The Morning Call and Mcall.com's view

If you like your trucks large, so large that your vehicle makes other trucks look like Tonka toys, the GMC Yukon XL Denali would definitely be on your short list, even if the name isn’t.

The name actually derives from GM’s attempt to give GMC a distinct image. The Yukon is GMC’s version of the Chevy Tahoe, while the Yukon XL is GMC’s version of the Chevrolet Suburban. The Denali name denotes GMC’s top trim level. Got all that?

If the name seems long, you should see the truck. It’s not for the faint of heart, being 20.4 inches longer than the GMC Yukon. It’s still shorter than the mammoth Ford Excursion, by over half a foot. And the GMC weighs in at a mere 5,839 pounds, whereas the Excursion is nearly two tons.

So why would anyone need such an oversized vehicle?

Simple — to tow some weekend recreational toy in style and comfort while bringing along the whole family, their belongings and the family mutt. After all, this mastodon can tow 8,200 pounds

Even if you don’t have thousands of pounds to haul around, it’s easy to fall in love with the posh GMC Yukon XL Denali.

This SUV comes with a boatload of luxury gear that separates it from its non-Denali stablemates. While lesser Yukon XLs can be had in two-wheel- or four-wheel-drive, the Denali comes only in all-wheel- drive.

Lesser models also have a choice of V-8s, including a Vortec 8100 that can tow up to 12,000 pounds in the 3/4 ton model. The Denali compromises some towing capacity for comfort, with the Vortec 6000 the only available powerplant, coming only in half-ton configuration.

The smooth Vortec 6000 V-8 is rated at 320 horsepower and 365 foot- pounds of torque. Its responsive power allows effortless acceleration. It’s coupled to a seamless all-wheel-drive system that sends 38 percent power to the front wheels, 62 percent to the rear under normal operation. Sensors change that when slippage is detected.

Couple the engine and all-wheel-drive with the electronic “AutoRide” suspension that selects the best damping, depending on road conditions, and you’ll find this truck tangos a lot better than you might expect. It feels agile and responsive for such a large vehicle.

Braking is drastically improved over the previous generation. Emergency situations will result in less panic because of its greater braking power. There are discs at all four wheels and anti-lock is standard.

As you might expect given the name Denali, this rig is filled with luxury goodies.

Seating comes in three rows, each a bit less spacious as you progress to the rear. Front bucket seats are augmented by two rows of bench seats, although the second row is available in bucket-seat configuration as well. All seats are covered in a distinctive, subtle two-tone leather.

There are automatic climate controls for both front and second- row passengers. Black cherrywood warms the interior. Other touches include an 11-speaker Bose audio system that turns the Denali into a mobile Carnegie Hall.

Of course, driving the Denali is not for those with thin wallets. The EPA rates this rig at an OPEC-friendly 12 mpg city, 15 mpg highway. A week-long test drive yielded 13 mpg. Thankfully, it runs on regular fuel.

Of course, the money outflow doesn’t stop there. Actually it starts with the sticker price, which bases at $48,050, with the test vehicle topping out at just over $50,000.

Whoa.

That’s large. But, so is the feeling you get wheeling around this massive SUV. And that’s the true meaning of the name Denali.

YUKON XL DENALI

Engine: 6-liter 320-hp OHV V-8

Transmission: 4-speed automatic

Tires: P265/70R17 Touring

Wheelbase: 116 inches

Length: 198 inches

Width: 78.9 inches

Weight: 5,839 pounds

Cargo olume: 45.7 cubic ft.

Trailer towing: 8,200 pounds

Base price: $48,050

As tested: $50,305

EPA rating: 12 city, 15 highway

Test mileage: 13 mpg

Fuel type: Regular

Built in: Jamesville, Wis.