Traveling in the Family Way: 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid

Supersized Utility Wrapped up in a Pretty Green Package


Transportation choices are limited for the family that requires seating for up to eight and the ability to tow a utility trailer or boat. Want to make that an eco-friendly choice such as a hybrid? Then your choices are narrowed down to two: The 2008 GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Tahoe Two-Mode Hybrid sport/utility vehicle. The two vehicles are nearly identical except for trim and badging; for our review we spent a week in the Yukon.

Developed in cooperation with BMW, DaimlerChrysler, and General Motors, the powerful hybrid powertrain found in these supersized SUVs promises to deliver fuel economy as high as 25 percent better than its traditional counterparts. Its EPA ratings of 21 city and 22 highway (2WD) or 20/20 in the 4WD version are the result of a sophisticated all-aluminum 6.0-liter/332-horsepower V-8 that works with two 60-kilowatt electric motors to ensure the best possible combination of economy and power while also offering a 6000-pound towing capacity.

The high-tech two-mode system accomplishes this by operating in engine-only, electric-only, or combination modes, shutting off the V-8 gasoline engine whenever it can, and relying on the electric motors at speeds below 32 mph. Engineers predict that in city driving, the motors will operate about 75 percent of the time; while during highway cruising, they will only run about 25 percent of the time. This fuel-efficient combination is assisted even further by cylinder deactivation technology, which effectively converts the V-8 engine into a more-economic V-4, with a horsepower boost provided when needed by the electric motors. Power for these motors is created by regenerative brakes, which convert braking energy into electricity stored in Nickel Metal Hydride batteries packaged in the undercarriage.

Transitions between electric and gasoline modes feel smooth and seamless. Performance figures promise 0-60 mph in eight seconds, and braking from 60 mph to a stop in about 130 feet, which is within a second and a foot of its traditionally powered version. It's a big, boxy SUV, so you'll appreciate its power steering -- just don't expect it to handle like a sportscar. A dash-mounted video screen assists rearward visibility.

Too much tech talk? Then let's discuss its other attractive standard features. Inside its cavernous interior, passengers are treated to attractive brushed chrome accents and wood inserts, comfortable leather seats (heated in front), a premium Bose sound system with touch-screen navigation and auxiliary rear audio jacks, tri-zone heating and air conditioning, and ultrasonic parking assist with rear-view camera system. A rear seat entertainment system and power-sliding sunroof are optional. A roomy center console offers enough room to store plenty of gadgets, and even had enough room to hold my Harvey's seatbelt bag.

The second-row seats flip 60/40 and offer LATCH anchors and tethers for three car seats. A generous assortment of nooks and cubbies mean your passengers can enjoy up to 10 beverages in the various cups and bottle holders. Five power points and an AC powerplug in the wayback allow no shortage of connectivity.

Unfortunately, the third-row seats are uncomfortable and complicated.  Long-legged passengers will not enjoy the high-knee seating; and because they don't fold flat, they may need to be removed to carry larger cargo. The flip/fold  and removal/installation mechanisms can be difficult to operate, especially for a Mom-to-be who is near-term or one who is recently delivered.

Safety features include Stabilitrak electronic stability and traction control, four wheel ABS, dual-stage frontal driver and passenger airbags with passenger-sensing system, head curtain (all seating rows), side impact airbags, tire pressure monitor, and OnStar Safe & Sound package.

The big question is whether the two-mode hybrid system delivers fuel economy that makes it worth the cost? Its suggested retail of just about $51,000 puts it within about $6000 of a similarly optioned Yukon SLT-2, which is expected to achieve figures of 14/19 miles per gallon. According to fueleconomy.gov, the annual estimated fuel savings of the hybrid version can be as much as a thousand dollars a year (based on 15,000 miles of annual driving at $4.10 per gallon of gas). If you qualify to receive the $2200 tax credit and you achieve the promised fuel economy, the hybrid could pay for itself within four years.

Additionally, a side-by-side comparison shows the hybrid Yukon has the potential to save more than 5 barrels of crude oil (the equivalent of 210 gallons of gasoline) and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.7 tons per year. If your family needs a supersized vehicle, it's comforting to know the GMC Yukon Hybrid can offer you a greener choice.

