GMC Yukon Hybrid 2WD SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
The GMC Yukon Hybrid 2WD is a full-sized SUV that offers a powerful V8 engine and a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. It is a somewhat ponderous vehicle as all the powertrain components needed to make the vehicle a hybrid add to its weight and complexity and thereby its handling. However, if the towing capabilities, capacity to accommodate up to eight people and the 50 percent better fuel economy are attractive to you, then this is a vehicle that you should investigate.
The GMC Yukon Hybrid 2WD is available in two models: the base and the Denali. The base model features 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, driver and passenger seats with six power adjustments, manual adjustable lumbar support and height adjustment, climate control with three zones, leather bucket front seats, power and heated side mirrors, manual folding third row bench seats, trip computer, sun sensor, running boards, remote engine start, tinted windows, cruise control, tilt-adjustable steering wheel with audio and cruise controls and made of leather and simulated alloy, and an audio system with nine speakers, AM/FM radio with CD and MP3 player, satellite radio with real-time traffic reports and a USB connection.
The Denali model of the GMC Yukon Hybrid 2WD adds 22-inch chrome alloy wheels, remote power door locks, adjustable pedals, eight power adjustments for the passenger and driver seats with power adjustable lumbar support, simulated wood trim on the center console and doors, simulated wood and alloy trim on the dashboard, a leather and wood steering wheel, and an audio system with ten surround sound speakers. Available options are a sunroof and a DVD entertainment system for the rear seats.
Specs:
The engine in the GMC Yukon Hybrid 2WD is 6.0 liter V8 with 16 valves and variable valve timing that can produce 332 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque. Two 60-kilowatt motors enclosed within the transmission are added as part of the hybrid system. The transmission itself is complex with two transmissions inside one. There is a continuously variable one for light load conditions and a standard four-speed fixed-gear automatic for heavier load conditions. This configuration enables the GMC Yukon Hybrid 2WD to use electric power only for speeds under 25 mph. This enables the vehicle to have a fuel economy for city driving of 21 mpg that nearly matches its highway rating of 22 mpg. This complex hybrid hardware, however, adds a great deal of weight to the vehicle which has been minimized by using aluminum in several body panels and slimming down the front seats.
The interior of the GMC Yukon Hybrid 2WD is similar to that of a traditional Yukon with the addition of a hybrid system display. Materials are attractive and high quality. A cargo capacity of 109 cubic feet can be achieved by folding down the second row of seats and removing the third row of seats from the vehicle.
Driving the GMC Yukon Hybrid 2WD is like that of any other hybrid vehicle in the quiet that is prevalent when accelerating and braking at slow speeds, making for a quiet cabin. Despite being the most powerful of the Yukon line, the weight of the vehicle makes for some hesitation when accelerating and asking for full power. The overall handling is safe yet cumbersome.
The GMC Yukon Hybrid 2WD is available in two models: the base and the Denali. The base model features 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, driver and passenger seats with six power adjustments, manual adjustable lumbar support and height adjustment, climate control with three zones, leather bucket front seats, power and heated side mirrors, manual folding third row bench seats, trip computer, sun sensor, running boards, remote engine start, tinted windows, cruise control, tilt-adjustable steering wheel with audio and cruise controls and made of leather and simulated alloy, and an audio system with nine speakers, AM/FM radio with CD and MP3 player, satellite radio with real-time traffic reports and a USB connection.
The Denali model of the GMC Yukon Hybrid 2WD adds 22-inch chrome alloy wheels, remote power door locks, adjustable pedals, eight power adjustments for the passenger and driver seats with power adjustable lumbar support, simulated wood trim on the center console and doors, simulated wood and alloy trim on the dashboard, a leather and wood steering wheel, and an audio system with ten surround sound speakers. Available options are a sunroof and a DVD entertainment system for the rear seats.
Specs:
The engine in the GMC Yukon Hybrid 2WD is 6.0 liter V8 with 16 valves and variable valve timing that can produce 332 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque. Two 60-kilowatt motors enclosed within the transmission are added as part of the hybrid system. The transmission itself is complex with two transmissions inside one. There is a continuously variable one for light load conditions and a standard four-speed fixed-gear automatic for heavier load conditions. This configuration enables the GMC Yukon Hybrid 2WD to use electric power only for speeds under 25 mph. This enables the vehicle to have a fuel economy for city driving of 21 mpg that nearly matches its highway rating of 22 mpg. This complex hybrid hardware, however, adds a great deal of weight to the vehicle which has been minimized by using aluminum in several body panels and slimming down the front seats.
The interior of the GMC Yukon Hybrid 2WD is similar to that of a traditional Yukon with the addition of a hybrid system display. Materials are attractive and high quality. A cargo capacity of 109 cubic feet can be achieved by folding down the second row of seats and removing the third row of seats from the vehicle.
Driving the GMC Yukon Hybrid 2WD is like that of any other hybrid vehicle in the quiet that is prevalent when accelerating and braking at slow speeds, making for a quiet cabin. Despite being the most powerful of the Yukon line, the weight of the vehicle makes for some hesitation when accelerating and asking for full power. The overall handling is safe yet cumbersome.
