When I use the words GMC, Yukon and Hybrid in the same sentence, most people look at me funny. Their confusion is usually followed up by this response: “Isn’t that, like, an oxymoron?” (No, I'm not adding the “like” for emphasis.

Room for eight and a commanding presence make the Yukon Hybrid SLT unique among hybrids. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

It’s what people really ask me!) After all, this large-in-stature and even larger in road presence SUV isn’t what I’d typically label as a gas sipper. Just by looking at it, its sheer size suggests that it guzzles the gas and doesn’t think twice about it. But by looking a little more closely at this particular Yukon, the prominent “Hybrid” badges on every side suggest otherwise. Looking under the hood, you know those badges aren’t there just for show.

Let’s face it, not everyone’s family can fit comfortably (or at all) into the typical four-door hybrid sedan or hatchback. And even without a big family, not everyone’s lifestyle can fit into the comfort of a five-seat vehicle. While Toyota has the Highlander Hybrid, Ford has the Escape Hybrid and Lexus has the RX 400h Hybrid, these SUVs may not be big enough!

Until recently, those people who need room for eight, generous power and an impressive towing capacity have tended to get the short end of the dipstick. Their fuel costs can be out of this world, especially if the fuel tank capacity hovers around the 100L mark and gas is more than a dollar a litre. So GM’s answer to such peoples' plight is, well, the GMC Yukon Hybrid, Chevy Tahoe Hybrid or Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. This one, a 2009 Yukon 4WD Hybrid SLT, has all of the above and won’t cost an arm and a leg to fill up. Maybe just an arm!

So how does this larger-than-life SUV — which weighs in at 2,647 kilos (5,835 lbs) and has a 6.0L V8 under the hood producing 332 horsepower and 367 lb-ft of torque — only use an estimated 10.5L/100km in the city and 9.8L/100km on the highway in 2WD mode?

A stop sign symbol on the tachometer indicates when the V8 is in fuel-saving auto-stop mode. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

Simple. Well, not that simple, but it does so using GM’s hybrid technology. Like other hybrid vehicles available on the market, the Yukon is able to function on the gas engine alone, the electric engine alone, or both together. Depending on the road speed and circumstances, the Hybrid Optimizing System will determine the most efficient way to get the car going and adjust accordingly to maximize fuel economy. Furthermore, the Yukon has what is called an Auto Stop mode; a system which automatically shuts the gasoline engine off once it reaches 0km/hr leaving only the electric engine to take care of business. The electric engine can run solo up to about 48km/hr, making city driving and bumper-to-bumper traffic the best instances to notice a difference from conventional to hybrid powertrains.

But all of the above would not be possible without the Yukon Hybrid’s Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT) which consists of two 60kW electric motors, three planetary gearsets and four traditional hydraulic wet clutches. Or in my terms, the 2-3-4 system! Powering the electric motors is a 300-volt, nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS) which is conveniently located under the second row of seats, not taking away any storage or seat space in the cabin.

Setting the Yukon apart from its other gasoline/electric comrades is its 2-Mode hybrid system (these badges are also visible from the outside.) Mode 1 is used for everyday driving scenarios and Mode 2 comes into play when you want to do some serious hauling! After all, this Hybrid can tow 2,812 kg (6,200 lbs) behind it in 2WD mode and can tow even more in 4WD mode: 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs).

The well-designed cabin is not overly ornate, but has a simple convenience to it. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

Whether driving at highway speeds for a longer duration of time or hauling, literally, this Mode occasionally shuts the electric engine off and allows the EVT to run using the gasoline engine and its four fixed gears just like a regular automatic transmission. But why switch over to gas for all the heavy-duty stuff? As GM says, “This is because under high-load situations, when the fixed gears are in use, the electric motors can be used to generate electricity — or, if needed, they can be called on to supply additional torque for improved performance.” It all comes down to how efficiently this truck can run so that you won’t be running to the pump as often as usual.

As great as the hybrid system is, I think it’s the driving experience that really sold me on this SUV. First of all, it’s incredibly quiet. Not only has GM used a lot of sound-deadening materials in both the hybrid and non-hybrid versions, but the Yukon Hybrid comes with some extra silent perks. To name a few, the Hybrid uses low-rolling resistance, “quiet-tuned” P265/65R18 tires for reduced road noise and less drag, there is a new exhaust system and resonator specially tuned for the 6.0L engine, and the internal fan for the ESS is tuned to be less audible at slower speeds so that it can barely be heard by its occupants. It’s one of the quietest SUVs I’ve been in.

