, the quieter, calmer surface planes diminish the perception of that extended length. Likewise, the smooth, gently contoured flanks and arrow-straight beltline visually lower the height. Remarkably tight tolerances between body panels invite comparisons with the highest quality imports.

The one-piece, softer-look front end presents a friendlier, more welcoming face but without forfeiting the Yukon's presence. Large headlight housings promise good vision. The trademark grille and lower air intake ensure good breathing. A more sharply raked windshield eases movement through the air.

Tall, symmetrical side glass fits flush with surrounding body panels. Door handles bridging deep recesses make for easy gripping in all seasons. Squared-off wheel wells carry forward a Yukon signature styling cue but, frankly, yearn for larger wheels and more substantial rubber. Save on the Yukon Denali, that is, which rides on 20-inch, chromed aluminum wheels wearing low profile, blackwall tires.

As inspired as the Yukon's overall new look is, the back end is decidedly less so. Then again, a family vehicle that has to accommodate up to nine people and haul their cargo doesn't leave stylists much leeway for creativity. Thus, the broad, mostly flat, almost vertical tailgate in between tall, narrow taillights. The independently hinged rear window is a nice touch, permitting easy loading of grocery bags and such.

Interior Features

While the exterior design of the new Yukon is a great leap forward, the remake of the interior borders on revolutionary. Just by the measure of how many buttons and knobs there aren't, the '07 Yukon reflects a radical re-thinking by the people in charge of deciding how occupants will relate to their immediate surroundings.

Topping the list is the re-positioning of the dash. Lowered by half a foot, re-contoured and elegantly simplified, the new instrument panel and center stack would look right at home in 'most any luxury SUV. In fact, we think it's a friendlier, slicker and more integrated assemblage of gauges, display screens, touch pads and control panels than those in either the Range Rover or the new Mercedes-Benz GL450, both priced substantially higher than the Yukon models, including the Denali. The gauge cluster is more informative, reporting via secondary analog dials powertrain data many others leave to warning lights or bury in scrollable information displays.

The fit between panels and coverings is impressive, with tight tolerances. Leather surfaces feel expensive, if not luxurious. Less impressive is the finish of some of the hard plastic surfaces, which look better than they feel. The headliner is a woven fabric that looks and feels like mouse fur.

The design of the dash gives the driver an expansive view out the windshield, adding to the feeling of being above it all. Visibility is good all around, although the imposing C-pillar (the post between the rear side door and the rear quarter panel,) does nothing to reduce the large side mirrors' blind spot. Along the same lines, the third row seat blocks the lower third of the rear window; folding the third row down eliminates this.

The redesigned seats are refreshing. The seat belts are mounted to the B-pillar, a nice improvement over the awkward seat-mounted belts used on previous models. The design of the new belts should also offer improved occupant protection. This yields lighter, less bulky seats that are more comfortable and easier to adjust. Thigh support, a common deficiency in GM vehicles, is good in the front seats and second-row Captain's chairs. We're disappointed with the folding armrests, however; they have one setting, which won't fit every occupant. Some way to adjust the angle of these armrests would be welcome.