Before I get going on this week’s review of the loaner GMC gave us, I must ask you to remember—or learn—the meaning of the word hybrid.
“Something (as a powerplant, vehicle, or electronic circuit) that has two different types of components performing essentially the same function,” describes Merriam-Webster online dictionary service.
Now that I have laid out some foundation on what the word hybrid means, let me also share with you that the Yukon does a good job on fuel economy while housing a fully powered V8 engine for all your towing needs.
Indeed, the Yukon Hybrid is mostly unchanged from the gasoline-only models, with the exception of some exterior details, subtle interior styling and several functional modifications. There is no difference in passenger seating capacity, and towing and payload are highly competitive with other non-hybrid SUVs in the segment.
The Yukon Hybrid’s vastly improved fuel economy over gasoline-only siblings is due largely to a state-of-the-art hybrid system using GM’s all-new electrically variable transmission (EVT). Two-wheel-drive Yukon Hybrid models, for example, deliver 21 mpg in the city, a 50-percent improvement over their 5.3L non-hybrid siblings.
And before you, the reader get outrageously mad about the not-so-high, Prius-like 60 mpg, keep in mind that not many hybrids in the market can tow a boat or a trailer as well as this Yukon did.
Imagine a full-size SUV that offers 25- to 30-percent more combined city-highway fuel economy while also providing up to 6,200 pounds (2,812 kg) of usable towing capacity (2WD) and 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg) on 4WD models; 12,000 pounds (5,443 kg) GCWR and eight-passenger seating capacity.
Making all this possible is GM’s advanced EVT and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride energy storage system (ESS), which work in concert with the standard 6.0L V-8 gasoline engine with active fuel management (AFM) and late intake valve closing technology. GM’s new hybrid system not only enables the Yukon to launch and drive up to 30 mph on electricity alone, it also allows the 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical V-4 mode for longer periods.
Drivers of the new Yukon Hybrid will notice a longer front end, almost as if the hybrid wonder came with a factory-installed body kit. That is because along with active fuel management, the Yukon Hybrid uses specific aerodynamic aids and reduced-mass components to help achieve EPA ratings of 21 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway for 2WD models. That compares with ratings of 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway for the smaller-displacement, less-powerful 5.3L base engine.
With 4WD models, the fuel savings are equally impressive, with the Yukon Hybrid rated at 20 mpg in both city and highway driving. The 5.3L base models are rated at 14 in the city and 19 on the highway.
I must add however the Yukon did struggle a couple of times during the slow down leading to a full stop. Because the vehicle is programmed to shut its gas engine off during a stoplight, GMC’s SUV seemed to ‘gasp’ while searching for a lower gear leading up to the engine shut off. That produced an uncomfortable and unexpected jerk through the vehicle, almost as if someone pressed the brake to cancel cruise control but misjudged how close the brake pedal was placed.
But overall the Yukon Hybrid proved to be a great choice for a full size SUV that sips on gas as much as Toyota Camry, but you can still can pull your boat.
Base Price - $50,495
Price as tested - $50,850
Daniel Souza can be reached at sixth.gear.herald@gmail.com