2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid Review: A Fuel-Efficient 8-Passenger SUV?

The terms 'GMC Yukon' and 'Hybrid' may not belong in the same sentence. Well, they do now. We hit the road in the 2-mode Hybrid 4WD variant for another boy's golf trip to the mountains to see how it performs, its cargo capacity with a full load, and more.

Let’s face it: the full-size SUV gets a bad rep. Its popularity is seemingly fading as David Suzuki and Al Gore preach (good guys, by the way), often carrying connotations of being these brawny, gas-guzzling, unsafe monstrosities occupying our roads. Perhaps some of this is true. And the advent of the more politically correct Crossover (CUV) hasn’t really helped either. That is…until now!! (thun thun thaaaan!)

2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid with trunk open at golf course
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid. Photo: Amee Reehal

Seriously, GM has recently introduced a few hybrid full-sized SUV models, including the 2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid, that not only defy what we’ve come to love (or hate) about these unappreciated gentle giants but they’re redefining the segment altogether (in my humble opinion), introducing innovative technologies and award-winning features that consumers will value (and for the manufacturer’s sake, they better).

2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid parked outside while passengers each lunch
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid. Photo: Amee Reehal

GM has produced a very intelligent, fuel-efficient, full-sized SUV without compromise. Essentially, it improves the new Yukon by trimming the fat (reducing weight and improving aerodynamics), introducing innovative technologies (2-mode transmission with hybrid setup) while retaining all the vital good stuff (towing capacity, payload capability, passenger space, cargo, and great beefy styling). An Obama-friendly, Weekend Warrior-worthy, Machismo-instilled SUV. Nice work.

golfing at Kokanee Springs Golf Resort in British Columbia
Photo: Amee Reehal
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid with fireworks in the back
Photo: Amee Reehal

Last year, we set on a golf trip to the Kokanee Springs Golf Resort in British Columbia: 25 guys, 72 holes of golf, three days, and 13 hours on the road via a not-so-fuel-friendly 2008 Chrysler Aspen SUV. This year, more guys, more golf, a bit more debauchery, and a new test vehicle to get us going: the 2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid.

2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid 2 mode logo on side of SUV
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid. Photo: Amee Reehal

2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid Powertrain, Horsepower, and Fuel Economy

Engine6.0L V8 hybrid engine
Total Horsepower332 horsepower
Fuel EfficiencyApproximately 20 mpg city and highway (combined)
Towing CapacityUp to 6,000 pounds
AccelerationSmooth and efficient acceleration, capable of running on electric power at low speeds
Drive TypeAvailable with 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) for improved traction and control
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid parked outside
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid. Photo: Amee Reehal

The hybrid powertrain uses a Vortec 6.0L V8 gas engine with Active Fuel Management (allowing the V8 to run on 4 of 16 cylinders to save fuel) paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission (electronic variable). The ‘2-mode’ pertains to the V8 and the two electric motors that allow continuous variable operation at various speeds, particularly high and low speeds. Unlike many hybrids on the market, this 2-mode system (co-developed by DaimlerChrysler, BMW, and GM) creates efficiencies for both highway and city driving.

2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid parked at gas station in the mountains
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid. Photo: Amee Reehal

The electric motors are both powered by a 300-volt battery, which charges during braking and while cruising. The Hybrid Power Flow Display on the navigation screen is cool and does a great job indicating exactly where and when power is being distributed, as well as when the regenerative braking or cruising is charging the battery.

2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid Fuel Economy

Fuel EconomyMPGKM/L
City (US)219.5
Highway (US)229.4
Combined (US)219.6
City (Canada)9.624.7
Highway (Canada)9.425.0
Combined (Canada)9.524.7

While $1.20/litre gas prices this time last year coupled with our 5.8L V8 Chrysler Aspen SUV for an 1100-km mountainous trek certainly didn’t do our wallets any favours, the more reasonable sub-$1/litre prices along with outstanding hybrid vehicle (full-sized SUV, that is) was a welcome change this time around.

