Yukon/Tahoe Hybrids

[Hitchhiker]

General Motors is building Yukon and Tahoe Hybrid SUV's that have dual mode propulsion systems. In the first mode the vehicle will operate on its 300 volt electrical system or on the gasoline engine as determined by the speed and/or load.

In the second mode it runs entirely on the V8 engine and can handle towing up to a maximum of 6200# (2WD). The SUV is EPA rated @ 20 mpg city or highway which doesn't seem so great when I consider the '02 4x4 Yukon we have now will get 19 on a highway trip.

Has anyone bought one of these SUV's and if so, what is your personal experiences regarding fuel consumption and towing ability?

[Hitchhiker]

General Motors is building Yukon and Tahoe Hybrid SUV's that have dual mode propulsion systems. In the first mode the vehicle will operate on its 300 volt electrical system or on the gasoline engine as determined by the speed and/or load.

In the second mode it runs entirely on the V8 engine and can handle towing up to a maximum of 6200# (2WD). The SUV is EPA rated @ 20 mpg city or highway which doesn't seem so great when I consider the '02 4x4 Yukon we have now will get 19 on a highway trip.

Has anyone bought one of these SUV's and if so, what is your personal experiences regarding fuel consumption and towing ability?

[Jim&Jess]

I don't know about their towing performance,but I looked at one the other day and the sticker claimed 22 mpg hiway which didn't impress me considering the $12,000 differance (So. Florida price) compared to the conventional gas engine. Sure can buy alot of gas with 12 grand!!

[deputydog]

I think the real benefit is the increase in City stop & go mileage, not on the highway.

I have a 2005 Yukon 4WD that gets about 17 to 18 mpg on the highway at 70 to 75 mph, but in town you can figure 13 mpg at best on a good day.

Hook up my 21' Boston Whaler to it (about 5,500#) and you will only get 10 mpg assuming the road is fairly flat and you go 60 to 65 mph.

The hybrid supposedly gets the same City and Highway. 7 mpg increase in the City ain't shabby, but you are correct that the extra cost is a consideration.

If you have a "Green" mindset, it might be worth it. I just spent over $6000 to put a new solar hot water system on my house (after tax credit and incentives about $3,500) but I feel better and have not used electric to heat any water (except the few watts for the pumps) in over 6 weeks!