2008 GMC Yukon

The 2008 GMC Yukon made headlines with General Motors' announcement that the beefy full-size SUV would be available for the first time in a hybrid version. That two-mode hybrid-drive model will ship to dealers late in 2007; it's touted as offering a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency, as well as reduced hydrocarbon emissions.

Apart from that innovation, the '08 Yukon continues basically unchanged from the 2007 version. And why should GM tinker with a good thing? The 2007 design overhaul, with its stiffer frame, nimbler steering, and more responsive suspension, struck a chord with buyers. If you want a great big wagon, but don't want to have to wrestle it around turns, the 2008 Yukon may be for you. Its power steering has drawn raves from reviewers and drivers alike.

And the '08 Yukon certainly packs a lot of muscle. With a top towing capacity of 7,700 pounds (with optional equipment) and seating for up to nine adults, this is a lot of truck.  

GMC offers the 2008 Yukon in four trim levels: The SLE1, with a 4.8-liter, 290-horsepower V8 engine, and the SLE2, with 320 horses under the hood, are comfortably equipped; the SLT1 adds a number of luxury touches to its 320 horsepower and 340 lb.-ft. of torque; and the SLT2 is tricked out with all the bells and whistles imaginable.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the 2008 Yukon is on par with the other vehicles in its class: 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway are the EPA's estimates. The Yukon is available right now in E85 ethanol Flex-Fuel configurations, and we'll see how well the hybrid versions perform later this year.