Big SUVs pretty much dominate the roadways in America, having surpassed the full-size sedan as the new mode of family transportation. The reasoning seems fairly simple considering today's SUVs get about the same gas mileage as their less-spacious automotive counterparts yet offer so much more in the way of power, comfort and versatility. Enter the GMC Yukon Denali, a vehicle with designs on the luxury SUV market that remains a thoroughly family-friendly vehicle.

The Denali designation is the top-of-the-line Yukon model; GMC created the Denali to appeal to customers who want a bit more styling and comfort than the base Yukon offers but who don't care to tread into the price-heavy zone inhabited by the Yukon's super-luxury sister ship, the Cadillac Escalade. There is something very comforting about the Denali's look as well; it's not flashy or over-the-top, yet it does stand out in a crowd. With a handsome bold grille design and additional side cladding, alloy wheels and front air dam with integrated fog lights, the Denali's look is classy. New this year is a set of color-keyed side-view mirrors that have flush-mounted turn-signal indicators built into the bottoms. This is a particularly nice safety feature that allows smaller vehicles traveling next to you (and out of sight of your rear turn signal) to be alerted to your intentions to occupy the space they now inhabit. Other exterior features to note include side running boards for easy exit and entry into the tall passenger cabin and deep-tinted side security glass.

The Denali comes in two sizes: regular and extra-large. The standard size model shares the same 116-inch wheel base as the Chevy Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade; the XL model is identically equipped but adds an additional 14-inches to the wheelbase and 21-inches to the overall length. The XL's increased size translates into more space behind the second-row seat, giving third-row passengers a bit more legroom and greatly increasing the amount of available storage space. Although both the Denali and Denali XL come with third-row seating, the base Denali gives up much of its cargo space with its third seat in place. We strongly feel that the XL is clearly the better choice for those who truly need to carry eight passengers most of the time.

Power for Denali is derived from one of GM's most powerful and dependable V8 engines: the Vortec 6000. The Denali's 325-horsepower V8 has loads of power where it counts and is an excellent choice for those who require their SUV to tow heavy loads such as a camper or houseboat. Torque is plentiful, reaching its maximum limit of 365 lb-ft. at mere 4000 rpm. New this year is a revised trailer package that includes a seven-to-four pin adaptor for the trailer's brake harness and the addition of an external transmission cooler. Even if you're not towing, you'll find that the Denali's wealth of power is a welcome companion, whether it be used to pass, merge or climb.

The Denali maintains its composure on the road by offering as standard equipment a full-time four-wheel-drive set up that splits the engine's torque between the front and rear axles in a 40/60 ratio (this means 40 percent of the engine's power goes to the front and the remaining 60 to the rear.) Driver control is further enhanced by the addition of the StabiliTrak traction control system that can sense when the vehicle is going out of control and intervene by reducing power to the engine while simultaneously applying the brakes. We've experienced the StabiliTrak system both on a test track and in the real world and we can safely say that it works so well, we wouldn't feel as comfortable driving a full-size SUV without it. The Denali's ride and handling get one additional boost from the standard Autoride suspension setup that helps this big hulk of a cruiser float over imperfections and maintain its composure in tight turns. Overall, we'd have to say that the Denali's ride and handling are about as good as you'll find in a vehicle of this size.

As for the softer side of the Denali, that story can be told simply by peering inside. The materials and color schemes show a sense of reserve befitting an upscale SUV. You'll find handsome two-shade leather seat coverings that match a functional and carefully laid-out dash and instrument cluster. All of the Denali's switchgear is clearly marked and most are within easy reach of the driver; a number of redundant buttons for the audio, trip computer and ventilation are built into the steering wheel. A nice standard safety feature is the onboard tire pressure monitor that will alert you if tire pressure falls below the recommended level. Though the Denali does come standard with dual front-side-impact airbags, there is no side-airbag curtain for the rear seat passengers, a feature many of the Denali's competitors do offer.