If You Drive This Car, You Most Likely …
--Keep your tires properly inflated because you know driving with your tires at the correct inflation can improve your efficiency by up to 3%.
--Observe the speed limit because you know that each one mph increase over 50 mph reduces your fuel mileage by one mile per gallon for every 10 mph over the speed limit you drive.
--Have replaced your incandescent lightbulb with compact fluorescents (CFLs) as another way to help save greenhouse gases.

Specs: 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
Base Price: $50,945
Price as Tested: $53,755
Engine: 6.0-liter/332-hp V-8
EPA Fuel Economy: 21 city, 22 highway
Length: 202 inches
Width: 79 inches
Turning Radius: 19.5 feet
Cargo Space: 16.9 cubic feet (behind third row)
        60.3 cubic feet (behind second row)
        108.9 cubic feet (behind first row)




By Brandy Schaffels
AskPatty Editor

Transitions between electric and gasoline modes feel smooth and seamless. Performance figures promise 0-60 mph in eight seconds, and braking from 60 mph to a stop in about 130 feet, which is within a second and a foot of its traditionally powered version. It's a big, boxy SUV, so you'll appreciate its power steering -- just don't expect it to handle like a sportscar. A dash-mounted video screen assists rearward visibility.

Too much tech talk? Then let's discuss its other attractive standard features. Inside its cavernous interior, passengers are treated to attractive brushed chrome accents and wood inserts, comfortable leather seats (heated in front), a premium Bose sound system with touch-screen navigation and auxiliary rear audio jacks, tri-zone heating and air conditioning, and ultrasonic parking assist with rear-view camera system. A rear seat entertainment system and power-sliding sunroof are optional. A roomy center console offers enough room to store plenty of gadgets, and even had enough room to hold my Harvey's seatbelt bag.

The second-row seats flip 60/40 and offer LATCH anchors and tethers for three car seats. A generous assortment of nooks and cubbies mean your passengers can enjoy up to 10 beverages in the various cups and bottle holders. Five power points and an AC powerplug in the wayback allow no shortage of connectivity.

Unfortunately, the third-row seats are uncomfortable and complicated.  Long-legged passengers will not enjoy the high-knee seating; and because they don't fold flat, they may need to be removed to carry larger cargo. The flip/fold  and removal/installation mechanisms can be difficult to operate, especially for a Mom-to-be who is near-term or one who is recently delivered.

Safety features include Stabilitrak electronic stability and traction control, four wheel ABS, dual-stage frontal driver and passenger airbags with passenger-sensing system, head curtain (all seating rows), side impact airbags, tire pressure monitor, and OnStar Safe & Sound package.

The big question is whether the two-mode hybrid system delivers fuel economy that makes it worth the cost? Its suggested retail of just about $51,000 puts it within about $6000 of a similarly optioned Yukon SLT-2, which is expected to achieve figures of 14/19 miles per gallon. According to fueleconomy.gov, the annual estimated fuel savings of the hybrid version can be as much as a thousand dollars a year (based on 15,000 miles of annual driving at $4.10 per gallon of gas). If you qualify to receive the $2200 tax credit and you achieve the promised fuel economy, the hybrid could pay for itself within four years.

Additionally, a side-by-side comparison shows the hybrid Yukon has the potential to save more than 5 barrels of crude oil (the equivalent of 210 gallons of gasoline) and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.7 tons per year. If your family needs a supersized vehicle, it's comforting to know the GMC Yukon Hybrid can offer you a greener choice.

If You Drive This Car, You Most Likely …
--Keep your tires properly inflated because you know driving with your tires at the correct inflation can improve your efficiency by up to 3%.
--Observe the speed limit because you know that each one mph increase over 50 mph reduces your fuel mileage by one mile per gallon for every 10 mph over the speed limit you drive.
--Have replaced your incandescent lightbulb with compact fluorescents (CFLs) as another way to help save greenhouse gases.

Specs: 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
Base Price: $50,945
Price as Tested: $53,755
Engine: 6.0-liter/332-hp V-8
EPA Fuel Economy: 21 city, 22 highway
Length: 202 inches
Width: 79 inches
Turning Radius: 19.5 feet
Cargo Space: 16.9 cubic feet (behind third row)
        60.3 cubic feet (behind second row)
        108.9 cubic feet (behind first row)




By Brandy Schaffels
AskPatty Editor