The popularity of the 2010 GMC Yukon proves that the age of the elephantine full-size SUV isn’t over yet. Yet GM is hedging its bets anyhow by offering this beast in a hybrid edition. Three trim levels grace the Yukon lineup, the base SLE, SLT, and Hybrid. Each is available with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or part-time, on-demand four-wheel drive (4WD), and all boast five doors, three rows of seating, and 109 cubic feet of cargo area with the second row folded and third row removed. Except for a slimmed-down trim lineup, standard 5.3-liter V8, and standard front side-mounted airbags, this full-size Sport Ute is unchanged from 2009. Additionally, the Yukon’s cabin is a veritable monument to comfort, convenience, and technological utility, while its drivetrains are universally regarded as smooth and potent. All this, however, comes at a price, thus potential buyers ought to be aware that the Yukon is not an inexpensive vehicle. This Ute’s major competition, however, consists of the Nissan Armada, Toyota Sequoia, and Ford’s Expedition, none of which is particularly inexpensive either.

New for 2010, a standard 5.3-liter variable-valve-timed E85-capable Flex Fuel V8 engine powers the 2010 Yukon SLE and SLT trims. Accompanying this hefty V8 is a six-speed auto-manual transmission that allows 320 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque, good enough to haul 8,400 pounds of trailer. The EPA estimates a wallet-wincing 15/21 mpg, even with cylinder deactivation at highway speeds, and deceleration fuel shutoff. The 2010 Yukon Hybrid, meantime, relies on a gas-powered 6.0-liter Flex-Fuel hybrid V8 engine, 120-kilowatt electric motor, and four-speed automatic transmission to put out 332 hp and 367 lb-ft of torque at an EPA-estimated 21/22 mpg. The Hybrid is capable of 25 mph on electric power alone, with regenerative braking and the gas-fired V8 providing charging power for the nickel-metal hydride battery. Towing power for the Hybrid is, however, reduced to 6,200 pounds for the RWD version, and 6,000 pounds for the 4WD trim. Those Yukons with 4WD feature auto-locking hubs, electronic hi-lo gear selection, and a locking rear differential as standard equipment.

In keeping with its titanic status, the 2010 Yukon is ably equipped with standard appearance, comfort, and appearance features. The base SLE features 17-inch alloy wheels, trailer hitch and wiring, trip computer, roof rack, premium cloth upholstery, power accessories, including heated outside mirrors, wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, front and overhead consoles, tilt-wheel steering, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a single-CD player with four speakers and satellite radio, and a USB connection. The SLT adds step running boards, premium leather upholstery, six-way power front seats, remote engine start, rearview camera, universal remote garage door opener, tri-zone climate control, nine Bose premium speakers, and OnStar voice-activated navigation. Finally, the Yukon Hybrid features standard Bluetooth hands-free phone technology and a DVD-based navigation system.

All the SLT’s additional standard features are available with the SLE, including 20-inch and 22-inch chrome-clad wheels, while such stand-alone options as a power sunroof, heavy-duty trailer-towing package, and rear-seat DVD entertainment are offered across the lineup. Additionally, a Skid Plate Package, as well as an Off-Road Suspension Package is offered for the Yukon SLT trim level, making for a more-than-capable off-road vehicle.

Safety-wise, the 2010 Yukon lineup is equipped with four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, newly standard dual front side-mounted airbags, three-row head airbags, daytime running lights, dusk-sensing headlights, and the OnStar post-collision safety system. A remote anti-theft alarm system, front fog/driving lights, and rear-parking sensors are optional safety features on all trims.

Many folks who own the 2009 Yukon cite depressing gas mileage, even with the Hybrid, among their pet peeves, though most understand that these are big vehicles with correspondingly hungry V8 engines. Cramped third-row seating challenges some taller owners, while the necessity of removing these bulky seats for added cargo space peeves virtually all owners. Finally, owners are a tad put out by the Yukon’s lofty base price, especially for the Hybrid trim. Most complaints, however, are overlooked as owners laud such features as looks, handling, numerous amenities, roominess, performance, acceleration, trailer-towing capability, and safety, all part of this big Jimmy’s standard package.