This is arguably the best full-size SUV on the market. First off, there's the smooth ride. GM completely re-engineered the chassis for 2000, making the frame stronger and lighter. It is a tremendously good platform, very rigid, with generous cross bracing and a hydroformed frame. This chassis is a key element to the greatness of the Yukon, Suburban, and Tahoe models as it allowed GM engineers to design a suspension that soaks up the jarring bumps and craters found on and off our roadways.The optional AutoRide suspension system automatically varies the amount of shock damping according to the driving conditions. Whether towing a horse trailer or picking up the soccer team, AutoRide continually adjusts the suspension for optimum ride and handling. This technology also helps reduce dive on braking (so that the nose of the vehicle doesn't dip down unduly) and body roll (or lean) during cornering. AutoRide is a $850 option on 1500s, $900 on 2500s, and standard on Denali. The suspension system soaked up the large potholes and rough terrain we encountered. The independent front suspension flattens the most rugged terrain so that the Yukon XL's passengers feel coddled, while the solid rear axle allows impressive towing capability. The suspension also contributes to the Yukon XL's impressive turning radius when compared with pre-2000 models, useful for crowded parking lots, U-turns, and off-road driving. Good brakes are important for a vehicle that weighs more than two tons and is sometimes asked to pull heavy trailers. With the Yukon XL's redesign came exceptionally good brakes, with 40 percent larger ventilated discs at the front wheels, and big 13.2-inch discs on the rear axle. While we equate fast emergency braking maneuvers with testing a vehicle's ability to stop, sometimes being able to stop straight and true at slow speeds is important, and the Yukon XL delivers on that front. The previous-generation Suburban had a mushy brake pedal, but that has been replaced with a much firmer pedal in this new Yukon XL for improved driver control. More than once we were particularly glad for the quick manner in which the driver can shift the Yukon XL in and out of four-wheel drive. Four switches mounted on the left side of the instrument panel make it is easy to change modes. The top switch engages GMC's automatic four-wheel-drive system, Autotrac, which automatically transfers power from the slipping wheel to the wheels with traction. A switch controls two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and four-wheel drive low-range. This system makes shifting from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive and back as easy as turning on the radio. By contrast, the Denali's full-time all-wheel-drive system requires no input from the driver. And it's the best setup in inconsistent conditions (patches of snow and ice, gravel and pavement) because it transfers power to the wheels with the best traction. Responsiveness from each of the three available V8 engines is excellent. Most people will find the standard 5.3-liter V8 a great companion. Our Denali came with the big 6.0-liter with its 320 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque. All Yukon XL models come with a tow/haul mode for the transmission. Pressing a switch on the end of the gearshift lever changes the shift points of the automatic transmission. The tow/haul mode improves performance while towing through mountainous terrain and lessens wear on the transmission. It does this by holding it in any given gear longer and by shifting more abruptly to reduce heat buildup. Towing a really heavy trailer? A 1500 model is plenty for pulling a car trailer or a light boat trailer, but you may want to look at the 2500 models if you have a heavy load to pull and you pull it often. Not surprisingly, the 1500 model, which comes with torsion bars up front and coil springs in the rear, smooths out road vibration much better than the 2500 model, which is fitted with rear leaf springs. That comes with the territory of the larger load-hauling capability of the 2500 series. By far, most buyers opt for the 1500-series Yukon XL models, which offer good towing capability. But the 2500 is the better choice for pulling extremely heavy trailers. Yukon XL 2500 models compare favorably against the Ford Excursion. At first glance, the Excursion, based on a heavy-duty F-350 pickup chassis, appears to have the upper hand for towing and hauling; however, the excessive weight of the vehicle itself significantly reduces its payload capacity. Also, it's important to note that towing capacities are partly decided in meeting rooms; different manufacturers determine these figures in different ways.
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