X

Photos: 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid

The 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid provides the most power, utility, and economy available today, and makes a good choice if you need to haul people, cargo, and trailers, but it comes up a little short in its cabin tech.

CNET Reviews staff
33196877-2-440-0.jpg
1 of 18 CNET Networks
GM's first full hybrid is a massive SUV, revealing the company's efforts to revive the flagging SUV market. The Yukon Hybrid is designed to pull trailers and boats while hauling cargo and people, all while getting around 20 mpg.
33196877-2-440-FRONT.jpg
2 of 18 CNET Networks
Although its powertrain is unique, the Yukon Hybrid uses the same body, chassis, and interior electronics as its standard-engine counterparts.
33196877-2-440-SS02.jpg
3 of 18 CNET Networks
The gas engine in the Yukon Hybrid is a 6-liter V-8. It uses cylinder deactivation, which can reduce it down to four cylinders, under certain low-load driving conditions. But the hybrid system, integrated through the transmission, gives the vehicle its excellent city mileage.
33196877-2-440-SIDE.jpg
4 of 18 CNET Networks
There's no mistaking that this is a hybrid model. It has badges and front and rear window stickers all proclaiming its innovative powertrain. Then there's the long hybrid banner down the side.
33196877-2-440-SS04.jpg
5 of 18 CNET Networks
With its hybrid system, the Yukon runs under electric power up to 30 mph under light acceleration. Under hard acceleration, you can feel the different elements of its powertrain take over.
33196877-2-440-SS05.jpg
6 of 18 CNET Networks
The Yukon Hybrid has three rows of seats, handling seven occupants. The third row folds down easily, and can be removed to maximize cargo space.
33196877-2-440-INTERIOR.jpg
7 of 18 CNET Networks
The cabin offers plenty of room, with high trim appointments, such as leather seats, full climate control, and a standard navigation system.
33196877-2-440-SS06.jpg
8 of 18 CNET Networks
The steering wheel has cruise controls on the left and audio controls on the right, with volume buttons hidden behind the selection buttons. These buttons could be better integrated with the wheel.
33196877-2-440-SS07.jpg
9 of 18 CNET Networks
The gauges are one sign that this is a hybrid. The tachometer includes and Auto Stop reading, which shows when the car's engine automatically turns off.
33196877-2-440-SS08.jpg
10 of 18 CNET Networks
The navigation unit sits under a single CD slot, both of which are standard in the Yukon Hybrid. The car also has OnStar, for hands-free calling and extra navigation help.
33196877-2-440-SS20.jpg
11 of 18 CNET Networks
The power flow animation shows the different elements of the hybrid system. Underway, it shows when power is going from the battery and engine to the transmission.
33196877-2-440-SS10.jpg
12 of 18 CNET Networks
We really like how easy it is to go from the full map to this split-screen view.
33196877-2-440-SS11.jpg
13 of 18 CNET Networks
You can input multiple destinations with the navigation system. Destination entry is somewhat limited, with points of interest and manual address entry as the main options.
33196877-2-440-SS12.jpg
14 of 18 CNET Networks
The map resolution isn't great, and the navigation system lacks advanced features, such as traffic reporting or text-to-speech.
33196877-2-440-SS13.jpg
15 of 18 CNET Networks
The interface is excellent for selecting music from MP3 CDs. The system can also scan an MP3 CD and let you select music by artist, album, and genre.
33196877-2-440-SS14.jpg
16 of 18 CNET Networks
XM satellite radio is also standard. This interface is easy to use, and includes six sheets of presets that can mix and match FM, AM, and XM radio stations.
33196877-2-440-SS16.jpg
17 of 18 CNET Networks
A nine speaker Bose audio system comes standard in the Yukon. It does an adequate job filling the big cabin, but it's far from the best we've heard.
33196877-2-440-SS17.jpg
18 of 18 CNET Networks
A rear-view camera is also standard in the Yukon Hybrid, a necessary feature, due to the car's size.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos