Yukon Hybrid big in many ways

I’m still trying to figure out if I should feel proud or embarrassed for picking up a GMC Yukon Hybrid on Earth Day recently.

Yes, it’s a fuel-lovin’ four-wheel drive truck that seats more people than my living room can, but it also uses a great new hybrid system that can, in theory, give it fuel economy numbers almost equal to more compact SUVs like the Acura RDX.

Either way, I’ll say this much - I’m glad I had a chance to try this behemoth of a truck out for a week (yes, despite gas prices currently hovering at around $1.25 across Canada).

The Yukon Hybrid is brand spankin’ new for 2008, and GMC didn’t do things halfway in developing it. The vehicle’s 2-mode hybrid system is a joint venture between GM, BMW and DaimlerChrysler, and works like many hybrids on the market these days - at low speeds, the vehicle uses either all-electric power, all-gasoline or a combination of both, while at higher speeds the vehicle uses either electric plus gasoline, or all gasoline.

In addition to that, the Yukon hybrid employs GM’s Active Fuel Management technology; when full power isn’t needed, the truck automatically and seamlessly shuts off four of its eight cylinders, which is simply another way to save on gas.

GM didn’t stop there though. With the hybrid version of the Yukon, the automaker also used lightweight aluminum on the hood, liftgate and wheels, lowered the front of the vehicle, and added a small rear spoiler for improved aerodynamics. The lowered ride height and unique fascia actually gives this Yukon the edge over its gasoline-only brethren when it comes to looks, too. Now if only GM could rid of a few of the seven or eight ‘HYBRID’ decals splashed all over the exterior …

The question is: does all of this actually make the Yukon - the dictionary definition of a gas-guzzling SUV - something noticeably less harsh on the environment and your wallet?

The answer is yes, but I’d like to throw an asterisk there. Because though I was happy with the economy numbers I finished with, it took a lot of work. A LOT - as in always driving the speed limit, absolutely no quick stops or starts, and using cruise control whenever possible, just for starters. Heck, I can count on one hand the number of times I turned on the air conditioning over the course of seven days - literally. And keep in mind the windows were almost always rolled up as well. No shortcuts here!

All of these things allowed me to manage an average of 12.0 L/100 km. after a little more than 600 km. of travelling over a mix of city and highway driving (more city than highway).

That may seem like a high number, but don’t forget that this is a full-size SUV that weighs a little less than three tons. For comparison’s sake, remember what an improvement this is over the Flex Fuel Yukon 4×4, which has an estimated fuel economy rating of 19.9/13.8 L/100 km. (city/hwy) on regular gasoline … 12.0 L/100 km. doesn’t look so bad after all.

The Yukon Hybrid is for the most part still a beast of a machine when needed though. Utility is still the name of the game here and any Yukon, hybrid or not, has to be able to carry, pull and hold a lot of stuff to be considered buyable. And it does.

The V8 under the hood helps it tow up to 6,200 lbs., and the hybrid version comes standard with heavy duty trailering equipment that includes a weight-distributing hitch platform with two-inch hitch receiver. Oddly, it feels slow during regular passing manoeuvres on the highway, even with no cargo and only one person inside.

The Yukon fits eight passengers thanks to a standard 50/50 split three passenger third row seat. It’s a little tough getting past the second row to the third but once two people are seated (I suggest you rarely put three people back there), it’s moderately roomy. The second and third row seats, meanwhile, are thoroughly cozy and supportive.

General Motors did a fantastic job when it redesigned its full-size SUVs in 2007 and the formula isn’t changed much for 2008 - the interior especially. All controls are simple, clear and easy to read and the important ones also sit on the steering wheel (standard) for even more convenience. The materials inside aren’t really of extreme quality, but neither are they cheap.

It’s important to remember that buying a full-sized hybrid SUV like the Yukon isn’t enough if you truly care about saving on gas, as opposed to just making a lame attempt at an ‘I’m environmentally-conscious!’ statement. If you’re willing to make some sacrifices in terms of how you drive, the Yukon Hybrid is a definite step in the right direction.

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