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.

The ‘09 hybrid Yukon that I drove was a 4wd model, loaded with lots of enjoyable features. My understanding is that hybrid Yukons don’t offer a lot of options, as they come standard with all the goodies. Things like leather, power everything, Onstar with turn-by-turn directions, remote start, a Bose audio system with Navigation and hybrid display, XM, rear DVD, 3 rows of side curtain airbags, a backup camera, and the list goes on and on. It suffices to say that new owners who don’t read the vehicle manual and other included glove-box brochures will have plenty of exciting discoveries during the first few weeks of driving their green GMC.

When I first saw the hybrid Yukon I’d be driving for the weekend (courtesy of Bob Brown GMC in Ankeny, Iowa), my initial thoughts were how classy and luxurious it had been designed, both inside and out. Those first impressions were backed up as I drove it off the dealer’s lot. GMC has crafted quite the automotive work of art, solid in every aspect. Everything fit together perfectly, and the ride was smooth and quiet. When many people think of a hybrid vehicle, the Prius or hybrid Civic comes to mind. I’ve driven both of those cars, and this was a totally different experience. The Yukon offers seating for 7 or 8 people, more storage room than any SUV I’ve ever driven, and the ability to tow just about any toy you could ever own.

While a similar four wheel drive non-hybrid Yukon gets 13 miles per gallon in the city, the hybridized version is rated at 20 mpg. Even in highway driving, the hybrid model gets an extra 3-4 mpg, likely as a result of the active fuel management system and battery assist. It is fun to watch the real time (estimated) fuel economy when you are on an open stretch of highway. First, the powerful 6 liter V8 engine seamlessly transitions to 4 cylinder mode. Shortly after, you see that the engine is getting assistance from the 300 volt hybrid battery pack (located under the 2nd row of seats). Even while cruising at 60 mph, there were several occasions where the Yukon hybrid was registering 30 mpg on level ground. While mine wasn’t a long term test drive, I could see how careful drivers might average closer to 25 miles per gallon in combined fuel economy.

The two wheel drive Yukon hybrid starts at around $52,000, while the 4 wd model begins at $55,000.  In either case, expect to pay about a $10,000 premium for all this hybrid technology, when compared to a similarly equipped non-hybrid Yukon. Depending on the price of fuel, it will likely take you several years to recoup that cost in fuel savings alone. At the same time, if you are planning to buy a hybrid for reasons other than fuel economy alone, and you need a vehicle this large, I would recommend you take this one for a spin.

High quality images below. Click to view.

Below is a comprehensive video review of the GMC Yukon hybrid, from Kelley Blue Book. The interior of the 2009 model that I drove looked pretty much the same, although the exterior did not have the large “H Y B R I D” badges on the sides.