2011 GMC ACADIA DENALI COMING FALL 2010!

The 2011 Acadia Denali will stand out with its signature Denali design cues highlighted by the mono-color exterior and chrome honeycomb grille, a feature on all GMC Denali models.

It also wears a number of specific exterior design cues, including:

• Unique lower front and rear fascias
• High-intensity discharge headlamps
• Body-color lower cladding and rocker moldings
• Body-color rear fascia and fender flares
• Unique body-side moldings with chrome accents and Denali badges
• Dual Chrome exhaust tips.

The Denali will come with 20-inch, two-tone chrome-clad wheels. The 6-spoke wheels feature black chrome spoke inserts set against bright chrome.

The Acadia Denali is offered in five exterior colors: Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Carbon Black, Red Jewel Tintcoat and White Diamond Tricoat.

Acadia Denali delivers all the luxury and refinement that are hallmarks of the Denali line.

It includes a number of exclusive design, comfort and convenience features including:

• Premium Acoustics - laminated glass, triple door seals, and liquid applied sound deadeners
• Perforated leather seats with matching leather door panel trim
• Heated and cooled driver and passenger seats
• Leather wrapped steering wheel with mahogany wood inserts
• Complementary wood grain finish on the instrument panel and center stack
• Enhanced accent lighting in the footwells
• Chrome, lighted sill plates with the Denali logo
• Dual SkyScape sunroof system, with sliding front sunroof and fixed rear section.
• Head-up display (HUD)

Additional content includes:

• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Navigation system including XM NavTraffic (available)
• Bluetooth connectivity
• OnStar
• Rear-seat DVD entertainment system, with roof-mounted flip-down screen (available)
• Premium audio system with USB port and Bose 10-speaker sound system
• XM Satellite Radio
• Rearview camera system
• Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory
• Remote vehicle start.

Acadia Denali is powered by a 3.6L Direct Injection V-6 engine with VVT that optimizes performance and fuel economy, while also reducing emissions – including a 25% reduction in cold-start emissions. Engine performance is enhanced by the advanced 6-speed automatic transmission. The maximum towing capacity is a class leading 5,200 pounds (2,364 kg).

A long, 118.9-inch (3,021 mm) wheelbase and wide 67.28-inch (1,709 mm) front/rear tracks give it a lower center of gravity and enable smooth, stable ride and handling for driving comfort. Independent front and rear suspensions enhance smoothness and deliver a more responsive driving experience. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar and aluminum knuckles, while the rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked “H” design. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration.

The suspension is tuned specifically for the Acadia Denali’s 20-inch wheels and the available AWD system enhances dry-road handling and provides increased traction on wet, snow and ice-covered roads. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard, as are the following features:

• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology
• Traction control system
• Tire pressure monitoring system.

Acadia Denali is covered by GM’s five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty and three-year/36,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper warranty – the best coverage in America.

2011 GMC ACADIA DENALI SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

• GMC Acadia Denali
• Body style / driveline: crossover SUV / front-engine; front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive
• Construction: body-frame integral
• Seats up to 8 people

Engine

• Type: 3.6L V-6 VVT DI
• Displacement (cu in / cc): 217 / 3564
• Bore & stroke (in / mm): 3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6
• Block material: Aluminum
• Cylinder head material: Aluminum
• Valvetrain: dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing
• Fuel delivery: direct injection
• 288-hp
• 17 / 24 mpg

Read More

2010 GMC ACADIA

Starting MSRP $31,740 – $42,185

The GMC Acadia was the first crossover for GMC.  The Acadia shares some design elements with the Yukon. The Acadia comes available with either front- or all-wheel drive and can seat seven or eight people.  There are no major changes for 2010.

The Acadia is the boxiest of GM's full-size crossovers and features a roofline that is tapered.  It comes standard with a rear spoiler.

The Acadia also features wide rear doors and a low step-in height. It measures 200.7 inches long and 78.2 inches wide.

• Standard LED taillights
• Polished aluminum roof rails
• Dual exhaust outlets with chrome tips
• 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels
• Available 19-inch machined aluminum or 20-inch chrome-clad wheels
• Optional xenon headlamps
• Optional two-panel power sunroof with tilt-sliding front and fixed rear, with sunshade

The Acadia features a two-tone interior with metal-finished trim accents on the vents, door handles and cupholders. With two captain's chairs in the second row maximum seating capacity is seven, but with a 60/40-split bench there's room for eight. The second- and third-row seats fold flat, and items can be stored beneath the rear cargo floor. The second row slides forward to increase legroom for third-row passengers, and it makes it easier to get to the third row.

