2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid

By Chris Jackson www.car-data.com

If there is one thing to say about the GMC Yukon Hybrid, it’s that this truck isn’t shy aboutbeing “green.” With gas prices on the rise and conspicuous consumption a serious social faux pas,the “HYBRID” stickers and badges that cover just about every square inch of this truck seem to beboth proud and defensive. “Please don’t slash my tires!” the Yukon Hybrid’s garish decals beg. “Imay be a great big truck, but I’m a hybrid, too!”

All kidding aside, it’s good to finally see a two-mode hybrid system applied to the vehiclesthat need the fuel economy boost the most:full-size SUVs. The new Yukon Hybrid features a two-modeelectric- assist system that provides additional power at both low and high speeds. Like theToyota Prius, it can also run on full-electric mode up to thirty miles per hour, and the enginewill run on eight, four or no cylinders depending on demand. All of that fuel-saving technology isapplied to a vehicle that sacrifices little of the conventional Yukon’s drivability or utility.

Standard power is provided by a 6.0 liter V8, hooked up to GM’s Electrically VariableTransmission and a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS). The ESS enables theYukon to shut the gasoline engine down completely when the vehicle is at a stop, and to run onelectric power at low speeds. The big V8 is also equipped with GM’s Active Fuel Management

(AFM) system which shuts down cylinders when they’re not needed, and thanks to the ESS theYukon’s V8 can operate in four-cylinder mode for longer periods of time.

Does the combination work? Two-wheel drive Yukon Hybrids can get 21mpg in the city, a decentfigure for any vehicle. Opt for the available four-wheel drive, and it goes down to 20, but that’sstill respectable for a big SUV.

Freeway fuel economy increases over the conventional gasoline version are in the 25- to 30%range. Like many modern hybrids, the Yukon’s operation is seamless. A sensitive driver will beable to feel the engine cycling on and off at low speeds, but it doesn’t affect the power deliveryat all. Other than a tendency to be preternaturally quiet, the Yukon doesn’t betray its fancydrivetrain.

Of course, the exterior makes up for that. My tester featured no less than six decals, badgesand stickers proclaiming it to be a HYBRID. While probably not a part of the standard Yukon Hybridpackage, it seemed a bit like overkill. A fancy, high-tech green badge and discreet “hybrid”badges on the fenders suffice nicely.

Sharper eyes will notice aerodynamic tweaks that make the Yukon a bit slipperier on the freeway,including a lower front air dam and specially sculpted running boards. Apart from those details,the boxy and handsome Yukon is the same as its conventional siblings.

Interior differences are subtle; at a glance, the cabin is the same spacious, comfortable Yukonenvironment that we know and love. The large console is ready to swallow small items, the dashnicely laid out and trimmed with luxury-car attention to detail. The Yukon Hybrid’s front seatsare slightly thinner, to reduce overall mass, and this makes for a slight improvement in second-rowknee room.

Most obvious is the silent ride; many passengers remarked that the Yukon was incredibly quiet,even when the V8 engine was running. Low rolling-resistance tires and a specially tuned exhaustare a big part

of the reason the Yukon is so calm on the freeway. The Yukon Hybrid

is also available with all of the comforts of home that make the standard Yukon a great placefor traveling; a navigation system, heated mirrors, XM satellite radio and rear view camera arestandard, and a rear-seat entertainment system is available.

This big SUV is impressively easy to drive; GMC has done a fantastic job of making the big SUV”drive small.” The Yukon uses an independent coil-over shock suspension up front and a five-linkcoil- sprung rear that give the Yukon a confident and stable feeling on the road. The fullyelectric power steering is responsive and light, and around town this 5800-lb vehicle never feelsponderous.

The “green” badge and family-friendly road manners haven’t affected the Yukon’s truck abilitiesin the least. With a trailer out back, the Yukon Hybrid doesn’t act any different than any otherYukon, and it’ll tow up to 6000 pounds.

If there’s a downside to the Yukon Hybrid, it’s just that modifier, “for a big SUV.” Its 20mpgfuel economy is good.for a big SUV. In most other automotive arenas, 20 mpg is nothing to writehome about.

And considering the Yukon Hybrid’s $52,855 starting price, the significant premium over theconventional models isn’t quite justified by the fuel economy boost. That said, for buyers whoneed a real truck and want to improve their efficiency a bit, the Yukon Hybrid offers the best ofboth worlds.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid 4×4.
Length: 202.0 in.
Width: 79.0 in.
Height: 77.0 in.
Wheelbase: 116.0 in.
Curb weight: Mini Cooper5 lb.
Cargo space: 108.9 cu.ft. (all seats folded); 16.9 cu.ft. (all seats up)
Towing capacity;6000 lb.

Base price: $52,855
Engine: 6.0 liter OHV V8
Drivetrain: Two-mode continuouselectric ratio hybrid transmission with four fixed gears, four-wheel drive
Horsepower: 332 @5100
Torque: 367 @ 4100
Fuel capacity: 24.5 gal.
Est. mileage: 20/20