The 2013 GMC Yukon Hybrid comes in a pair of trim levels: Base and Denali. The base model comes in with premium amenities expected of a sub-luxury SUV, like leather seating, premium audio and top-line wheels. The Denali trim level makes the Yukon hybrid competitive with true luxury SUVs with its perforated leather, top-level audio and chrome wheels.
The hybrid SUV realm is slowly growing, so there is a handful of competitors for the Yukon Hybrid. Leading the pack is its cousin, the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, which comes standard with the same driveline as the GMC Yukon, a 5,800-pound towing capacity and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. Next up is the 2013 Lexus RX 450h, which features a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 295 horsepower, a continuously variable transmission and gets a base mpg of 30 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Lastly is the 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which features a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with AWD, a continuously variable transmission, and 28 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
Given the hybrid driveline, the Yukon has to compete with smaller SUVs that get significantly better gas mileage, but can the Yukon’s luxury and power outshine the competition?