There's 154.0 cubic feet of passenger space in the Acadia, and with the second and third rows folded, there's 116.9 cubic feet of cargo space. That eclipses the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9. The Acadia even has more cargo volume with the seats down than a Yukon. Cargo space shrinks to about 24 cubic feet with all the seats up.

• Standard remote keyless entry and cruise control
• Optional leather seats
• Optional ultrasonic parking assist and rearview camera
• Optional backseat entertainment system
• Optional navigation system
• Optional heated and cooled seats

The Acadia come standard with a 288-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 that makes 270 pounds-feet of torque and is has a 6-speed automatic transmission. Direct-injection technology improves efficiency.

• Power steering with variable assist reduces power assist at speed
• Available intelligent all-wheel drive manages torque split between the front and rear axles, putting more power to different axles as needed
• Linked "H" rear suspension design reduces noise and vibration in the cabin

The Acadia includes side curtain airbags are designed to pre-emptively engage if there is an imminent threat of a rollover and stay inflated longer during a rollover.

• Side-impact and side curtain airbags
• Electronic stability system and traction control
• Four-disc antilock brakes
• OnStar comes standard, including one free year of Safe and Sound service, which alerts authorities in the event of a collision

Read More

2010 GMC CANYON

MSRP $16,985 - $29,835

The 2010 GMC Canyon is a twin to the Chevrolet Colorado. The GMC versions are priced slightly higher than the Chevys, and that gets buyers more-contemporary styling and a refined interior. Mechanically, and in terms of feature availability, there are no differences between the two trucks. It's all in the appearance and perception. The Canyon returns with three cab styles and three trim levels: WT, SLE and SLT.

For businesses and contractors looking for a customized small work truck, the Canyon can be ordered in a chassis cab configuration that can be up-fitted by the dealer with panel van-style or "midbox" storage solutions.

There are only minor changes for the 2010 GMC Canyon. The 5.3-liter V-8 has been enhanced with variable valve timing for improved emissions and marginally better performance across its power band. Side curtain airbags are now standard. Three new exterior colors change things up for the Canyon's aging exterior.

The Canyon is saddled with an angular headlight brow, borrowed from the Colorado, that forces a more trapezoidal execution of the grille than do standard GMC truck front ends. Other GMC trucks, including the updated Sierra, have the more familiar rectangular-oval grille.

The Canyon still sports an athletic silhouette. Changes in recent years include additional body-colored moldings, bezels and surrounds to add a more sporty appearance to some trim levels.

• Z71 suspension has taller ride height than previous models
• New colors include Merlot Jewel Metallic, Gray Green Metallic and Pure Silver Metallic
• ZQ8 Sport Suspension Package now available on two-wheel-drive extended cab and crew cab SLE and SLT

The Canyon has a hint of cosmopolitan features inside, but the overall ambience suffers from a plastic hangover. All the gauges and controls are in the right place, and the truck shines in the utility and functionality categories. Wide, comfortable front seats fit nicely in the spacious cab, but the rear jump seats in the extended cab are for kids only.

• Available under-seat storage
• Leather seating in crew cab SLT
• Available moonroof in crew cab, extended cab
• Available sliding rear window

The engine:

• 185-horsepower, 2.9-liter inline-four-cylinder with aluminum block and cylinder head, dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder that makes 190 pounds-feet of torque
• 242-hp, 3.7-liter inline-five-cylinder with aluminum block and cylinder head and dual overhead camshafts that makes 242 pounds-feet of torque
• 300-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 with aluminum block and cylinder head and two valves per cylinder that makes 320 pounds-feet of torque; variable valve timing is new for 2010, primarily for improved emissions
• Five-speed manual (standard on four-cylinder models)
• Four-speed automatic (standard on inline-five-cylinder and V-8, optional on four-cylinder models)

GM has improved the Canyon's safety credentials by adding standard side curtain airbags. Stability and traction control are also standard. GM's electronic stability system uses electronic brake controls to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle in certain situations.

