Don’t let your girlfriend dupe you with the consolation myth that size doesn’t matter. It doesn’t hold true in the bedroom and it certainly doesn't when you’re on the hunt for a full-size sport utility vehicle. The class was specifically conjured for the rugged, outdoorsy, frontiersman type who craves the big-rig feel and towing capacity of a truck, with an element of functionality. What you’re sacrificing in petrol depletion, you’re accruing in overflowing cargo space and sheer machismo.
Target consumers should find contentment in the 2008 GMC Yukon or the Nissan Armada. The Yukon (also re-badged as the Chevy Tahoe or Holden Suburban in Mexico) has seen its share of reconstructions since inception and looks to make the most of its steady revenue-raking ability with a fresh look. Nissan’s Armada found its way onto the scene as a sub-interpretation of the popular Pathfinder and claims to have rectified the reliability woes most have cited with the brakes with this year's model. Both the 2008 GMC Yukon and 2008 Nissan Armada are big in stature, but who’ll put up the bigger stats when these two hash it out in this car vs. car?
GMC Yukon
MSRP (base): $36,245Engine: 4.6-liter, 16-valve OHV Vortec V8
Horsepower: 295 horespower @ 5,600 rpm
Torque: 305 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
MPG: City: 14; Highway: 19
Performance - 15/20
The GMC Yukon has its rivets welded to a third generation, lengthened wheelbase, GMT900 platform and can be equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), although the entry model features a rear-wheel drive setup. The suspension finds its bearings in the coil-over front shocks that utilize a different composite than previous renditions and is not only lighter, but specially tuned as well. The standard engine is a 4.8-liter, 16-valve, OHV V8 Vortec production. The block, when revved to 5,600 rpm pushes out 295 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm. The freshest Yukon is equipped with the patented Active Fuel Management system, which promptly shuts off 4 cylinders when the vehicle deems their use unnecessary. Just one rung up, and on all models thereafter, is an available Flex Fuel function that allows your ride to run on Ethanol fuel. The four-wheel disc brakes and ABS put a stop to the fair acceleration, monitored by a four-speed automatic transmission -- but keep in mind that the Yukon is about as responsive as an aircraft carrier.
Exterior design - 16/20
GMC’s Yukon reminds us of Oprah’s dieting: Sure, she’s smaller than what we’re used to seeing, but she’s still big. The extended wheelbase attributes to the abbreviation in length. A new front fascia was also integrated in the form of a rounded hood and what's been dubbed the “smiling mouth” grille dipped in chrome. The headlamps were not exempt from the makeover and are now dual halogen and cleverly stacked in a vertical formation with a flash-to-pass feature. Adding to the visual effect are the body-colored assist steps, raked windshield and the profile-view-defining contoured flanks, and straight-as-an-arrow belt line. Ski racks are available upon request, as are the 20-inch aluminum polished wheels.
Interior design - 6/10On the opposite side of the Yukon’s four doors lie a leather-wrapped steering wheel, spacious environment and seating for nine passengers. The cushion-y threads used seem thin and have a tendency to stretch, an indication that they are of a low- to moderate-grade quality, but are also available in cow hide. The reclining buckets are bolstered and maintain comfort on extended stints. The third row seats, ordered in a two- or three-occupant bench with a 40/20/40 split format, present an inconvenience as they can’t be folded like the competitor’s and can prove to be stubborn to put down. However, once you've got them down the rear serves up 60.3 cu-ft of cargo space. Because a man can never have enough black holes with which to lose his wallet in, GMC has implemented plenty of new storage compartments, as well. The gauge cluster and HUD is handsome and redesigned, yet the dials and knobs seem so small that we wouldn’t dare try to make adjustments to the controls with gloves on.
Sound system/goodies - 6/10No “too big for its own good” sports utility vehicle would be complete without a flood of multimedia options at the ready to keep the peace among passengers. That said the Yukon delivers highlights like the DVD-sourced navigation system and DVD entertainment center, with available screens for the rear headrests. The nav and audio faceplate show shades of the Cadillac Escalade from which they are derived and offer a hint of unexpected luxury. However, for all of its visual pop, the virtual map is lacking directional prowess. It’s fortunate to be in such a rugged vehicle because the system’s turn prompts will have you stranded in the boonies more often than you’d like. The SLE 3SA can be outfitted with an AM/FM stereo with MP3 compatibility, a six-disc, in-dash CD changer and Bose Premium sound system. XM satellite radio is standard along with a three-month trial subscription. There is also a rearview camera for easier tow hookup, keyless entry and automatic climate controls.
Bang for your buck - 15/20
Even if all those features coupled with all that cargo volume seem superfluous, the ’07 redesign that spilled over into ’08 was carefully plotted. With just a few relatively minor snafus here and there, the GMC Yukon is a compelling choice worth a once-over if you're in the market for a hefty SUV.
Driving experience - 15/20Piloting the GMC Yukon can prove to be a daunting challenge for anyone who isn’t accustomed to the blind spots and traffic-merging dilemmas presented by a brute-ute. The gear changes go unfelt and are comparably smooth for an 8-cylinder, but can sometimes be overshadowed by the excessive body roll. However, if you do manage to tip the beast, you can count on the dual-front airbags to buffer the crunch. The Yukon registers an EPA of 14 city/19 highway mpg (which plummets to 11/14 on Ethanol gas) and has been praised for its 7,400 lbs of hitch capacity and prime stopping power, but has a shallow turning radius and remains difficult to park.
