 For a series of massive SUVs, the Yukon family is doing its part to drink less gas. The Yukon and Yukon XL 1500 share a standard 5.3-liter V8 (also available with Flex Fuel capability) and a 6-speed automatic, while the Yukon XL 2500 gets a boost to a 6.0-liter V8. Both the Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali have a 6.2-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management that shuts off cylinders when they're not needed to save fuel. The Hybrid and Denali Hybrid models use the 6.0-liter V8 and a 6-speed automatic transmission, plus an electric motor to return 21 mpg city. That's a full third better than the 2-wheel-drive base Yukon, which gets 15 mpg in the city.
There's no sacrificing power, though. The 5.3-liter makes just over 300 hp in either standard or XL, the 6.0-liter is capable of 352 hp, and the 6.2-liter Denali has 403 hp under the hood. The Hybrid's engine and motor combine for a total of 332 hp. All Yukons are available in rear-wheel or full-time 4-wheel drive. In the base models, there are low-range gears for off-road use, while the Denali uses all-wheel drive for traction without the low range.
Safety features like head curtain airbags for all rows of seating are standard, as is stability control and ABS. A new tech feature for 2010 is USB connectivity in the console. Denali drivers get a few extras such as heated and cooled front seats and a power-tilt steering column. And for a little help in maneuvering this big beast with or without a trailer in tow, rear parking assist and backup camera are available.
The Yukon has nothing new for 2010 in either the Yukon or larger Yukon XL. The most noteworthy additions of past years -- the top-of-the-lineup Denali trim and the gasoline/electric hybrid join forces for the first time this year, with a Denali Hybrid model available.
Lots of seating; impressive hauling and towing capacity; hybrid helps large SUV achieve respectable fuel economy
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