GMC Yukon Hybrid
It is hard not to be intrigued, at least somewhat, by America’s first full-size SUV hybrid. This vehicle has been designed and engineered to get up to 43% better city fuel economy than the competition. Keep in mind, the Yukon is designed to be a more powerful SUV hybrid than much of the competition. With that may come a higher price tag, but it also means more power, towing ability and durability. So, to get it over with, the sticker price, or Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, starts at $51,610 for the two wheel drive and $54,420 for the four wheel drive. Now, you can read on about what may make it worthwhile.
Some GMC Yukon Hybrid Highlights
For the price you pay, the Yukon crossover does include a good variety of impressive standard features. This includes things such as the tri-zone automatic climate control, so that passengers can enjoy different temperature settings. In addition, standard in this GMC hybrid are the CD player with MP3 player as well as the navigation system. You will have the Bluetooth for your phone and a serious sound system that has Bose premium 9-speakers.
As many crossover SUVs do, the GCM also has the regenerative braking system, which powers the battery when the brakes are applied. There is also the remote vehicle starter system and XM radio, with a three-month trial subscription. Some of the highlights that make the ride better and safer are the StabiliTrak and the suspension package and Premium Smooth Ride. Many people don’t mind the standard 18” polished aluminum spoke wheels.
What Matters Most
Of course, aside from the fancy features, you will want to know about what GMC has under the hood, and other places, that makes this hybrid SUV worth the price tag. The engine is a Vortec 6.0 liter V8 SFI with variable valve timing. As for the other mechanics of the car, the GMC Yukon Hybrid has a two-mode strong hybrid automatic transmission. It also includes a differential, heavy-duty locking rear.
Another important feature is the hybrid-specific four wheel antilock, four wheel disc brakes. The safety features are possibly the most vital part of the GMC Yukon Hybrid. Inside, the Yukon has air bags that are dual-stage frontal, driver and right side passenger located. There are also head curtain side-impact air bags. You also get a rearview camera system, to make backing up safer, not to mention easier.
There are also a myriad of OnStar features that help make this a safe and sound SUV ride. This includes Automatic Crash Response, Crisis Assist and Emergency Services. You will also have access to OnStar Remote Door Unlock, Roadside Assistance and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown.
Beauty on the Inside
Last but not least, the interior deserves an overview. Aside from the details already mentioned in the highlights section earlier, there are still some features for the interior worth a mention. There are things such as cruise control, a rearview camera system, ultrasonic rear parking assist, universal home remote and steering wheel mounted audio controls. Overall, there are some generous offerings when it comes to what the GMC SUV hybrid has to offer.
Pros, Cons and Things to Consider
The reviews and customer feedback are mixed, as with anything. The thing to keep in mind is that this crossover vehicle is a top seller in the hybrid SUV market. Some feel the powertrain components add too much weight for this SUV to have the pickup power it should, even for a hybrid SUV. Though this is a popular model because of its strength in towing abilities, if towing isn’t something you especially need, you may want to consider another SUV.
As far as safety, the GMC hybrid did well for crash test ratings on the frontal crash and side crash protection. It only received three out of five stars for the rollover rating, though. While this is a common problem with safety ratings for SUVs, you should be aware of the rating in this category.
The reviews about appearance are positive and most feel one cannot tell the difference between the hybrid version and the standard version of the GMC Yukon. As far as roominess goes, though, the Yukon crossover is the most spacious on the hybrid SUV market, today. It is as quiet as the standard SUV car, and can be a little off putting in the cabin of a GMC Yukon Hybrid SUV this size without the usual rumble of the big engine.
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Category: GMC Yukon Hybrid