Hybrid Yukon Delivers Impressive City Fuel Economy, And the Whole Family
Yesterday I took the day off work to attend the unveiling of the final versions of the Hybrid Yukon and Tahoe SUVs from GM. I promised that I’d write up my driving impressions this morning, but unfortunately my “real” job got in the way. I’ve got a few minutes, so here’s the scoop: (Speaking of scoops, I posted my story about these vehicles last night, and the Star-Telegram had a story in this morning’s paper. Does that count as a scoop?)
I’ll be the first one to tell you that I haven’t driven a vehicle bigger than my Accord since the last time I drove my brother-in-law’s Avalanche, which was probably 3 years ago. I honestly had no preconceived notions of what driving something the size of a Yukon would be like.
I was pleased that getting into it was not the ordeal I expected. The hybrid models ride about an inch lower than the standard models. That’s not a huge amount; Jenna’s aunt Kay would probably still have trouble getting into and out of it, but for the average person it’s not too bad. The driving position is relatively comfortable, but the lack of a telescoping steering wheel made finding the “just right” position something I didn’t have time to do during my short drive around the exterior of Fair Park.
The Yukon doesn’t have a starter button like most of the other hybrids, instead you turn the key the same way that you would on a conventional car. Upon startup there’s no starter noise or activity; the batteries engage, the electrical system starts working, and you’re ready to go. Shifting into drive also doesn’t give the usual “clunk” that anyone who drives an automatic is used to. Since you’re running on the electric motors, it’s simply ready to roll away immediately.
Traffic was heavy inside the fairgrounds because it seemed like EVERYONE was only about half-ready to open for the actual fair, so I got a taste of stop-and-go immediately. The gas engine in the Yukon didn’t even turn on until I got outside the gate of the park and onto the surface streets, and the change from the electric motors to the combustion engine and conventional transmission was only noticeable if you were really looking for it.
I didn’t get the chance to take it on the freeway, but I have to say that I was impressed with how direct the steering seemed. It was nothing like I remember the Avalanche being, which was honestly a little scary it was so vague. I felt like the Yukon would go where I pointed it without me having to make constant corrections to keep it between the lines.
Breaking was pretty solid as well. Since it’s a hybrid, it uses regenerative braking to both stop the vehicle and recharge the batteries. I got to put this to the test when I passed a backhoe (EVERY street around Fair Park is under construction), then had to stop quickly at a red light. I never felt out of control or as if the truck wouldn’t stop. The “feel” of the regenerative brakes is definitely different than that of conventional brakes. Or maybe I’m just used to the good braking system on my Rabbit.
The interior was very luxurious, nice leather seats, good materials on the dash (when will we get over thinking that wood makes a CAR look more “classy”?), and a Bose stereo system with navigation built-in. The nav screen doubled as the feedback area for what the hybrid system was doing. The display is very similar to the Prius’ system, if you’ve seen it.
So, what’s my verdict? I won’t be buying one, that’s for sure. I have absolutely no use for something that big and enclosed. Jenna and I have been discussing getting a truck, which would be much more useful for us than any SUV. However, if I WERE in the market for something like that, it would definitely be on my short list. The city fuel economy is a pretty strong argument for the Yukon or Tahoe over nearly any other full-size SUV.
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