Hybrid SUV Information

I had the opportunity to test drive a 2009 GMC Yukon hybrid SUV last week, and I learned first hand how incredible the Two Mode hybrid transmission really operates. While I won’t go into all of the technical details of this hybrid system here, those of you who are interested can learn more at Wikipedia. Bottom line - had I not known I was driving a hybrid vehicle, with the exception of the engine shutting off at or near stops and the 50% improvement in gas mileage, I really couldn’t tell much difference between this version and the gas-only model. Previous hybrids I’ve driven made it much more obvious with their spongy braking, clunky transition between electric and gas power, and annoying hybrid noises.

Here comes another super-sized hybrid SUV. Making its debut at the 2009 New York Auto Show (beginning 4/10/09) will be the next green offering from GMC, the 2009 Yukon Denali hybrid. Those of you who have been following the hybrid industry know that GMC rolled out a non-Denali version, 2008 Yukon hybrid about a year ago. Looks like it is time to take green luxury up another notch.

Following on the heels of the eco-friendly Chevy Tahoe that debuted a few days ago comes it’s equally as green first cousin, the 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid SUV.  This brings the number of available hybrid sport utilities to eight, with a couple more expected later this year (Cadillac Escalade, 2nd generation Saturn Vue).  The first of these new Tahoes that I was able to find online and at a local GMC dealer had sticker prices of about $60,000.  With a price tag like that, I’m guessing many new owners will be leasing rather than buying these gentle giants.