The D-max Yukon’s 2.5-litre 163hp powertrain comes into its own when it’s liberated from the confines of the city streets where it usually operates and is blessed with remarkably meaty torque (400Nm at 1400rpm) that makes it an impressive motorway performer.
The gear change on the stalk-like stick can lack precision in busy, stop/start traffic – which is mainly down to the long distances between gears – but out on the open road the six-speed manual is far happier.
Once in top gear it’s a good idea to make use of the efficient cruise control system, if traffic conditions allow, in order to stop your speed from creeping up beyond legal limits. The buttons operating the standard-fit cruise control are simple to use and handily mounted upon the right-hand side of the steering wheel.
The cabin is adequately spacious and there have been no complaints from rear seat passengers about lack of leg room.
A substantial load of provisions for a family trip away over the Easter holiday seemed to improve the ride quality and even the dog (see picture) seemed to be remarkably chipper having spent a three-hour journey surrounded by the luggage (but not the kids) in the hard-topped load area.
Wind noise at motorway speeds, however, does get a little intrusive inside the cabin. A pick-up truck is obviously not the ideal vehicle for throwing into corners but we have encountered no excessive rolling when negotiating winding roads in our D-max.
Finally, it’s not much fun having to reverse the Yukon’s bulk back down narrow country lanes with high-hedged verges having met something coming the other way, but on the other hand if you do need to pull over onto a muddy, slippery border to make room for oncoming traffic then you’re in the right vehicle.
