2000 GMC Yukon

2000 GMC Yukon
NEW YORK - Another important spin-off of the new Silverado/Sierra full-size truck platform is the 2000 GMC Yukon. Because Chevy's version of the Suburban was shown in New York, GM decided to reveal the Yukon on the GMC side of things, leaving their sister vehicles -- GMC's Suburban and the Chevy Tahoe -- for later.

From the A-pillar forward the 2000 Yukon mirrors the Sierra's muscular styling, adding halogen projector headlamps, fog lamps and unique, amber-colored turn signal and hazard lights that are designed to stand out in a crowd. More rounded than the previous model, the new Yukon has faint wheel arches stamped into the sheetmetal and a very conservative rear treatment, save for vent panels in the D-pillars like GM's full-size vans.

Mechanically, the 2000 Yukon benefits from all the improvements found in the new Sierra, such as a stiffer, modular frame, bigger and better brakes, stronger seats and a new generation of Vortec V8 engines that feature four percent better fuel economy and reduced emissions. Suspension enhancements include Smooth Ride Self-Leveling rear shocks and an available computer-controlled Real-Time Damping (RTD) system to optimize ride in any number of different driving conditions.

Inside, a new, removable third-row split-bench allows for eight-passenger capability. Yukon also gets first-in-class, seat-mounted side-impact front airbags, dual-zone climate controls and upgraded audio systems. The cargo hold opening is larger than the old model, and features a new, lightweight aluminum liftgate with separate liftglass.

Driven by aging baby boomers and a flood of new models, sales of full-size SUVs grew by 34 percent last year, making them the fastest-growing segment in the market. Full-size models -- including the Yukon-Tahoe twins, the Ford Expedition-Lincoln Navigator siblings, the Dodge Durango and Lexus LX470 - now account for 29 percent of the SUV market, or roughly double the share they held in 1995.

With Ford's Suburban-fighting Excursion due out soon, and a new full-size SUV based on Toyota's big Tundra pickup expected to debut next year as a 2001 model, the 2000 Yukon couldn't have picked a better time to reinvent itself.