2008 GMC Yukon [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 33 Yukon reviews and test drives.
GMC Yukon - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 GMC Yukon ranks 2 out of 10 Affordable Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 33 published reviews and test drives of the GMC Yukon, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Yukon delivers capable performance and a comfortable interior, but is more expensive than others in the class.
Redesigned for the 2007 model year, not much has changed on the 2008 Yukon. Sandwiched between the Chevy Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade in luxury and interior refinrment, the Yukon has seating for up to nine (with optional third row and bench seats) and the ability to tackle most towing jobs (although some competitors can tow more). Despite the Yukon's price tag, buyers may find that they are in a strong bargaining position due to slow SUV sales. Even though the Yukon is one of the more fuel efficient large SUVs availible, it is still a large SUV and whatever money is saved at the dealership will be spent at the gas station.
- "It isn't as gaudy as the Caddy, nor as entry-level as the Chevy. This is Just Right." -- AutoWeek
- "This strikes us as a rather ex-pen-sive family hauler, especially considering that its value typically plummets about $20,000 in the first two years. But we never understood the surge of SUV sales, so what do we know? Your 50 grand buys this hugely improved, unhyped 90-percent Escalade." -- Car and Driver
- "You got tons of headroom, comfy seats, loads of amenities and lots of cargo space. If you can live with the lousy fuel economy and the fact that this is still a big truck that's not easy to park, the Yukon should be high on your shopping list." -- Detroit News
- "Capable, luxurious, and thirsty." -- Motor Trend
- "Competitive with the very best its rivals are offering and that is in other ways, when the price-value equation is considered, better than most of them." -- Washington Post
Yukon Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)
Test drivers report that the 2008 GMC Yukon offers good power and reasonable performance for an SUV of its size. Though not sporty, "the new Yukon matches or beats anything in its size class, including the substantially more expensive Range Rover HSE. Anyone doubting that should simply drive one," says the Washington Post. To see how the Yukon bests much of the compition, read our full Yukon performance review. continue
Yukon Exterior - 8.4 (Very Good)
In 2007, GMC redesigned the exterior of the Yukon, making it look smaller and more elegant than previous models. While reviewers have accepted the new look, most agreed that the styling isn't revolutionary. The Detroit News says the Yukon "exudes confidence in an American kind of way." To judge for yourself, see our 2008 GMC Yukon photos, or read our GMC Yukon exterior review. continue
Yukon Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2008 GMC Yukon has a comfortable and inviting interior for up to nine people, which features the kind of upscale materials buyers may associate with luxury cars. Motor Trend says the Yukon "immediately impresses with the classy ambience of the interior -- which looks pretty well put together, too." To find our more, read our Yukon interior review, or check out our GMC Yukon interior pictures. continue
Yukon Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
When it comes to safety, the main thing the 2008 GMC Yukon has going for it is its size. The federal government gives the Yukon a 5-star rating for frontal and side crash tests. CNET notes that "while this is admirable in any car, it is not too surprising for one this big." The Yukon only gets 3 out of 5 stars from the government in rollover safety. To find out more about the Yukon's safety features, read our full Yukon safety review. continue
Yukon Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 GMC Yukon reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2008 GMC Yukon comes with a five-year or 100,000-mile warranty. continue