Overall score - 73/100
GMC makes it known on their 2008 outing just why it is that the Yukon has been a constant on its roster. And even with rising gas prices and environmentalists breathing down the necks of car manufacturers, GMC has managed to avert the criticisms with its Ethanol Yukon model.
Nissan Armada
MSRP (base): $35,500Engine: 5.6-liter, 32-valve DOHC VK56DE V8
Horsepower: 317 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
Torque: 385 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm
MPG: City: 12; Highway: 18
Performance - 16/20The Nissan Armada’s shell is hoisted onto the same F Alpha platform that is shared with the Titan and Frontier pickups, and the X-Terra and Pathfinder SUVs. The Armada is available in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The curb weight is balanced and spread evenly onto wishbone suspension at both ends with rear independent suspension. The optional AWD is impressive, to say the understated least. The Nissan Armada can operate as a rear-wheel drive system for the majority of the drive, but wields the ability to transfer up to half of the engine’s kinetics to the front tires when necessary. The 5.6-liter, 32-valve, DOHC VK56DE block has 8 cylinders, and throws out the ponies you’d expect from such a motor. At 5,200 rpm you'll benefit from 317 horsepower with 385 lb-ft of torque. The amassed power equates to great acceleration off the line. There are also four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and a five-speed automatic transmission.
Can the Nissan Armada triumph over the GMC Yukon?
Exterior design - 16/20The Nissan Armada remains virtually unchanged for the New Year and continues with its tough design. The brash, double-deck, body-colored (chrome riddled on the LE) grille makes this SUV look carnivorous and ready to snack on smaller sedans and hatches. The front end gains a few more inches in width, with slightly enveloped fenders near the wheel wells, while the middle becomes noticeably narrower, and the rear bumper gets tapered. The exterior’s separation lines make a return, sectioning off the roofline of the passenger and rear-bed area. Some have commented that the contours aren’t symmetrically level, rounded over the front seats and squared off toward the back, but we say that it separates the Armada from the traditional sport-utility template. Additional 18-inch aluminum alloys and a ski rack are also available to add to the Armada's look and functionality.
Interior design - 5/10
Off the bat, the first thing you’ll take note of in the Nissan Armada is the difficultly you'll have getting in and out. The ride sits slightly higher off the ground than median SUVs, but Nissan installed functional running boards and grab rails to aid those vertically challenged in closing the clearance gap. Cabin area in the Armada is expansive, especially in the front bucket seats, and allows the pilot to sink into the eight-way power-adjustable captain’s chair and create his own relaxed driving stance. However, be aware that what you gain in head and leg room you sacrifice in overall cargo space. The basic SE model has two seating configurations: The stock arrangement delivers room to accommodate seven occupants, while the two optional benches will fit eight. One hiccup is the loss of visual contact with those in the third row -- which only turns into a bonus if those in the rear are mother-in-laws or your bratty preteens. The dashboard and gauge cluster are simple but sensible, as are the second-row console and the 12 cup holders.
Sound system/goodies - 7/10The industrial sizing extends to the electronic amenities. The class-typical rear-seat DVD player is optional, but suggested for its pixilation clarity and flip-down screen. The sound of the in-dash, six-CD changer, AM/FM and XM satellite radio is managed by a user-friendly interface and pushes out its media with a dozen speakers, including a center speaker and subwoofer provided by Digital Bose. The system houses its MP3 capability in the 9.3 GB Music Box and can host most other types of media as well. The seven-inch LCD navigation monitor confidently displays mapping with traffic updates in real time and utilizes voice commands. There are also convenient wireless headphone hookups. Other standards listed are keyless entry and hands-free Bluetooth.
Bang for your buck - 16/20
At $35,500, the Nissan Armada is not for the frugal buyer. Just as there are more expensive alternatives, there are also those that leave more in the wallet and unfortunately the Armada doesn't make a strong enough case in either case -- it's simply another option and could easily be overlooked. Still, with all that grunt and off-road talent you’d be silly not to at least consider the Nissan Armada as a definite contender for your SUV ride.
Driving experience - 16/20Keeping the 5,000-lb plus juggernaut on the straight and narrow may seem more difficult than we would have liked, but we assure you that the Nissan Armada is just about as agile as you’re going to get from a vehicle of this size. The active suspension offers a ride with minimal bounce and there is virtually no body roll. The sketch called for a shorter nose so you can cut corners and park with more agility. Despite the claims of mending the brake issues experienced by the preceding models, take heed that they still feel like they’re working overtime to slow you down. The Nissan Armada also boasts an incredible 9,000-lb tow limit, along with 12 city mpg and 18 city mpg on the open road.
Overall score - 76/100
The freshest class of Armada meshes Nissan’s “workhorse” ethos with a nimble frame with aggressive styling and bold entertainment all in a neat package right out of the box.
and the winner is…
The Yukon has been around for quite some time and shows no signs of letting up in terms of vehicle production and units moved. The GMC Yukon has garnered its own following, and found a definite niche as one of the best-loved traditional full-size SUVs out there. However, the (relatively) new kid on the block, Armada, is more of a balanced road warrior with enough of a heightened hitching capacity to give Nissan the winning title in this little head-to-head.76/100
Resources:http://www.gmc.com/
http://www.nissanusa.com/
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