GMC Yukon

The standard 5.3-liter V8 is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and together the powertrain supplies plenty of predictable uninterrupted power. The ride is comfortable. Handling is rather ponderous but secure. The enormous cabin is eerily quiet. Cargo capacity is generous, weakening the case for the Yukon XL. Controls are very easy to use except for the tricky gear selector. It’s a big step to get into the Yukon and the tall hood cuts forward visibility. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection are standard, but blind spot warning, lane departure and lane keeping assistance are optional.

We think it's important to get the Magnetic Ride Control suspension, because it significantly improves the Yukon's emergency handling, as well as ride comfort. Lower trim lines without this feature have sloppy handling in emergency situations. Getting that suspension, however, requires going all the way to a Denali. In all honesty, other than that, we'd skip the GMC altogether. You can get the Magnetic Ride Control in a top LTZ-trim-level Chevrolet Tahoe without the big engine. That will cost you less money and consume less fuel.