GMC Yukon SLT
General Motors' big-but-not-as-long-as-the-Suburban sport/utility was introduced in 1995 and revealed itself as the Chevy Tahoe back in our 1996 shootout. This year's GMC Yukon version was eligible for competition thanks to its all-new Autotrac active transfer case, which is now standard on 4x4 Yukons and Suburbans. The other significant aspect of new Yukons is that they are no longer available in two-door versions. All '98 Yukons come with the Vortec 5700 engine introduced in 1996, and all have automatic trannies.
The importance of the new Autotrac T-case is an all-wheel-drive 4WD Auto mode that enables the T-case to sense wheel slip and send power to wheels with the most traction. This allows on-road use of full-time four-wheel drive for surefooted safety in inclement weather or go-fast fun powering down dirt roads. And you have even more choices: 2-Hi, 4-Hi, and 4-Lo positions are retained. However, the Yukon's high scores were less attributable to the Autotrac than to the traits of the good ol' fullsize truck from which the Yukon platform was derived. Those include a sturdy ladder frame with minimal trail-grabbers (aside from the running boards), and a basic drivetrain consisting of a Corporate 10-bolt rear and a 10-year-old IFS design up front. Of course, the basic pickup suspension has been successfully tuned for sport/utility ride, and the huge interior was well liked for its comfort, utility, ergonomics and amenities, and the best driver-side airbag packaging we've ever seen.
Drivetrainwise, the 255hp Vortec 5700 continues to impress. Even though it weighs 460 pounds more than the Durango, the Yukon ran a nearly identical quarter-mile time. Judges also liked the power on tap in off-road situations, but criticized the transmission for hunting for gears too often.
Although the Yukon is a seemingly aged design, it's hard to criticize when it scores best-of-the-bunch in mechanical fit and finish, highway ride and drive, interior appointments, and usefulness of the cargo area. Even we were surprised how well it scored versus some of the newer-designed trucks--but you'll notice that we've yet to mention off-road ability. Yep, in every dirt-testing category, there were a couple 4x4s that were superior to the Yukon. However, it failed at nothing, scoring solid middle-of-the-pack off-road evaluations to back up the healthy on-road benefits.
Specifications
General
Manufacturer: GMC
Model: Yukon SLT
Base Price: $32,604
Price as Tested: $36,175
Options as Tested: Side running boards, dual electric remote mirrors, 3.73 gear ratio, heavy-duty trailering equipment, California Emissions, and Marketing Option Package (AM/FM stereo, CD, cassette, clock, front/rear air conditioning, front/rear carpeted floor mats, six-way power driver-seat adjuster, SLT decor, ultrasoft leather seat trim, front high-back, remote keyless entry, and inside rearview light-sensitive mirror.
Engine
Type: Vortec 5700 V-8 L31
Displacement (liters/cubic inches): 5.7/350
Bore & Stroke (inches): 4.00x3.48
Compression Ratio: 9.4:1
Induction Type: Sequential, multiport fuel injection
Fuel Requirement/Capacity (gallons): 87 Octane Unleaded regular/30
SAE Peak Horsepower: 255 @ 4,600 rpm
SAE Peak Torque (lb-ft): 330 @ 2,800 rpm
Transmission
Type: Four-speed electronic automatic overdrive
Model: 4L60E Hydramatic
Ratios: First: 3.06:1; Second: 1.63:1; Third: 1.00:1; Fourth: 0.70:1; Reverse: 2.29:1
Transfer Case
Type: Two-speed active Autotrac
Model: NV246
Low-Range Ratio: 2.72:1
Axles
Front Type: IFS
Rear Type: Semifloating
Hubs: Automatic
Ratio: 3.73:1
Suspension
Front: Independent/torsion bars
Rear: Live axle, semi-elliptic, progressive-rate multileaf springs
Steering
Type: Power electronic, speed-sensitive recirculating ball
Turns Lock-to-Lock/Ratio: 3.0/16.4:1-16.3:1
Turning Radius (feet): 40.7
Wheels
Size (inches): 16x7
Material: Aluminum
Tires
Size: P245/75R16
Brand: BFGoodrich Long Trail T/A
Brake System
Front: 11.57-inch discs with ABS
Rear: 10-inch drums with ABS
Weight
Measured Weight (pounds): 5,430
Advertised GVWR (pounds): 6,800
Mileage
EPA Estimate (city/hwy mpg): 13/16
As Tested (mpg): 12.07
Acceleration
Standing 1/4-mile (seconds @ mph): 17.71 @ 76.15
Braking
60-0 mph (feet): 167.13
Dimensions (inches)
Wheelbase: 117.5
Overall Length: 199.6
Overall Width: 76.8
Overall Height: 74.2
Front/Rear Track: 62.6/63.6
Front/Rear Overhang: 35.0/46.0
Minimum Front Ground Clearance: 9.25
Likes
*Good engine power
*Great cross-country cruiser
*Cargo and amenities winner
Dislikes
*Trans hunts for gears
*Kinda big and low for trail use
*Lots of hard plastic inside