The 2009 GMC Yukon lineup offers a choice of four V8 engine sizes and four trim levels: SLE, SLT (split into SLT1 and SLT2), Denali, and the Hybrid. All are offered with 2WD or 4WD, except the Denali, which is 2WD or all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing. SLE and SLT models are available with an XFE package for eXtra Fuel Economy.
The GMC Yukon SLE 2WD ($37,705) comes with a 295-hp 4.8-liter V8 and a four-speed automatic transmission. The SLE 4WD ($41,765) comes with a 320-hp 5.3-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management and a six-speed automatic; an E85-capable flex-fuel 5.3 is available. Upgrading the base 2WD to a 5.3 costs $1000 and adds both power and highway economy.
The SLE1 comes with cloth upholstery; dual-zone manual climate control with rear controls; split front bench seat; six-way power driver's seat; 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat; 50/50 split-fold third row; tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls; cruise control; intermittent wipers front/rear; power locks, windows and heated mirrors; remote keyless entry; side assist steps; AM/FM/CD stereo with eight speakers; XM satellite radio; Bluetooth; automatic headlights; theft-deterrent system; roof rails; front recovery hooks; trailer hitch platform with seven-wire harness; one year of OnStar service; and P265/70R17 tires on alloy wheels.
SLE 2 ($39,970 2WD/$42,825 4WD) adds a 5.3-liter V8 and six-speed automatic to 2WD; rear headphone jacks and audio controls; power front bucket seats with console; fog lamps; color-matched door handles; 5 power outlets; 18-inch wheels and tires; and roof rail cross bars.
Going to an SLT1 ($43,145/$46,000) adds leather upholstery; three-zone automatic climate control; Bose six-disc audio system; adjustable pedals; rear park assist; remote start; auto-dimming inside mirror; and universal garage door opener.
Atop the standard Yukon trims is SLT2 ($43,930/46,785) which adds further luxuries such as 10-way power front seats, driver memory system, and heated front and second-row seats.
An XFE economy package is available on 2WD SLE and SLT Yukon 310-hp 5.3-liters and adds 1 EPA mile per gallon for about $200 with no loss in rated tow capacity. The package includes a 3.08:1 axle ratio, light alloy wheels with low-rolling resistance high-pressure tires, lowered suspension, aluminum front control arms and spare wheel, locking differential, and trailering package.
Top-line Denali models ($50,135 2WD/$53,130 AWD) are the best-equipped Yukons. Standards include a 403-hp 6.2-liter engine, 12-way power front seats; heated front and second-row seats; driver memory system; power tilt, heated, wood-and-leather steering wheel; Autoride suspension; power liftgate; power-folding reverse-tilt mirrors; auto-dimming inside and driver's side mirrors; chrome trim and unique grilles; Bose Centerpoint audio system; rain-sensing front wipers; and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with 275/55 tires. Available only on Denali is a Side Blind Zone Alert system ($500).
Hybrid models ($50,920 2WD/$53,730 4WD) are well-equipped, slotting between SLT2 and Denali for features and amenities. However, the Hybrid does come standard with a 6-liter V8 gas engine and electric drive system contained within the transmission that rate 332 hp and 367 lb-ft of torque, navigation system with rearview camera, locking rear differential, and P265/65R18 low-rolling resistance tires on alloy wheels. It does not have roof rails, fog lamps, tow hooks, or a separately-opening glass on the liftgate. Hybrid mechanicals are warranted for 8 years or 100,000 miles.
Options are myriad, dependent on model and other equipment, and frequently cheaper by the package. For 2009 navigation ($2500) is available on SLT1 and it always adds a rearview camera; some models offer a rearview camera with the display in the mirror for Yukons without navigation. Other common upgrades include polished aluminum 20-inch wheels ($1795-1995); three-zone climate control upgrade ($195); and audio system upgrades ($295-500).
More choices include a moonroof ($995); retractable side steps ($1095); trailer brake controller ($200); rear DVD entertainment ($1295); Z71 Off-Road package ($1830); second-row bucket seats ($490 plus $425 for power release) and engine block heater ($75). Yukons that come with second-row buckets may often be ordered with a 60/40 second-row bench at no charge, and larger wheels can often be downsized to standard 17-inch at no cost for rough roads, tire chain clearance, and so on.
Safety features that come standard on all models include dual-stage front airbags; three-row, head-protecting curtain side airbags with rollover sensors; four-wheel antilock brakes with dynamic rear proportioning that balances braking front to rear for optimum stopping force; StabiliTrak stability control system with rollover mitigation; LATCH child safety seat anchors; and a tire pressure monitor. Optional are rearview cameras, rear park assist, and on Denali, Side Blind Zone Alert.