• Crash sensor sends GPS signal
• Front seat belt pretensioners

Of Interest to Truck Owners

• Maximum gross vehicle weight rating: 5,300 pounds (extended cab and crew cab), 5,500 pounds (5.3-liter and Z71 or Z85 4x4)
• Maximum payload capacity: 1,422 pounds (4x2 regular cab)
• Maximum towing capacity: 6,000 pounds (extended cab and crew cab V-8)
• Axle ratio: 3.73:1 (all five-speed manual, four- and five-cylinder engines); 3.42:1, 3.73:1, 4.10:1 (V-8)
• 4x2 minimum ground clearance: 7.7 inches (Z85), 6.6 inches (ZQ8), 11.4 inches (Z71)
• 4x4 minimum ground clearance: 10.2 inches (Z85), 11.4 inches (Z71)
• Cargo floor length: 72.8 inches (regular and extended cab), 61.1 inches (crew cab)
• Cargo floor width: 57.2 inches
• Cargo floor width at wheel well: 42.6 inches
• Cargo bed depth: 18.6 inches

Read More

2010 GMC SIERRA

GMC Sierra 1500 MSRP $20,850 - $46,435
GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid MSRP $38,710 - $48,190
GMC Sierra 2500/3500 MSRP $27,685 - $44,420

The GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado share the same platform.  The GMC considered a more upscale model. Mechanically, the trucks are the same except for a slight difference in curb weight and payload.  The same powertrain and chassis components are the same. There are five engines and five suspensions in the lineup.  It is offered as the Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500HD, Sierra 3500HD, Sierra Denali and Sierra Hybrid.

The 2010 GMC Sierra comes in regular, extended and crew cab forms. Cargo beds include the standard (6-foot, 6-inch) and long (8-foot).  They are available on the regular and extended cabs.  The crew cab has a short (5-foot, 9-inch) bed. All are available in 2- or 4-wheel drive. The Sierra comes in four trim levels: Work Truck, SL (crew cab only), SLE and SLT. Most V-8 models are rated to tow around 9,000 pounds, but some models get more than 10,000 pounds with an optional trailering package.

GM has dropped the long-running 6.0-liter V-8 engine from the Sierra lineup, leaving the powerful 6.2-liter V-8 for heavy towing needs. The rest of the Sierra's eight-cylinder lineup benefits from increased availability of its new six-speed transmission for regular and extended cab models equipped with the 5.3-liter V-8. Also, the 4.8-liter and 5.3-liter V-8 engines have been enhanced, with variable valve timing for improved emissions and better fuel economy.

Those with portable MP3 players can connect and play their music collections with the truck's audio system through a USB connection. Standard side curtain and side-impact airbags are welcome safety additions.

While GM tries to make a difference in the Silverado and Sierra, the similarity is hard to overcome.  The Sierra has different front fenders, grille, bumpers, headlamps, cargo box and taillamps.

• Very wide rear-door openings on extended cab models to load passengers, cargo
• Range of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels
• EZ Lift tailgate available

The Sierra showcases two different interior designs. Work Truck and SLE models are more utility-minded, with large controls and door handles that can be operated while wearing gloves. The SLT offers upgraded materials and a different dash design. The Sierra's cab is inviting, spacious and well-organized. Leather seating is available on the SLE and standard on the SLT. The SLT also gets a Bose stereo, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a heated windshield-washer system.

• Stadium-style rear seating
• Available power-sliding rear window
• Available moonroof
• Available navigation system on SLE and SLT
• Available rear-seat entertainment system
• Integrated trailer-brake control

Under the Hood

• 195-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6 with iron block and cylinder heads, cam-in-block, two valves per cylinder and 260 pounds-feet of torque
• 302-hp, 4.8-liter V-8 with iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, cam-in-block, two valves per cylinder and 305 pounds-feet of torque
• Flex-fuel 315-hp (gas) or 326-hp (E85), 5.3-liter V-8 with iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, cam-in-block, two valves per cylinder and 338 pounds-feet of torque (gas) or 350 pounds-feet of torque (E85)
• Flex-fuel 315-hp (gas) or 326-hp (E85), 5.3-liter V-8 with aluminum block and cylinder heads, cam-in-block, two valves per cylinder and 338 pounds-feet of torque (gas) or 350 pounds-feet of torque (E85)
• Flex-fuel 403-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 with aluminum block/cylinder heads, cam-in-block and two valves per cylinder that makes 417 pounds-feet of torque
• 4-speed automatic
• 6-speed automatic

GM is aggressive in promoting the benefits of OnStar 8.0. New-truck buyers get a one-year subscription to the Safe and Sound Plan, after which owners can subscribe annually. If an airbag deploys, OnStar contacts an adviser and can report crash data to emergency services. The Sierra offers roof-mounted side curtain airbags as standard equipment on all trim levels. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags are also standard. An electronic stability system is now standard on all Sierra models.