Besides being exceptionally quiet, the cabin reflects fantastic design work. It’s not draped with fancy ornamentation, nor is it swimming with buttons, but it has a simplistic convenience to it. The optional navigation package ($1,750), located in the centre stack, sits at a good height.

The SLT Hybrid can be decked out with all the expected modern conveniences, including navigation and rear entertainment systems. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

It’s neither too high nor low and is very easy to operate. Plus the navi package comes with a rear DVD player which is a saving grace when you’ve got young kids threatening a domestic dispute. Not that I’m encouraging “The Incredibles” (or any TV for that matter) to solve their woes, but it makes for a much more pleasant hour-long car ride home!

Despite the Yukon’s prominent bulk, I found it oh-so-easy to operate. I loved every minute of being behind the wheel — I really did. I’m not sure if I can attribute it to the fact that I love large SUVs or the fact that my love of large SUVs is now friendlier to the environment. The Yukon’s hybrid-tuned premium smooth ride suspension package was exactly that: smooth. Its body roll is minimal and it didn’t feel boat-like at all; it didn’t wobble side-to-side with the imperfections in the road and felt very maneuverable, especially in corners. Plus it looks pretty darn snazzy with its large grille, chrome accents and of course, its rock/rap star appeal. I always wanted to be an international singing sensation, but I guess that’s not in my cards! Just the same, I’ll still take the Yukon Hybrid any day, as it has such a great personality. Kind of like a big, fuzzy teddy bear, meaning it is commanding in presence but gentle at heart. And while it might look a little intimidating to drive, it is very agreeable and has a calm demeanor.

Even though driving the Yukon Hybrid meant parking blocks away from my condo due to a lack of large parking spots, it was worth the walk.

GMC's sophisticated 2-Mode hybrid system means that this SUV doesn't sacrifice towing capability for fuel economy. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

And after finding a spot that would accommodate the Yukon, I had the aid of a rear view camera, along with ultrasonic rear parking assist with an LED light bar and an audible chime warning to get me in and out of those tight spots safely and unscratched.

The topic of price is also another popular discussion with hybrids. The ’09 Yukon 4WD comes with an MSRP of $71,235. With the navigation package and the power sunroof, it comes out to about $74,410 (plus destination and applicable taxes). If that seems like a lot, it kind of is. Considering the Yukon 4WD with the 5.3L has an MSRP of $52,605, it is significantly more. Let’s just say it’s not cheap to buy, but the savings are felt at the pump in the long run, and with peace of mind knowing that your ute is serving its hauling and towing duties while minimizing its environmental footprint. The 2WD Hybrid prices in slightly less at $68,255.

And to answer my skeptical friend's above question, no, the words 2009, GMC, Yukon, Hybrid, are not oxymoronic. In fact, it’s a reality and a good one. I’m happy to see more and more larger vehicles becoming hybridized. And hopefully as the demand for hybrids goes up, their price will come down. Overall, I give the ’09 Yukon Hybrid four enthusiastic hydraulic thumbs out of five.

Specifications (GMC Yukon Hybrid 4WD):

• Price Range (MSRP): $68,225 - $71,235
• Price as tested: $74,410
• Destination Charge: $1,300
• Body Type: 5-door full-size SUV
• Layout: Front engine, 4WD (std. 2WD)
• Engine (combined): 332 hp, 367 lb-ft of torque, 6.0L, 16-valve OHV V8 gasoline electric hybrid
• Transmission: CVT + 4-spd auto + 2 motor actuators
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD, BA
• Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 5,130 / 2,007 / 1,955 / 2946 mm (202.0 / 79.0 / 77.0 / 116.0 in)
• Curb Weight: 2,647 kg (5,835 lbs)
• Tires: 265/65R18
• Cargo Volume (behind 3rd row / 2nd row / 1st row): 478 / 1707 / 3084 L (16.9 / 60.3 / 108.9 cu ft)
• Fuel Consumption (city/hwy): 10.5 / 9.8 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km): 36 / 60,000 comprehensive, 60 / 160,000 powertrain, 96 / 160,000 hybrid
• Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, Dodge Durango Hybrid, Lexus RX 400h, Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI
• Web Site: www.gm.ca/gmc

Interior

Exterior

Mechanical

Safety

Dimensions

Misc

(J005) Standard Gloss Paint

(J004) Standard Black Paint

(V1K) Luggage Rack: Centre Cross Bars

(GU6) Axle, Rear: 3.42

(K05) Engine Block Heater

(80U) Paint: Red Jewel Tintcoat

(K5L) Trailering Package, Heavy-Duty

(JL1) Trailer Brake Controller, Integrated

(V76) Recovery Hooks

(VLQ) Chrome Recovery Hooks