GMC Hybrids

By:

Cam on 10/31/2011

Topic:

Car Reviews.

Call it the great compromise between concern and carry.  With a widened lens the spotlight falls on GMC’s large-sized green crew.  Most popular clean cars, i.e. small, minimalist vehicles, aren’t equipped to handle certain transportation needs; thankfully a few brands have taken heed and have allowed the biggest carbon culprits a chance for reformation by shedding a little responsibility.

GMC’s Sierra and Yukon hybrids offer said bigger, capable hybrids.  These Hulks won’t achieve the MPG of lighter, simpler gasoline-electric counterparts, but in this case it’s very much size that matters. Size a GMC up for yourself on CarWoo!

Here’s a look at what GMC has to offer.

Sierra 1500 Hybrid

Available in two or four-wheel drive, 1500 Hybrid utilizes a 4-speed automatic transmission.  The full-size pickup packs a 6.0 liter V8 along with a pair of electric motors teamed with a nickel-metal hydride battery.  Sierra Hybrid’s unique two-mode hybrid propulsion system monitors output to determine needed torque at any given time- the engine switches between gas, electric, or a combination of the two while also utilizing Active Fuel Management which can shut down 4 cylinders for further efficiency.  These interworking processes result in 33% more city economy, according to GMC.

EPA fuel estimates for 2011 1500 Hybrid are 20/23 (city/highway) compared to 14-15/19-20 for the gas Sierra.  City driving is really where these vehicles earn their stripes; 5-6 extra city miles can go a long way.  Expect the same numbers for 2012 models.

Yukon Hybrid, Denali Hybrid

Introduced in 2008, Yukon Hybrid and classier brother Yukon Denali Hybrid take on a once barren landscape in terms of green-branded full size SUVs.  Like Sierra Hybrid, if you’re willing to shell out an extra couple thousand dollars to save 5 city miles per gallon (and 2 highway) then it’s perfect.  Yukon Hybrid achieves the same 20/23 as Sierra’s hybrid because it utilizes the same engine technology, including two-mode propulsion working alongside the 6.0L V8/twin electric motors combo for the same 332 HP and 367 lb.-ft. of torque.

Why Yukon Hybrid and not a more efficient, cheaper crossover?  Capability.  Available in 2 or 4-wheel drive, Yukon Hybrid’s 6,200 lb. towing capacity outclasses many lighter counterparts.  Yukon also has the ability to fit 8 souls into its massive cabin, another hybrid rarity.

Spending Green to Get Green

The caveat, besides price, lies in overall value.  One sizable obstacle within the full-sized hybrid market is price- GMC’s hybrid trio average around $9,000 more than their traditional gasoline counterparts.  Sure, more MPG closes the gap over time, but sticker shock remains a problem when shelling out down payments for cleaner technology.

GMC Hybrid Extras

Not all the extra cash goes towards cleanliness.  GMC gives its hybrid owners top trim niceties like 18” alloy wheels and leather touches to start.  Sierra buyers can choose between a 3HA or 3HB trim, the latter fixed with dual-zone climate control, Bose sound system, navigation, and rear parking assist.

Denali Hybrids come stacked with a Bose 10 speaker system, front bucket seats, and tri-zone climate control with a heated second row for rear passengers.

Who said hybrid drivers were minimalists?

Big Hybrid Future

Price woes aside, GMC should continue taking steps towards full-size in a still open market- particularly within the pickup segment.  Driver demand will be the biggest key in determining just how far big brands like GMC can and will go.  Statistics still show buyer hesitation: according to hybridcars.com, while the auto market is up 10% from last year, buyers are flocking to old habits- just 1.68% of September 2011 sales were hybrids (1.92% combined for July/August).  Not quite panic worthy, but the challenge is mighty for brands, especially in the full-size market, to produce mind changing hybrids worthy of people’s time, money, and ultimately attention.

 You can buy a new GMC hybrid on CarWoo! today.