New hybrid Yukon boasts better mileage

MID-MICHIGAN (WJRT) -- (02/06/08)-- General Motors has started building an SUV that gets surprisingly good gas mileage.

In fact, it can go farther on a gallon in city driving than some small cars.

It's a given that large SUVs get terrible mileage in city driving. But if you drive a 2008 GMC Yukon hybrid, you might get 20 miles to the gallon.

GM's Arlington, Texas plant is slowly churning them out. Danny Ray will sell them at Patsy Lou Williamson GMC. "We are really excited and proud to have this."

GM brags this is world's first large SUV with a hybrid. In city driving, it's about 50 percent better than the conventional Yukon. Highway mileage is unchanged at 20 per gallon.

"The nice thing about the hybrid is it's very well suited for towing capabilities," noted Kettering University's Dr. Greg Davis.

Students and faculty at Kettering University in Flint were anxious to put one on a hoist to examine how GM puts it together.  "All the technology is hidden in the transmission here," Davis said as he checked the vehicle's undercarriage.

The Yukon hybrid uses a bank of batteries under the middle seat to assist the gasoline engine up front. It has a redesigned, lighter front end and hood.

"Ultimately they were trying to eke out a little better fuel economy by improving aerodynamics," said Kettering's Dr. Craig Hoff.

On the road, you can hear the whirr of the electric motor as the Yukon takes off. The engine will shut itself off when it's not needed; at stop lights for instance. The sticker price is nearly $54,000.

"You're going to be spending $4,000  to $5,000 more on a hybrid, but they are very nicely equipped," Ray said.

The Yukon hybrids are expected to arrive in dealer showrooms in March. If you drive a big SUV, this is one way to increase your fuel economy.

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