2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid Review

Charging Up the Yukon

The GMC Yukon Hybrid brings advanced fuel-saving technology to a rough-and-ready full-size SUV for 25 percent better fuel economy.

With gas prices remaining high and stricter federal fuel economy regulations on the way in, even modest gains in fuel economy can be significant to a truck-only brand like GMC. While it’s expected to be built and sold only in limited numbers, the full-size GMC Yukon Hybrid is vital for this truck-only brand, that has seen its sales slide in recent years as conscientious consumers shift away from behemoth SUVS.

The GMC Yukon Hybrid shares a "two-mode" hybrid system with its equivalent at Chevrolet, the Tahoe Hybrid. The technology was developed with assistance from Chrysler and BMW, and is also featured in the somewhat smaller Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid SUVs.

It enables the GMC Yukon Hybrid to deliver an estimated 25 percent boost over the gasoline-powered version in combined city/highway fuel economy. While one-quarter better mileage is an admirable improvement, in reality buyers will see only about a four-mpg increase in fuel economy. This amounts to an estimated out-of-pocket savings of around $700 a year if you drive 15,000 miles with gas at $3.00 per gallon.

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Perhaps more significant is the statement the Yukon Hybrid and its GM twins make: adapting hybrid technology to fit the largest SUVs available while preserving much of their rugged capability is a testament to the staying power of hybrids and traditional SUVs.

Available in both rear- and four-wheel-drive versions, the GMC Yukon Hybrid teams a 6.0-liter V8 engine that generates more than 300 hp with an electric motor/generator and a compact self-charging 300-volt battery pack that doesn’t intrude unduly on passenger space.

Under light loads and/or lower speeds (the first mode), the GMC Yukon Hybrid can run solely on electricity, solely on engine power or on a combination of both, as warranted; the gasoline engine automatically powers down at idle to help preserve fuel. At highway speeds (the second mode), the vehicle generally runs on full engine power, with electric assistance provided if needed. To further conserve fuel, the V8 engine includes an Active Fuel Management system that saves gas by shutting down half of its cylinders when cruising at highway speeds.

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The hybrid system can use the electric motor to power the GMC Yukon Hybrid’s accessories, so neither an alternator nor a conventional lead-acid 12-volt battery are necessary.

Though maximizing the vehicle’s gas mileage was a prime concern in the development process, the “Professional Grade” division of General Motors had to do it in a way that wouldn’t compromise the truck’s power and utility. This is why the GMC Yukon Hybrid uses a V8 engine, and not a more efficient V6, as its primary source of power. Thus, the GMC Yukon Hybrid maintains a maximum 6,200-pound tow rating, which is sufficient for pulling moderate-sized boats and trailers; by comparison, the standard model is rated to tow a maximum of 8,200 pounds, when properly equipped.

• GMC Yukon Hybrid Vehicle Summary

Aside from added “Hybrid” logos, the GMC Yukon Hybrid looks much the same as its conventionally powered equivalent, which means it’s unashamedly big and broad-shouldered, with a brash front-end treatment. However, the vehicle has been lowered by 10 millimeters to reduce wind resistance, and certain exterior leading edges have been smoothed and extended for the sake of improved aerodynamics. The hood and liftgate are fabricated from aluminum to save weight, there’s a larger front air intake to better facilitate cooling, and the truck rides on lightweight aero wheels and low roll-resistance tires.

Otherwise, the GMC Yukon Hybrid is built like a standard model, riding on a fully boxed frame for stout structural rigidity with reduced noise, vibration, and harshness. A responsive suspension setup delivers a fairly smooth ride with handling that’s more composed than you might expect from a vehicle of this size and weight.

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The well-equipped GMC Yukon Hybrid’s handsome interior includes a two-tone instrument panel with LED-backlit instrumentation, chrome trim, and a high center stack for the climate control and audio systems.

A third-row seat is available, but can’t be folded flat into the floor like seats offered by the competition. It must be removed manually, which can be quite a chore.

Standard safety features include GM’s StabiliTrak stability control system, the OnStar communication system and front-side and side-curtain airbags that remain inflated for several seconds to protect passengers in the event of a rollover.