2007 GMC Yukon

This all-new Yukon has kept our editors satisfied from the get-go, impressing everyone who's spent time in it with its fantastic interior materials and build quality. It's been used as a photo vehicle, and, with all the gear we've managed to shove in there, the interior has held up amazingly well.

However, on one trip to Central California, the Yukon was so packed with people there wasn't much room left for luggage and equipment, which had to be squished in stacks behind the third row, where storage space is minimal -- unless you want to use the roof and footwells, which could prove cumbersome when taking the family on a vacation.

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Shot a four-car SUV comparo in and around the Mojave National Preserve and Dumont Dunes. I piloted the Yukon as my the chase/production vehicle, and as a support vehicle to yank the car-based SUVs out of the sand if needed. The entire trip was over 1000 miles as we drove to Barstow then east on I-40, ducked into the Mojave Preserve to the historic Kelso train station, then back out to I-40 and over to the Colorado River for a night stay in Laughlin, Nevada. Next day we drove northwest to the little town of Nipton, just east of the Nevada border town of Primm (casinos and a rollercoaster). We checked into the Nipton Bed and Breakfast then headed southwest on I-15 for Dumont Dunes for afternoon and sunset shooting.

The long straight roads to the Dumont Dunes are great for triple digit speeds, but the Yukon seemed to be limited to about 98 mph, which as I recall is a slower max speed than the last gen GMT900 suvs. I think those were good for 105 mph or so. Regardless, it's probably fair to say the cylinder deactivation wasn't used much on these long, deserted highways.

It's a good rig for ripping through the arid deserts of California and Nevada, especially when dirt, sand, or rocky roads are involved, but I wish there was more room inside the cargo area. It's a huge truck from the outside, but you get the impression that something like the smaller LR3 could hold a lot more gear inside. I left the rear seats in G3 garage, which, by the way, are way too heavy and way too hard to get back into the vehicle--think of all the moms that are going to try to attempt this. Would have liked to leave the middle seat there too, but the middle row is permanently attached. The seat backs fold down, and they fold forward, but this doesn't free-up much room. That solid rear axle is preventing GM from maximizing seating configuration and cargo volume.

Also, seems as if the steering pump isn't up to the task of low-speed lock to lock parking lot maneuvers. At least four times on this trip the steering slowed because the pump couldn't keep up with where I wanted to point the wheels. -BRIAN VANCE

I'm impressed. Never thought I'd say "Yukon" and "sophistication" in the same sentence, but this truck has a solid and polished feel about it. Bold yet clean design, interior quality way, way (did I mention "way") beyond the previous models. Still some mouse fuzz here and there, and wish the third row folded flat (like the Expedition), but that's the price for having that big rear axle and tow-worthy suspension back there. GM truck powertrains have always been good, and this one is no different. Just what it needs to be, for a change, and a pleasant one. -MATT STONE

Just brought the Yukon in for its 15,000 mile Maintinance II service, as per the instruction on the 'Oil Change' message. Cost was about $400 and included oil and filter change, injector cleaning, engine inspection, recall service on the faulty key FOB, rotating the tires (to put the front and rear tire pressure sensor back to reading correctly), and cleaned out the throttle body. Seemed a little steep: $120 for parts and $290 for labor. Took it to a Cadillac dealer on Wilshire. Am still impressed with how easy it is to drive. Drives home are relaxing, even with the windows down. Smooth and easy steering assist, good power response from the engine, and it has a commanding stance over the small-car compatriots. -MARK WILLIAMS