light. Drivers who find the increased height and bulk initially awkward

usually adjust and before long find themselves driving the big Yukon like

a car. It isn't a car, however. The two-door 4WD Yukon takes 39 feet of

real estate to complete a circle, the four-door model takes another two

feet, while a Suburban K1500 needs nearly 48 feet. This makes the two-door

model easier to manage in tight, crowded parking lots.

The Yukon does a good job of cushioning bumps, though it floats a bit

too much for our taste. The two-door lacks some of the Suburban's aircraft

carrier stability, a result of its shorter wheelbase. But the shorter wheelbase

is far handier off road.

The Yukon, Tahoe and Suburban all suffer from mushy brake pedals. They

stop well, but firm, positive pressure is needed for quick response.

A 4WD Yukon is a highly capable--if somewhat bulky--off-road vehicle.

It handles well on rough roads and the 4WD system helps it through slippery

conditions. Our tester never hesitated over silty two-tracks, muddy trails

and roads covered with snow and ice. It also stops and accelerates well

on dirt roads. A Yukon will go anywhere the most serious of outdoorsmen

are likely to go.