New Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon Hybrid SUVs Get 21 MPG

GM told us the final mileage for its new hybrid full-size SUVs would be around 20 mpg, and the company was right. Today, it announced that the EPA has rated the two-wheel-drive Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon at 21/22 mpg (city/highway). The four-wheel-drive models get 20/20 mpg. The non-hybrid versions get 14/20 and 14/19 mpg with a similarly sized V-8 engine.

GM is touting the fact that the 21 mpg city figure is identical to a Camry four-cylinder sedan, while the Tahoe and Yukon feature a V-8 engine that can tow roughly 6,000 pounds. Obviously, the SUVs don’t compete with the Camry on highway mileage, but we found the comparison kind of silly to begin with. A comparison that isn’t silly is that the new hybrid SUVs get better city mileage and slightly better combined mileage than GMC’s Acadia crossover. It and other new GM crossovers were created to combat the gas-guzzling stereotype of full-size SUVs.

Pricing and an exact on-sale date haven’t been announced, but we’re interested to hear if this alters anyone’s shopping list for their next family-mobile.

Related
First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe 2-Mode Hybrid (and GMC Yukon, too) (KickingTires)
More Hybrid News (KickingTires)

Comments

[Dave V]

you know me as "dave" lowercase.

It's me....just w/ the V to make me easier lol.

Good job GM!!!!

[hitman1970]

If these behemoths can motivate themselves adequately and get the same mileage as my 3.6L 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS, more power to them. Great job GM.

[Diesel]

You mean GMC yukon

[Diesel]

You mean GMC yukon

[Diesel]

You mean GMC yukon

[Z]

The non-hybrid gets 16 mpg. Is a 5 mpg increase worth the extra thousands for the hybrid option?

[LM]

Funny that they compare it to a Camry and not one of their own cars.

25% increase in MPG is impressive.

It may flop just because people aren't against 15mpg, they're against HUGE overconsumption that blocks lanes and takes two parking spaces.

[L.S.]

I regularly get 20 MPG in my non-hybrid V6 Acura MDX, that can also tow 5,000 lb and doesn't take up 2 parking spaces. And with the hybrid option on the GMs, prices may be about the same as well.
So, not mentioning the dumb comparison, I really don't see this as groundbreaking.

[DodgeFan]

Sorry L.S. most the buying public don't think of Acura brand. But comparing city milleage to Camry turns mainstream people heads. It reminds them that they can actually have their cake and eat it to. I will admit Camry has grown and is no longer a small car but I wonder if the precepation of the Camry is still that as a smaller car. That would be to GM advantage. Yes, now GM will have to make it new crossovers hybrids too.

[ziggy]

LS
I think of the Acura brand when considering new car purchases ... it's GM and Dodge that I don't consider. Sorry Dodgefan.

[J]

DodgeFan,

Sorry, according to your idea, I am not in that "MOST (of) the buying public".

When I was buying a new vehicle, I was considering the RSX until they axed it.

[L.S.]

If you're going to spend close to 50k on your new car, then you'd better consider all the options out there, unless you're a hardened fan of a certain brand, in which case it doesn't really matter what the competition's doing anyway.

[DodgeFan]

Looks like a touched a nerve with some Acura Fans. Oh well, I would buy Honda before Acura since I don't like to pay a premium for name only.

[J]

DodgeFan,

That's your decision. Just like I would ask why people get a ES instead of a Camry, an Escalade EXT instead of an Avalanche, a MKX instead of an Edge, a MKZ instead of a Milan, Fusion, and 6.

[boatdude]

For those of us who use these SUV's to tow boats & trailers, this is big news. I will seriously considering trading my 1999 SUV that gets 14 MPG for this one that gets 20 MPG and can tow 6000 lbs. Yes, I looked at the Acura MDX and other V6 SUV's and cross-overs, but they just don't cut it as a tow vehicle. Great job, GM. I can't wait to get my hands on it!