GMC Hybrids — Fuel Economy, Prices, and Quality
The GMC hybrids are coming on strong. This line consists of the GMC Yukon Hybrid and the Sierra hybrid . The Yukon is an SUV and the Sierra is a pickup truck. Both of these GM hybrids good fuel economy with all the amenities found in the gasoline models. The GMC Yukon Hybrid is a true American hybrid SUV that is designed and built right here in the US. The Sierra hybrid offers buyers the towing capacity and payload capacity of a regular truck, but with the added benefit that comes from being one of the electric trucks.
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Fuel Economy/Engine
Both GM hybrids provide better than average fuel economy for buyers, considering the size and performance that each offers. The hybrid SUV and the Sierra truck both are averaging 21 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway for the 2-wheel drive versions. Until the release date of the Sierra in 2009 we will just take a look at the fuel economy of the 2-wheel drive version, because it is not certain if GMC will be able to offer this clean fuel vehicle in a four-wheel drive.
With the Yukon, you have a four-wheel drive hybrid SUV that averages a fuel mileage rating slightly down from the two-wheel drive model. The 4-wheel drive version of the Yukon delivers 20 mpg in the city and highway. Customers who choose the four-wheel drive model are not giving up very much in the way of mpg. Most buyers will accept the cost (reduced fuel mileage) for the added benefit of having the extra power going to all four wheels.
The total fuel tank capacity of both models (two and four-wheel drive) including the Sierra is twenty-six gallons, so you are looking at one tank of gas lasting five hundred and forty six miles. The gasoline engine in the Yukon and Sierra is a Vortec six liter V8 . This has an active fuel management design that produces 332 horses and 367 pounds of torque. Accompanying the gasoline engine is the electric motor than can quite easily operate this vehicle unassisted in low speed conditions. The electric motor combines with the gasoline engine to provide extra horsepower for rapid acceleration, towing or passing.
Prices/Availability
The GMC Yukon hybrid is currently on sale in the market and this hybrid electric vehicle just became available earlier this year. The GMC hybrid Sierra should be available to the public around mid 2009. With the surge in popularity for hybrid vehicles such as these, companies are pushing to develop more of these models. The Sierra Hybrid can do it all, from hauling passengers to hauling boats. The availability is limited because demand exceeds the present supply. With the hybrid Sierra’s towing capacity of 6,100 pounds, it offers an appeal to boaters, campers, and contractors. The high towing capacity is a factor in the limited availability of this model while it is still in pre-production. The current price of the GMC hybrid SUV is around fifty to fifty three thousand dollars, and this is the base price. It can go higher, depending on the model and options selected. Even at this price, it is still a very attractive choice in the hybrid market. It is expected that the Sierra Hybrid will be priced a little less, but the price will still remain close to that of its cousin.
Safety
Both GMC hybrids have the latest and best safety features that are currently available. The Yukon Hybrid has On Star services offered free for one year, and the upcoming Sierra Hybrid will have the same offering as well. The Yukon Hybrid is also equipped with a dual stage driver and passenger side airbag as well as a side head curtain airbag that extends all the way back to the second and third row passengers. The Sierra Hybrid will also have these same airbag features.
Quality
Both of these GMC hybrids offer great quality for the price. The hybrid SUV cost is only a few hundred dollars more than the gasoline model. This occurs because of additional servicing required for the electric motor. There are still the factors of overall fuel savings to be considered as well as the benefit to the environment with the hybrid trucks. The quality of interior materials in the hybrid SUV is on par with comparable gas powered models of the same class.
Overall, both of these GMC Hybrids should have broad appeal to consumers. This should help drive sales up for GMC. Customers are pleased to be offered well made hybrid trucks that only saves them money on fuel, and helps them contribute to the good of the environment. Driving a clean fuel vehicle at low speeds greatly helps in the effort to decrease pollution.
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