It sounded like a good assignment. The travel editor handed me a list of places in Galveston, Texas to visit. “Also since your wife is the travel writer, let her do the travel writing and you stick to cars. Take a whole week,” she concluded.
I called the fleet manager and asked for a nice, technologically advanced vehicle with great cargo space and an abundance of passenger room, cargo space and comfortable for up to five hours behind the wheel. They sent me the GMC Yukon XL Denali for the 700 mile trip. Yukon provided the perfect setting for a wonderful week of “work” along the coast.
The Yukon XL Denali is powered by a 6.2 L EcoTec3 V8 with Active Fuel Management, coupled to an 8-speed auto transmission. This big engine delivers 420 hp at 5,600 rpm and 460 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. This big fella has a trailer towing capacity of 7,900 pounds with 121.1 cu ft of maximum cargo space. Standard equipment for towing includes towing sway control, DuraLife brake rotors, automatic load level and trailer brake control, and trailering equipment.
The EPA fuel economy rating is 14 mpg city and 20 mpg hwy. The fuel tank holds 31 gallons.
Highway 45 runs south from Dallas through Houston to the crown jewel of the Texas Coast Galveston. The drive down to the island was quiet and comfortable despite road construction and heavy traffic through Houston.
New inlaid doors reduced wind noise and improved aerodynamics. The laminated windshield and front door glass enhanced quietness as well. Triple door seals and engine barriers help establish this quiet uncluttered profile.
Redesigned liftgate spoiler reduces wind drag for enhanced efficiency while hiding the wipers when not in use. The power liftgate features hands-free open with programmable height.
The side mirrors have been newly sculpted to reduce air resistance. Artistic bold drive lines glide from the three dimension grille over the inlaid doors to smooth air flow.
