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GMC Yukon Hybrid - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid ranks 4 out of 12 Affordable Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 24 published reviews and test drives of the GMC Yukon Hybrid, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Try doing all this in a Prius: The GMC Yukon Hybrid seats eight, can tow more than 6,000 pounds and gets up to 21 mpg in city driving.

It seems many auto reviewers don't know what to do with the GMC Yukon Hybrid. While some say the Yukon Hybrid is  just what the American market needs (after all, if Americans are going to buy large SUVs, they may as well be efficient as possible), others wonder why the cutting-edge hybrid technology in the Yukon Hybrid  wasn't put in a smaller car, where it could save even more fuel.

Maybe the press is just starting to catch up with technology. As Edmunds notes, "A few years ago, the idea of a full-size traditional truck-based SUV averaging 21 mpg seemed about as likely as a Chevy Aveo blowing away a Corvette in the quarter-mile." Still, they add, "Getting an amazing 50 percent better fuel economy without giving up a powerful V8, eight-passenger capacity and the ability to tow 6,000 pounds might qualify that rig as the eighth wonder of the world." If that's the criteria, the GMC Yukon Hybrid is ready to take its place next to the Sphinx.

While reviewers are almost unanimous in saying the Yukon Hybrid's gas/electric hybrid system works well, they disagree on if it's worth the nearly $13,000 price premium over the base gasoline-only Yukon. They also point out that though the Yukon Hybrid's fuel economy numbers are good for a large SUV, but not great when compared to smaller crossovers, like the Chevrolet Traverse, which costs thousands less than the Yukon Hybrid.

If you need a large SUV that can seat up to eight, tow heavy loads and get good gas mileage, the GMC Yukon Hybrid may be what you're looking for. However, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid offers similar capabilities for slightly less money, while the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid offers more luxury for those who want it. If you only need the Yukon Hybrid's people-hauling capabilities, check out a large crossover like the GMC Acadia or Ford Flex. They cost less, get decent gas mileage and seat a crowd. If you just need the towing and seating abilities of the Yukon Hybrid, and don't care about saving fuel, the gas-only Yukon is a great option that will cost you less upfront.

The GMC Yukon Hybrid was introduced in 2009. For the 2010 model year, changes are minimal and include a few new exterior colors and a standard USB port.  The USB port allows music files stored on portable devices to be played through the Yukon Hybrid's stereo.  Some handheld devices can also be charged through the port. Unlike the gas-only Yukon, the Yukon Hybrid is not available in a long wheelbase.

•  The "GMC Yukon Hybrid is an amazing piece of machinery. However, most folks would be better served by any of GM's full-size crossovers that are nearly as efficient and much less expensive." -- Edmunds
• "We're usually skeptical when it comes to 'no-compromise' solutions, but after driving this fuel-efficient full-size SUV, it looks as close as it gets." -- Motor Trend
• "There are, in fact, plenty of folks who need a vehicle that can haul copious amounts of stuff and tow a trailer or camper as well." -- Popular Mechanics
• "This GMC Yukon Hybrid is a good compromise -- or appeasement, if you prefer. Fuel mileage is equal to many cars and, while you're still directing a huge mass (over 6,000 pounds empty) down the road, sitting high and taking up a lot of real estate, you're safe, secure and basking in the lap of luxury. Isn't that the American way?" -- The Auto Channel
• "General Motors is surely making Toyota bristle at the comparison that GMC is making on the Yukon Hybrid V-8 to the darling Camry: Toyota's 2.4-liter, 158-horsepower, four-cylinder sedan coupled to a five-speed automatic is also EPA-rated at 21 mpg city." -- Washington Times
• "If The General had taken the hit and offered the Yukon Hybrid for the same price or less than its gasoline equivalent, it would be a far more compelling proposition. But they didn't. " -- The Truth About Cars
• "Imagine a Toyota Prius crawling over rocks and slogging through mud. ... A GMC Yukon Hybrid would have made it just fine - without the need for a Tundra-in-reserve." -- Wichita Falls Times Record

 

Yukon-Hybrid Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)

For the most part, reviewers are positive about the Yukon Hybrid's performance, even if they disagree on if the large SUV's fuel economy is good or merely good enough. Some test drivers complain about the hybrid's regenerative braking, but more are impressed by the SUV's power. Read More

Yukon-Hybrid Exterior - 7.0 (Good)

Reviewers have little to say about the 2010 GMC Yukon's exterior design except to note that GM may have taken the hybrid badging too far -- nine large "HYBRID" decals and badges adorn the Yukon Hybrid, which is otherwise tough to tell apart from the conventional Yukon. Read More

Yukon-Hybrid Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)

Though not as luxurious as its platform-mate the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, the GMC Yukon hybrid has an interior that pleases all but a few reviewers. Plenty of gadgets are standard, including Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, a DVD-based navigation system and a readout that lets drivers track their fuel efficiency. Read More

Yukon-Hybrid Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

Due in some part to its large size, the GMC Yukon Hybrid does well in crash tests. In federal government crash tests, it earns five stars, the most possible, for driver, front and rear passenger protection in frontal and side impact crash tests. It also earns a three-star rollover rating in both two and four-wheel drive. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not crash tested the Yukon or the Yukon Hybrid. Read More

Yukon-Hybrid Reliability - NA

The 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid is covered by a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. A three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is also included. Read More