• Available ultrasonic rear parking assist
• Traction control
• Four-wheel antilock brakes
• Seat belt pretensioners activate in rear-end impacts

Of Interest to Truck Owners

• Maximum gross vehicle weight rating: 7,000 pounds (4x4 crew cab, extended cab)
• Maximum payload capacity: 1,924 pounds (4x2 crew cab short box)
• Maximum towing capacity: 10,700 pounds (4x2 extended cab with enhanced trailer package, 6.2-liter V-8 and 3.73 rear axle)
• Fuel tank capacity: 26 gallons (SWB), 34 gallons (LWB)
• Axle ratio: 3.08:1, 3.23:1, 3.42:1, 3.73:1
• Minimum ground clearance: 8.4 inches (regular cab 4x2 SWB), 9.1 inches (regular cab 4x4 SWB), 8.9 inches (regular cab 4x2 LWB, extended cab 4x2 SWB), 9.5 inches (regular cab 4x4 LWB), 9 inches (extended cab 4x4 SWB, extended cab 4x2 LWB, crew cab), 9.3 inches (extended cab 4x4 LWB)
• Approach angle: 15.6 degrees (regular cab 4x4 SWB), 15.8 degrees (extended cab 4x4 SWB), 15.5 degrees (crew cab 4x4)
• Departure angle: 24.2 degrees (regular cab 4x4 SWB), 22 degrees (extended cab 4x4 SWB), 23.1 degrees (crew cab 4x4)
• Ramp breakover: 24.4 degrees (regular cab 4x4 SWB), 17.8 degrees (extended cab 4x4 SWB), 19.6 degrees (crew cab 4x4)
• Cargo-bed load height: 35.4 inches (regular cab 4x2 SWB), 34.5 inches (regular cab 4x4 LWB), 34.4 inches (extended cab 4x2 SWB), 33.6 inches (extended cab 4x4 LWB), 33.5 inches (crew cab 4x2), 33.8 inches (crew cab 4x4)
• Cargo floor length: 69.3 inches (short bed), 78.8 inches (standard bed), 97.7 inches (long bed)
• Cargo floor width: 62.4 inches
• Cargo floor width at wheel well: 50.6 inches
• Cargo bed depth: 21 inches

Read More

2010 GMC SIERRA 2500HD/3500HD

While mechanically identical to the Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty models, GMC positions the Sierra 2500HD/3500HD to appeal to a more upscale customer. There's a little more flash on the outside and a little more elegance on the inside. But the real selling point for the Sierra is the same as the Silverado: the combination of a Duramax diesel and Allison six-speed automatic transmission.

Trims for the Sierra 2500 heavy-duty trucks include Work Truck, SLE and SLT. All HD trucks can be ordered in two- or four-wheel drive. The standard powertrain is a 6.0-liter gas engine and six-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, while the diesel is optional. GM says the 2500HD and 3500HD can tow up to 13,000 pounds with the diesel engine and a conventional hitch. The maximum towing capacity with a fifth-wheel hitch is 16,700 pounds; payload varies between 2,331 pounds and 5,309 pounds, depending on the model.

There are no significant changes for 2010.

The Sierra heavy-duty trucks are visually distinct from their Chevy cousins and Sierra 1500 models. The grille opening is more pronounced, and the headlamps and hood are different. Even the dually has integrated, hydroformed steel fenders. Fog lamps on the SLT models are set into the bumper for an upscale appearance.

Exterior features include:

• Available moonroof on extended and crew cabs
• Available EZ Lift tailgate
• Tow mirrors available
• Side, roof markers on dually models

The GMC interior themes found on the Sierra 1500 carry over to the heavy-duty models. The Work Truck and SLE trims feature more work details, while the SLT is more luxurious. The most obvious difference is the dash design. The Work Truck has a double glove box and the SLT has a single glove box. The Work Truck has armrest storage built into the 40/20/40-split bench seat, and there's also a lockable storage bin large enough for a laptop under the center-seat section. GMC offers a wide range of audio options with a Bose sound system available in premium models.

