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2004 GMC Yukon Denali XL Full-Size Sport Utility Vehicle

Base MSRP: $50,960

Mileage: 13 mpg city / 17 mpg highway

When it comes to full-size luxury sport utility vehicles, it doesn't get much larger than the GMC Yukon Denali XL. Everything about the Denali is oversized, from the seating and cargo capacity to its engine and towing capability. Looking for a vehicle that can escort you, your family, your neighbors, their dog and your brand new bass boat to the lake? The Denali's got you covered.

Though there are few changes from the 2003 model year, this year's Denali does feature a handy tire pressure monitor as part of its standard equipment, as well as a sophisticated Hydroboost brake system.

Room to stretch out, and then some

One of the pleasures of owning a large SUV is the space. Ideal for packing in passengers and their gear, the Denali excels in accommodating cargo. With all seats in place, the Denali offers 90 cubic feet of space. Fold down the second row and remove the third and you're staring at an impressive 131.6 cubic feet of wide-open range. Go ahead and plan that cross-country trip, the Denali is up for it.

Though tough in every capacity, the Denali doesn't require the same from its passengers. The ride is soft and cushy, lending itself to being more like a luxury sedan than a truck - even while towing.

With an 8,000-lb. tow rating, the Denali is longing for those weekend trips to the lakes as much as you are. To make trailer hitching even more enjoyable, GMC has equipped all 2004 Yukons with the previously mentioned Hydroboost brakes. This braking system relies on hydraulic pressure rather than engine vacuum to reduce braking pressure; thus, giving you better feel through the brake pedal while simultaneously providing greater stopping power in hard-braking situations, which is imperative when towing large, heavy items. Additionally, the Denali's AutoRide computer-controlled suspension helps keep the vehicle level over bumps, holes and uneven surfaces at all times - road hazards that often rattle vehicles during hauling.

Understanding that towing is one of the primary reasons owners choose the Denali, GMC went a few steps further to ensure that your towing experience is filled with peace of mind: For when you're pulling in and out of the boat launch, the Denali's all-wheel drive system is designed to kick in to help pull your trailer up the slippery ramp. And, there's also a transmission temperature gauge, which lets drivers know how the transmission is handling heavy, hilly tows.

Mirror, mirror on the outside

The difference between great vehicles and good ones can be narrowed down to the little things - attention to the details. And when it comes to the outside mirrors, GMC went all out: For better visibility during inclement weather, the outside mirrors are automatically heated when the car's rear-window defroster is turned on. These mirrors also feature power foldaway capabilities, auto-dimming (on the driver side) to reduce the glare reflected into your eyes from rear-approaching headlamps and a built-in light that illuminates the ground around the front doors to help ease entry and exit. The passenger-side mirror also features a parallel park assist, should you be so brave as to attempt this feat (note: it's rather like trying to parallel park a semi). Finally, rounding out its mirror amenities is a reverse assist feature, which tilts the mirrors toward the pavement when backing out, and illuminated turn signals on the bottom of each mirror.

Other convenient Denali features include On-Star communications, a Bose audio system with steering wheel mounted controls, drive information center, XM Satellite Radio and programmable power door locks with lockout protections, which prevents the driver-side door from being locked if the keys are left in the ignition.

Fuel economy

It's pretty much a given that if you're someone who keeps tab on the escalating gas prices, then the Denali XL (or any large SUV for that matter) is not for you. The Denali’s thirst for gasoline is insatiable and accounts for its EPA average of 13 mpg city / 17 mpg highway. Want to lessen the hit to your wallet? Shrink down to the GMC Envoy, where the average is slightly better: 16 mpg city / 21 mpg highway.

The clash of the titans

When the Denali XL goes head to head with its two greatest competitors - Toyota Sequoia and Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer - the differences range from wide (horsepower and MSRP) to small (seating capacity and head/leg room).

The Expedition begins the competition with the lowest base price ($41,905), which is nearly ten grand cheaper than the Denali and represents the greatest challenge to the Denali with its comparable 1,605 lbs. payload (the Denali lists a 1,460 lbs. payload) and a towing capacity of 7,300 lb. versus the Denali-s 8,000 lbs. However, where the Denali outshines the Expedition is in its horsepower and torque ratings - taking the lead by 65 horses (325 hp vs 260 hp) and by 15 lb.-ft. of torque (365 lb.-ft. vs 350 lb.-ft.)

On the other hand, the Toyota Sequoia, boasting a hefty V8 engine of its own, comes in a distant second to the two when comparing horsepower, torque, towing and payload capacity. Its numbers are respectable, however, not nearly as substantial: 240 hp, 315 lb.-ft. torque, 6,200 lbs. towing and 1,305 lbs. payload. It closes the gap in price comparisons, by starting the bidding at seven thousand dollars less than the Denali, and, eeks slightly ahead in the fuel department with a 14 mpg average in the city. However, it leaves both the Denali and Expedition far behind with its ground clearance of 11 inches versus GMC's 8-inches and Ford's 9-inches.

The GMC Yukon Denali XL is about as tough as full-size luxury SUVs come. Its generous in passenger room, amenities and ride feel, yet it still fits inside your garage. At the same time, it's rugged in capability and performance and has a gutsy V8. If you can swallow its hunger for petroleum and are looking for a vehicle that can accommodate large families with lots of stuff, then the Denali is among the best of the biggest.

Engine: 6-liter Vortec V8

Horsepower: 325 hp @5,200 rpm

Torque: 365 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm

Curb Weight: 5,735 lbs.

GVWR: 7,200 lbs.

Payload: 1,465 lbs.