​​Car and Driver Finds Slower is Better with the Diesel Yukon​

Ford has one, as does Jeep, and our own Toyota, but when it comes to full-size, truck-based SUVs, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban are what first comes to mind. When a TV show features government officials, these are typically the vehicles that transport them. But if you desire a Tahoe with a bit more interior flair, they can simply look to the GMC Yukon. Car and Driver tested an upper-level Yukon with the optional diesel engine and Sharp Automotive shares their findings. 

They point out that while the exterior differences between a Tahoe and Yukon are minor—mainly the latter’s larger, one-piece grille, more chrome, and GMC badging—a bigger difference can be found inside. The dashboards are completely different, with the Yukon’s featuring a 16.8-inch portrait-format center touchscreen that manages to look larger than the 17.7-inch landscape screen on the Tahoe. Car and Driver suggests that the Yukon’s surrounding cabin design is more cohesive than the Tahoe’s, though whether one prefers their big screens vertical or horizontal could be the biggest deciding factor. They also mention that both vehicles comfortably leave room for the Escalade’s opulence. 

Yukon comes in three basic flavors: the entry–level Elevation, with a starting price of $70,495 for an RWD model; the off-road-themed AT4; and the luxury-themed Denali.  There are also the AT4 Ultimate and Denali Ultimate, which are basically their namesake models with all the options checked.  

The AT4’s off-road capabilities start with standard 4WD, featuring a two-speed transfer case, 20-inch all-terrain tires, red tow hooks, a front bumper for improved approach angle clearance, and skid plates for when additional ground clearance is needed. Among the Ultimate’s many luxury features is an upgrade to the 6.2-liter V8, SuperCruise, and the Max trailering package, which gives it a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds.  

You can still opt for the 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six, which Car and Driver tested. With less than half the displacement, the diesel produces 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, compared to 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft from the larger V8. Despite its torque advantage, the diesel feels more relaxed on the road. It takes an extra second in the 0-60 mph sprint (6.9 vs. 5.9 seconds) and reaches the quarter mile in 15.4 seconds at 89 mph, compared to 14.4 seconds at 97 mph for the bigger gasoline engine. Not that anyone will drag race a Yukon, but Car and Driver notes that passing from 50 to 70 mph takes 1.4 seconds longer with the diesel than with the 6.2L, which does it in 5.5 seconds. 

That said, if you can lighten your foot, the diesel does have its rewards.  With 4WD, the big ute has an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway, which is five and six more mpg respectively than the big V8.  If you rack up the miles, that can probably make up for the $1,500 diesel option price well within its ownership life. Also, with a 24-gallon tank, the 640-plus operating range between fill-ups will likely outlast the most disciplined bladder. 

Car and Driver warns that the all-terrain tires compromise both skid pad and braking times, so if you don’t plan on going more off-road than simply off-pavement, a non-AT4 trim may be the best bet.  The AT4 Ultimate also includes both Magna Ride adaptive dampers and air spring suspension, the latter allowing you to raise the vehicle by two inches when the ground starts getting uneven.  Interestingly, they found the ride to be fine at speed, but unexpectedly stiff at lower speeds, “exhibiting noticeable body heave and wallow,” and this is evident off-road as well. 

To go with the AT4 or not depends on your plans, but Car and Driver definitely prefers the diesel despite its slower numbers. If the Ultimate trims are within reach, what you pay for is pretty evident inside, from the fancy leather seats, full-length panoramic sunroof, 18-speaker Bose premium audio system including four in the front seat headrests, and so on.   

Check out the Yukon with all its trim and engine options and compare it directly with the Chevrolet Tahoe, both available here at Sharp Automotive in Watertown.