• Available rear-seat DVD player
• Power-adjustable foot pedals
• Available power rear window on extended and crew cabs
• Stadium-style seating in second row

The Sierra's engine:

• 360-horsepower, 6.0-liter V-8, with iron block and aluminum cylinder head, cam-in-block, two valves per cylinder, making 380 pounds-feet of peak torque mated to a six-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission
• 365-hp, 6.6-liter V-8 diesel, with iron block and aluminum cylinder head, cam-in-block, four valves per cylinder, making 660 pounds-feet of peak torque mated to a six-speed Allison automatic transmission

GM's electronic stability control system, StabiliTrak, is available on select 2500HD models. Side-impact and side curtain airbags are not available. Other safety features include:

• Dual front airbags standard
• Ultrasonic rear parking assist available
• Four-wheel antilock brakes

Read More

2010 GMC TERRAIN

MSRP $24,250 - $31,300

The 2010 GMC Terrain is all-new for 2010.  It is the twin to the Chevrolet Equinox. It is a 5-seat crossover that comes in front- or all-wheel drive with either a 4-cylinder or V-6. With front-wheel drive and the 4-cylinder, highway gas mileage is expected to be 30 mpg.

Trim levels include the base SLE and SLT. The crossover Terrain features a four-wheel-independent suspension and car-based frame.  This improves ride comfort and fuel efficiency over off-road capabilities and towing.

The crossover has oversized fenders and bumper cladding which the Chevy Equinox does not. The windshield is the only common exterior part.

A backup camera is standard, and a power liftgate is optional.

17-inch alloy wheels are standard with the four-cylinder engine and 18-inch alloys on the V-6 models with 19-inch wheels as an option.

An upward-tilted panel houses the air-conditioning and stereo controls. The dashboard features angular styling and two-tone plastics. Standard equipment includes keyless entry, power height adjustment for the driver's seat, and a 6-speaker stereo with a USB port for MP3 players. An 8-way power driver's seat, heated leather upholstery, a moonroof and a navigation system are optional.

The Terrain's second-row seat adjusts fore and aft. There's a plastic floor panel behind the seat that can be folded down to create a gap-free cargo floor. With the second row down, maximum cargo volume totals 63.9 cubic feet.

Both the 4-cylinder and the V-6 employ direct-injection technology. The four-cylinder displaces 2.4 liters and makes 182 horsepower; the V-6 displaces 3.0 liters and makes 264 hp. An "Eco" mode, activated by a dashboard button, alters drivetrain calibrations in the 4-cylinder to maximize fuel efficiency. GM says Eco mode helps the Terrain achieve its highway mileage figures.

When properly equipped, maximum towing capacity with the four-cylinder is 1,500 pounds. With the V-6, it rises to 3,500 pounds.

Six airbags, including side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows, are standard. So are four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system.

Read More

2010 GMC YUKON

MSRP $38,020 - $55,995

The 2010 GMC Yukon is the middle child among GM's full-size SUVs. Based on price and equipment, the Yukon sits squarely between the Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade. Four-wheel drive is available on the Yukon, as are seating configurations for up to nine occupants. 
All versions of the 2010 Yukon can now run on E85.

The Yukon has a one-piece grille and taller headlights than its sister Tahoe, with jewel-like bezels and a wider, lower air dam. The rest of the body features blocky fenders, long rear-quarter windows and a squared-off back end. The Yukon is also available in a higher-end Denali trim level. Denali models come with 20-inch wheels, chrome exterior moldings and a power-operated rear liftgate. At 202 inches long and 79 inches wide, the Yukon is a bit shorter than the Expedition and Sequoia but about the same width.

Exterior features include:

• Integrated running boards
• Standard 17-inch aluminum wheels
• Standard heated power side mirrors
• Optional 20-inch wheels
• Chrome grille (Denali edition)
• Optional articulating running boards

The Yukon's dashboard has the same shape as its redesigned GM siblings. That's good news because the domed instrument panel, car-like dashboard and flush-mounted buttons are a vast improvement on the rectangular fixtures of previous Yukons.

This SUV has the ability to seat up to nine occupants when benches are placed in all three rows. Uplevel models replace first- and second-row benches with captain's chairs, lowering total seating capacity to seven. The second-row seats fold forward, either manually or via an available power mechanism. The third row is removable, but it doesn't fold flat to the floor as some competitors' seats do. Third-row seating is standard on all models.

With both rows stashed away, maximum cargo volume is 108.9 cubic feet, which is roughly the same as the Expedition but less than the Sequoia.

