2009 GMC Yukon XL Denali

Like the Yukon XL and the Yukon, the Yukon Denali XL differs mainly from the Yukon Denali with a wheelbase stretch of 14 inches and a corresponding overall length increase of 20.4 inches. While two wheel drive is standard equipment, the option is an all-wheel drive system instead of four-wheel drive so hard-core off-roading is not recommended, as there is no low-range gearing. The Denali designation basically means more of everything in the full-size trucks, namely luxury, comfort, power, looks and standard features. By the fall of

Like the rest of the Denalis in GMC's line-up, the XL has just one powertrain: a 6.2 liter V8 hitched to a six-speed automatic transmission. The high-output mill utilizes variable valve timing to produce a peak of 380 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 417 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm. The combination is good for 12 mpg in the EPA's city cycle and 18 mpg on the highway. Maximum towing is capped at 7,900 lbs.

Generous standard equipment on the inside includes automatic climate control, an AM/FM/6-CD/MP3 stereo with 10 Bose speakers and subwoofer and a 3-month XM Radio subscription, heated leather 12-way power operated driver and passenger seats, cruise control, and second-row captain's chairs. Safety items include side curtain airbags, one-year subscription to GM's OnStar communications system, a remote vehicle starter system, stability control and traction control systems and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Other niceties are 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, a power liftgate, universal home remote, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist and heated windshield washer fluid.

The few options are comprised of 20-inch chrome rims, a Sun, Entertainment and Destinations Package that includes an AM/FM stereo with MP3 compatible CD/DVD player and DVD-based navigation, rear seat entertainment system, rearview camera system and power sunroof, power retractable assist steps, standalone sunroof and engine block heater.