DriveTech

2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
Greiner GMC-Poway

I was a little skeptical writing a review on a SUV that only gets 20 miles per gallon but there are situations where we need a vehicle this big, kids, business, animals or you just like sitting high in the saddle.
Peter Worth, Sales consultant at Greiner Buick-Pontiac-GMC contacted me and asked if I would road test the GMC Yukon Hybrid and maybe write a story on it. I agreed and found it to be a real nice hauler. The interior was loaded with features like, XM Radio, information center, navigation and a screen that will tell you what the three modes of propulsion are doing, heated seats and a ton of other goodies to make the ride enjoyable.
Here is what you get with the Hybrid system:
Two-Mode Hybrid technology: GM's Two-Mode Hybrid System combines an Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT) and an Energy Storage System with an advance 6.0-L Vortec engine. The Two-Mode Full Hybrid System optimizes efficiency for a variety of driving conditions.
First Mode: Used at lower speeds and with light loads, the system can operate three different ways: electric power only, engine power only, or a combination of electric and engine power.
Second mode: Used mainly during highway driving, the second mode provides full engine power when conditions require it, such as passing, towing a trailer or climbing steep grades.
Other exclusive features worth mentioning are:
Unique aerodynamic design: Yukon Hybrid achieves a low .34 coefficient of drag by modifying a number of exterior components.
Hybrid Performance Display: The standard Navigation Radio features a display that shows hybrid power flow, indicating how the system is sending power to the wheels and whether it is using electric power, the gasoline engine or both.
Reduced mass: In an effort to reduce vehicle weight, the Yukon Hybrid uses a variety of mass-reducing components such as low-mass front seats and lightweight aluminum components including the hood, wheels, front bumper beam, and the rear liftgate with fixed glass.
Alone with the other creature comforts this turned out to be a joy to drive and you can tow with it as well. Sure it costs upwards of $50,000 but if you need this size of vehicle what choice do you really have and today they are almost giving them away so for the first time in a long time it is good for the buyer and terrible for the dealer!
Stop by Greiner Buick-Pontiac-GMC in Poway and look up Peter Worth and take the GMC Hybrid out for a test drive, you can call him at 858-679-6900 and you will find Pete to be a great sales consultant!