Best Reviewed
Hybrid SUVs
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- Best luxury hybrid SUV 2011 Lexus RX 450h *Est. $44735
- Best hybrid SUV for towing 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid *Est. $60565
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2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid
- Smooth and refined
- Spacious and comfortable
- Good city fuel economy for a large SUV
- Acceleration
- 6,200-pound towing capacity
- Pricey
- Third-row seat doesn't fold flat, is cramped
- Excessive weight
The 2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid is praised by reviewers for its sophisticated two-mode hybrid technology that gives city fuel economy that's up to 50 percent better than a conventionally powered Yukon. Still, it is a full-size SUV with strong acceleration, impressive towing capabilities and an eight-passenger cabin, reviews say. They add that the Yukon Hybrid drives and rides much the same as a regular Yukon, with a refined feel. The front two rows of seats are roomy, but the third row is cramped and difficult to access, reviews say. More inconvenient is the fact that the third row does not fold flat for extra cargo space; it must be removed manually to take full advantage of the available room.
Like its 2009 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid (Base MSRP: $50,455 to $53,260) counterpart, the two-wheel drive Yukon Hybrid is rated at 21/20 mpg city/highway, while the four-wheel-drive version gets 20 mpg in both city and highway usage. A 6.0-liter V8 is coupled to a pair of electric motors, for a total powertrain rating of 332 horsepower. The best mileage from a non-hybrid 2009 GMC Yukon (Base MSRP: $37,405 to $43,630) with the standard 5.3-liter V8 is 14/20 mpg. However, reviews point out that the hybrid comes at a hefty price premium that could take longer than five years to recoup, depending on the price of gasoline. Reviews suggest that some full-size crossovers with three seating rows -- such as the 2009 GMC Acadia (Base MSRP: $31,685 to $40,335) or 2009 Chevrolet Traverse (Base MSRP: $28,990 to $39,760) -- offer fuel economy that is almost as good for a much lower price, although neither matches the Yukon Hybrid's 6,200-pound towing capacity.
The 2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid is almost identical to the 2008 model, so we utilized reviews from both model years. The New York Times gives the best description of the two-mode hybrid technology, as well as a comparison between hybrid and non-hybrid versions. Well-written road tests are found at CNET, Automobile.com and TheTruthAboutCars.com. Edmunds.com gives a well-rounded summary description with pros and cons. Motor Trend covers the hybrid technology in detail and provides brief driving impressions.
Our Sources
Auto writer Bob Knoll reports that the Yukon Hybrid "accelerates with verve" and shifts "imperceptibly and right when it should." He achieves an average of 19.5 mpg, compared with a non-hybrid version that averaged only 14.9 mpg in similar driving conditions.
Review: Big S.U.V.'s Drink Less, Bob Knoll, April 27, 2008
2. CNET
CNET writer Wayne Cunningham gives his general impressions of the GMC Yukon Hybrid with an emphasis on the vehicle's electronic features. Inside, he says, the Yukon "comes up a little short in its cabin tech." The review includes plenty of driving impressions.
Review: 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid, Wayne Cunningham, Aug. 8, 2008
3. Edmunds.com
Editors call the 2009 Yukon Hybrid "an amazing piece of machinery" for offering "50 percent better fuel economy without giving up a powerful V8, eight-passenger capacity and the ability to tow 6,000 pounds." However, the review suggests that "most folks would be better served by one of GM's full-size crossovers."
Review: 2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid Review, Editors of Edmunds.com
Writer Justin Couture reports an average of 24 mpg with the Yukon Hybrid. He praises the comfortable seats, logical instruments and the vehicle's quietness, even when running on V8 power. He adds that the electric steering is too "remote and weightless."
Review: 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid 4x4 Road Test, Justin Couture
5. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Editors of ConsumerReports.org give hybrid-specific test-drive impressions of the GMC Yukon based on the similar Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. One unique aspect of ConsumerReports.org is its data on historical reliability, as compiled in large owner surveys. You must be a subscriber to read this report.
Review: 2009 GMC Yukon review, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
6. Motor TrendDetails/Subscribe
Motor Trend does a good job of describing the technological features and other differences between a conventional Yukon and the two-mode hybrid version. Driving impressions are brief, but track testing reveals the Yukon Hybrid is faster -- and more fuel-efficient -- than a 5.3-liter V8-powered Yukon.
Review: First Test: 2009 GMC Yukon 2 Mode Hybrid, Mark Williams, March 2008
TheTruthAboutCars.com, starts its GMC article with a blunt statement: "The Yukon Hybrid is overpriced," particularly when compared with similarly priced SUVs such as the BMW X5 or Audi Q7. Behind the wheel, Mike Solowiow says, "I've never driven a full hybrid this seamless in operation."
Review: 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid 4x4 Review, Mike Solowiow, Feb. 27, 2008
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