We think the Yukon dashboard is 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 Mercedes-Benz GL450, both priced substantially higher than any Yukon, including the Denali. The GMC's gauge cluster is more informative, reporting via secondary analog gauges powertrain data others leave to warning lights or bury in scrollable information displays.

Leather surfaces feel expensive, if not luxurious. The fit between panels and coverings is impressive, with tight tolerances. 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 new-for-2008 Hybrid model has a unique gauge cluster with a special tachometer and an economy gauge. In the economy gauge is a green bar that represents a zone drivers can aim for to maximize fuel economy. The tachometer has an Auto Stop reading to indicate when the gasoline engine is shut off.

The Hybrid comes standard with a navigation system and a 6.5-inch screen that shows a graphic representation of the hybrid system's power flow. This screen shows if the power is coming from the electric motors, the gasoline engine, or both, plus when regenerative braking is charging the batteries. The system also shows if the vehicle is in two- or four-wheel-drive mode. It's fun to monitor these readouts; they help you learn about how the hybrid system works and show when it is being used for the best fuel economy. But care must be taken by the driver to not be distracted by them.

The design of the Yukon's dash gives the driver an expansive view out the windshield, adding to the feeling of being above it all. Visibility is good all around, though the imposing right side 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 front seats are refreshingly comfortable and easy to adjust. They offer good thigh support, which is sometimes lacking in GM vehicles. The available second-row captain's chairs offer good thigh support, as well. 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. The Hybrid model has thinner front seats that reduce weight and open up slightly more second-row knee room. We found them to be as comfortable as the standard seats.

Room for people is respectable and competitive with other full-size SUVs. In the front seat, the 2008 GMC Yukon bests the Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada, and Toyota Sequoia by several inches in all three dimensions, though all three have plenty of room. Bring your Stetson or Resistol.

In the second row, the Yukon trails the Expedition and Armada in headroom and legroom and betters them in hiproom, but by less than an inch in all regards; it also slightly trails the Sequoia in second-row headroom, but has slightly more hiproom and considerably more legroom. In other words, all large SUVs have a lot of second-row space and the Yukon is no exception. As for second-row access, the Yukon suffers from small-feet syndrome, where the clearance between the base of the second row seat and the doorframe is so cramped, it's impossible to step in or out without turning your foot sideways.

Third-row legroom is limited in the Yukon where we found little space for our feet and our knees wound up at chest level. The Expedition, Sequoia, and Armada offer considerably more legroom for third-row passengers. The Yukon's bench-like third-row seat is minimally cushioned. On the upside, it's surprisingly easy to climb in and out of the Yukon's rearmost seat. The second-row seat folds up out of the way with the release of a lever on the outboard pivot, or even better, at the press of a button with the optional power-fold feature. Unfolding the seat is done manually, however. Make sure it's securely latched.

Cargo space behind the third row is limited, with just 17 cubic feet, less than any of the three competitors. With the second- and third-row seats out of the way, the Yukon offers comparable cargo space for the class, squeaking by the Expedition, exceeding the Armada's space by more than 10 cubic feet, but losing to the Sequoia by almost 12 cubic feet. Of course, the extended wheelbase Yukon XL makes up for most any of the space deficiencies versus the competition.

One area where the Yukon really falls down is the ease with which cargo room can be optimized. Both the Sequoia and Expedition offer a power-folding third row that folds flat. For optimum cargo room in the Yukon, the third-row seats must be removed, and they are heavy and bulky and you need someplace to store them.

Cubby storage includes a compact glove box; fixed map pockets with molded-in bottle holders on the front doors; and pouches on the backs of the front seatbacks. A large bin with removable double cup holder is provided between the front seats. In the Yukon Denali, this feature is separated into a storage bin and twin cup holders, both with hinged covers and surrounded in woodgrain. Ordering the front bench seat for three-across seating eliminates the center console, of course.