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.
In our October 2007 article about the upcoming hybrid from GMC, you might recall that General Motors had titled their informational website “World’s First Hybrid SUV”. While seven others beat them to market, the title is still the same, but some information has been added over the past several months. On their website you’ll see that the 2 wheel drive version has an MSRP of $50,945 while the 4 wheel drive starts at $53, 775 (about $500 more than the Tahoe). Like it’s counterpart from Chevrolet, the fuel economy estimates range from 20-22 mpg depending on drivetrain and whether you’re buzzing around the city or cruisin’ the highway. (Keep in mind, the non-hybrid version might average 13-14 mpg over a combination of in town and country driving.)
Aside from the two-mode hybrid system, some of the differences between the hybrid and traditional gas-only 2008 Tahoe include a lowered front end, an aluminum hood and liftgate, refinements to the rear pillar and rear spoiler, and lighter wheels. All of these changes help the Yukon improve gas mileage by reducing it’s overall weight and wind resistance. From the official website, it appears that the 2008 hybrid Tahoe is only available in one trim level (nicely loaded) with only a few options, including 3rd row seating, dvd entertainment system, and a sunroof.
Now that both are available (although in very limited quantities), we’ll focus a future article on a side-by-side comparison of the hybrid Tahoe versus hybrid Yukon. If you’re planning to buy or lease a 7 or 8 passenger hybrid suv, and you’re shelling out more than $50,000 to get the keys, my guess is you’re going to drive both of these vehicles before you make a final decision. For hauling cargo, pulling a boat, or towing a trailer - these suv hybrids seem to be excellent choices.
Get a free quote on a GMC Yukon hybrid!
04/2008: Review from NYTimes.com
YOU GUYS NEED TO MAKE THIS CAR WITH 9 SEATS STILL WITH LEATHER I NEED IT I HAVE 7 KIDS ISNT THAT HARD ENOUUGH WE DONT FIT IN THE CAR ANYMORE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NEEDS NINE SEATS WITH LEATHER I HAVE SEVEN KIDS ISNT THAT HARD ENOUGH PLUS WE HARDLY FIT IN THE CAR ANYMORE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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