Dayton Daily News

Back in the day a long, long time ago, comparing anything to a Cadillac was a good thing.

It still is. And with the 2007 GMC Yukon, that's not so much of a stretch.

General Motors does sport-utility vehicles well, so even if you're not up for a Cadillac Escalade, there are no shortcomings in the company's other lines.

Take the Yukon. It's less money than an Escalade, but is almost the same truck. Let's look at the goodness.

Yukons seat up to nine people and come in 10 versions. There are three trims (SLE, SLT and Denali), two vehicle lengths (the base is 202 inches with a 116-inch wheelbase and the XL is 222.4 inches with a 130-inch wheelbase), four V-8 engines that range in horsepower from 295 to 380 (including one engine that uses a Flex fuel system) and two automatic transmissions (4-speed and a new 6-speed).

Base prices range from $34,675 for a 2WD Yukon SLE to $50,305 for an AWD Yukon XL Denali. (Escalades range from $54,145 to $59,640). We drove the AWD Yukon XL Denali.

All Yukons are sufficiently equipped for any purpose. Some of the standard highlights are an antiskid system with rollover sensors, rear air conditioning and heating, steering wheel radio controls, alloy wheels and a trailer tow package. Among the items added to the SLT are curtain side airbags, dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, rear radio controls, remote engine start, universal garage door opener, fog lights and front tow hooks.

The luxury Denali gets the largest engine, a 380-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 and the 6-speed automatic transmission that has manual-shift capability. Not only does this engine deliver the power, but it is responsive power. Nice. Other exclusive standard features are a power liftgate, 12-way power front seats, heated front- and second-row seats, power-adjustable pedals, driver-seat memory, rain-sensing wipers with heated washers, automatic shock absorber control and load-leveling suspension.

The Denali only comes with all-wheel drive.

The redesigned Yukon, a cousin of the Chevrolet Tahoe with the XL version taking on Suburban proportions, has wraparound

fascias and, the company says, improved aerodynamics. Denalis have added chrome accents and a unique honeycomb grille.

How a vehicle rides is often subjective, depending on the rider. The Yukon Denali, like other General Motors products, is a hit in this department with this reviewer. The 2007 model has a stronger chassis than its predecessors, and it sticks to form with a pleasant ride and nimble handling. The cabin is quiet and the accommodations comfortable.

Options on the tester included a navigation system ($2,250) that incorporates the stereo and CD player. The downside to this is the loss of a 6-disc changer with a single disc. Other options were 20-inch chrome aluminum wheels and 20-inch tires ($1,995) in place of 18-inch tires; rear-seat entertainment system ($1,295); sunroof ($995); rearview camera ($250); and heated steering wheel ($150). With destination charges, the total vehicle price was $58,020.

As expected, this can be quite the cargo hauler. The second- and third-row seats fold and the third row is removable. There is 45.8 cubic feet of space behind the third row when upright, which is enough room for most vacationers. With the third row out and the second row folded, the cargo space balloons to 137.4 cubic feet. There's plenty of passenger room, also. A power release is used to flip the second-row buckets for easier access to the third row. Good deal.

The Yukon XL Denali can tow up to 8,100 pounds.

And now for the question that many are asking during these times of high fuel prices: What kind of mileage does the Yukon XL Denali get? The answer: Does it matter? (Actual answer provided in accompanying box.)

When it comes to the GMC Yukon XL Denali, mileage aside, this is the total package.

David Mikesell is a free-lance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis. Read this review and others like it at DaytonDailyNews.com/Wheels.