2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid front view in red parked outside in the mountains
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid. Photo: Amee Reehal

EnerGuide rates the Yukon Hybrid at 10.5L/100km (27mi/gal) in the city, and 9.8L/100km (29mi/gal) on the highway. GM claims an estimated 50% savings in city fuel economy versus the non-hybrid version. Though, most of our driving was on the highway—the roads from Calgary, Alberta to our destination at the Kokanee Springs Golf Resort in B.C. consists of about 30% typical highway and maybe 70% ascending roadway (with a good 100km of pure uphill twisties). So, the throttle was engaged nearly the entire time; not much ‘charging’ going on (thank-you Display!). Even so, we burned through less than 3/4 of a tank on the 550km trek en route. Respectable for an engine this size…pushing 5600 pounds through The Rockies.

2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid in a snowstorm
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid. Photo: Amee Reehal

Driving Impressions

Despite the abundance of technologies doing their thing (electric power toggling with the gas motor, valves cutting out and kicking in when needed, 2-mode transmission balancing, battery charging, etc.), these transitions were virtually unnoticeable. Power was available when needed and when passing other vehicles; suspension was superb in the corners.
The extremely quiet/silent motor is a bit eerie, almost unsettling at first, particularly behind the wheel of such a large sled, but the shock wears off. Actually, it’s a comforting silence; kind of cool when you’re traveling and chatting with friends in the back.

2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid interior driver side
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid. Photo: Amee Reehal

2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid Interior

Seating CapacityUp to 8 passengers
Front Headroom41.1 inches
Front Legroom41.3 inches
Front Hip Room64.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room65.3 inches
Rear Headroom39.2 inches
Rear Legroom39.0 inches
Rear Hip Room60.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room65.2 inches
Cargo Volume16.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 60.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 108.9 cubic feet with all rear seats folded down
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid interior steering wheel
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid. Photo: Amee Reehal

Include rear seat audio controls, rear view camera system, 3-passenger 50/50 split bench seat and removable 3rd row, leather appointed heated front bucket seats, 6-way power driver and front passenger seats, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a rear 115v outlet, DVD-based touch screen navigation system with voice recognition paired to the Bose premium speaker system and XM satellite radio including 1st 3 months service, and the new-for-2009 Bluetooth for phone, to name a few.

2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid interior 2nd row seats
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid. Photo: Amee Reehal
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid guys loading the trunk with golf clubs
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid. Photo: Amee Reehal

The only options are a sunroof and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system—the two things we could really have used on our trip, particularly with three guys sharing the middle bench. Unfortunately, the third row 50/50 rear seats do not fold flat into the floor, evidently, chewing into our much needed cargo real estate. Unfortunately, we didn’t think about removing them before the trip. Fortunately, we didn’t remove them because apparently these seats weight a ton, and we’re not that strong, and we managed to fit everything in the end.

2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid trunk cargo empty with 3rd row down
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid rear cargo with 3rd seat down and golf bag
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid trunk full of gear and bags
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid rear trunk with door open and loaded with stuff
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid. Photo: Amee Reehal

2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid Styling

Everything is well proportioned, from the large front grill to the taillight structure. The improvements in aerodynamics add to the cleaner styling as well: no fog lamps nor tow-hook openings, larger grill for better cooling, no roof rack rails eliminating drag, and tapered running boards for better air flow.

2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid 'H' logo on C pillar
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid. Photo: Amee Reehal
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid front grill
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid. Photo: Amee Reehal

So is it worth forking out the extra funds for a Yukon Hybrid opposed to the gas-powered Yukon SLT? Or perhaps even a Crossover such as the Buick Enclave or GMC Acadia? Will the premium price investing in a hybrid offset fuel savings or perhaps offset your guilty plastic-bag using, water-wasting conscious?

Absolutely. GM is redefining the brawny SUV, in all the right (green) ways.

Up Next:
Author:
Amee Reehal
Amee Reehalhttps://www.ameereehal.com/
Shooting cars and bikes professionally since film was a thing, for over 20 years, Amee has collaborated with the major automakers and agencies, and his work has been published in various global outlets including MotorTrend, GlobeDrive, SuperStreet, Chicago Tribune, PerformanceBMW, and others. He’s an automotive writer and founder/managing editor of TractionLife.com, focusing on digital marketing & SEO for the past ten years (backed by a marketing degree, go figure). Find him travelling, spending time with his kids and family. Or golfing, poorly.