• Standard leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls
• Standard XM Satellite Radio with real-time traffic and route advisements
• Available cloth, vinyl or leather-appointed seats
• Optional power fold-and-tumble second row
• Available integrated rear camera in rearview mirror
• Available heated/cooled seats (Denali models)

The Yukon can be had with either rear- or four-wheel drive. The Yukon Denali can have an all-wheel-drive system that's distinct from the available part-time four-wheel drive on the regular Yukon.

When properly equipped, the Yukon can tow up to 8,500 pounds. The XFE boasts an EPA-estimated 15/21 mpg city/highway.

Powertrain features include:

• Flex-fuel 320-horsepower, 5.3-liter V-8 with 335 pounds-feet of torque (350 pounds-feet when running on E85) and an available cylinder-deactivation system
• Flex-fuel 403-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 with 417 pounds-feet of torque
• Six-speed automatic transmission
• Fuel-saving 3.08:1 axle ratio
• Optional variable load-leveling suspension
• Power rack-and-pinion steering

Safety options include a blind spot warning system, rear parking assist and a rearview camera system integrated into the rearview mirror.

Standard safety features include:

• Side curtain airbags with rollover sensor
• Side-mounted thorax airbags
• Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
• Electronic stability system with traction control

Read More

2010 GMC YUKON HYBRID

MSRP $51,185 - $61,345

Though gas mileage ratings for GM's full-size SUVs are impressive among their competitive set, they aren't likely to bring smiles to anyone at the pump; their combined ratings still linger in the teens. The 2010 Yukon Hybrid changes that, to a degree. Along with its twin, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, it promises an improvement in overall gas mileage. The Yukon Hybrid is only available with a short wheelbase and in two trim levels, but it can come with either rear- or four-wheel drive. It seats eight.

There is a new, up-level Denali trim available for the Yukon Hybrid.

GM says the Yukon Hybrid's exterior changes versus the gas-powered Yukon are intended to make the SUV more aerodynamic.

A modified bumper drops the regular Yukon's fog lights for some chunky bodywork and two small portals. The grille has horizontal slats instead of the previous single-piece design. The SUV also includes lower side cladding. Exterior dimensions come in at 202 inches long and 79 inches wide — the same as the short-wheelbase GMC Yukon.

• 18-inch wheels standard
• 22-inch wheels on Denali
• Assist steps
• Heated power mirrors (auto-dimming on driver's side)
• Low-rolling-resistance tires to reduce road noise
• LED rear taillamps and extended rear spoiler

The fully equipped Denali adds luxurious features to the hybrid model, including 12-way power-adjustable cooled leather front seats (Denali and base models both have heated seats). Optional items include a sunroof, a rear DVD player and a blind spot warning system. Three rows of seats are standard, with seating for eight. Cargo volume with all rows up measures 16.9 cubic feet. With the second row folded and third taken out, there's 108.9 cubic feet available, which is the same as the regular Yukon and comparable with other full-size SUVs. Along with the hybrid's higher price, many luxury amenities are standard.

Standard interior features include:

• Automatic climate control, tri-zone air conditioning
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls
• Leather seats
• Bose audio system
• Navigation with hybrid power-flow display and rearview backup camera

The Yukon Hybrid uses a two-mode hybrid system. The system augments the SUV's V-8 engine with two electric motors, both powered by a 300-volt battery pack. One of the motors operates the Yukon Hybrid in city driving, and the other works for highway cruising. A cylinder-deactivation system cuts power to four of the eight cylinders during low-stress situations, such as downhill coasting, and braking friction is used to recharge the battery.

GM says the Yukon Hybrid achieves 50 percent better gas mileage than the conventional Yukon. The Yukon Hybrid manages up to 21 mpg in city driving. When properly equipped, the rear-wheel-drive Yukon Hybrid will tow 6,200 pounds.

Powertrain features include:

• 332-horspower, 6.0-liter V-8 with cylinder deactivation, generating 367 pounds-feet of torque
• Two-mode continuous electric ratio hybrid transmission with four fixed gears
• Rear- or four-wheel drive
• Electrically driven variable-assist power steering
• Additional engine-intake induction tuning reduces interior noise
• Electrically driven air conditioning cools cabin even with the engine off

Standard safety features include:

• Dual-stage front airbags with passenger-sensing system
• Side curtain airbags with rollover sensor
• Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
• Electronic stability control with traction control
• Standard OnStar with one year subscription to Directions & Connections plan, which provides voice-guided directions, automatic crash response and Bluetooth hands-free calling

Read More