Room to Gloat

Ace correspondent BJ Killeen attended a very special event this week: the introduction of the Hybrid 2008 GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe in Santa Monica, California. Here's what she had to report:

Think about it: what makes more sense, a hybrid full-size SUV or a hybrid compact vehicle? Obviously the full-size sport ute, because that’s where you’re really looking for fuel economy. GM will be bringing the Hybrid GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe to market in November, but gave us a chance to get behind the wheel for a brief drive last week in Santa Monica. Although no one would spill the beans on the fuel economy figures for this ride, the overall number GM is claiming is about a 25 percent bump overall, so if the gas-powered gets a combined 19 mpg best, add another 5 for an EPA fuel estimate of 24 mpg; not bad for a mega people/cargo hauler.

The hybrid system added about 400 lbs overall to the SUV, but GM did a great job trimming the fat so the total added weight came to only a little over 100 lbs. Aluminum hood and tailgate, no available power liftgate function, and lightweight wheels helped pull some of the poundage out.

The two-mode system works well; the only way to tell is to look at the screen in the center console that shows which mode is operating. The Hybrid 5.3 V-8 is on at start up in the event you want to get moving with a boat in tow (max towing is 6,200 lb). The system’s computer continually monitors what the throttle is doing and applies electric only, gas and electric, or just gas power to the vehicle. The only hint that this is a hybrid is a slight electric motor whine.

The ride is the same as on the gas-powered model, while the second row seating is a bit better because there’s more leg room. They had to scoop out the front seatbacks to make a bit more room since the big 300-watt battery pack sits under the second row and deletes the sliding seat function.

There’s no pricing yet, but GM has informed us that many dealers already have orders from customers who want to still have it their way without suffering the slings and arrows from pious hybrid compact owners who must cram themselves into their fuel-efficient tin boxes. -- BJ Killeen

Photo © General Motors