Upmarket Suburban Alternative

It’s not a secret that the Yukon and the Yukon XL are built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. However, it’s the unique style and luxury additions that set the GMC SUVs apart. The shared platform is a solid one with two V8 engines to choose from. The Yukon also offers the option of an efficient and torquey diesel engine that makes an impressive 27 MPG on the highway.

The Yukon models now feature an independent rear suspension that further improves the ride and handling. The cabin includes three rows of seats for up to eight people, plus tons of space for cargo and other items. Even though the base Yukon is relatively upmarket, the Denali and Denali Ultimate trims are where real luxury can be found.

A Bevy of New 2025 Features in the Yukon Denali

When you visit GMC truck dealers to see the new 2025 GMC Yukon, you’ll find out that there are a ton of new features on the big SUV. Styling updates include a new front fascia, grille, and headlight design. The front and rear lights on the Yukon can now play animation as well. The Denali Ultimate gets 24-inch wheels as standard, while they can be had as optional on the regular Denali.

You can now get second-row executive seating in the Denali Ultimate, plus a Bose audio system with 22 speakers. A newly available tech feature is night vision with thermal object detection. The only powertrain update is more power for the Duramax 3.0-liter diesel. The Denali is positioned in the middle of the lineup with the AT4 Ultimate and Denali Ultimate above it.

Performance For Every Need

There isn’t an EV option for the Yukon as yet, but the standard engine on the Denali and Denali Ultimate trims is a 6.2-liter V8 that makes 420 horsepower but is also quite thirsty for fuel. The good news is that all models, including the Denali models, can be equipped with the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel. This engine makes a respectable 305 horsepower and a strong 495 pound-feet of torque. It’s also quite a bit more efficient than any of the gas V8 choices.

Among all the things it does well, the 2025 GMC Yukon Denali is great for towing. With the 6.2-liter V8 or Duramax diesel, you can tow up to 8,200 pounds. The diesel engine delivers more torque at lower rpm, making it the ideal towing choice. The Yukon also offers several trailering aids, including a jackknife alert and Transparent Trailer View.

The Yukon Denali Offers the Ultimate Comfort

As you might expect, the Yukon Denali offers a plush and luxurious interior filled with modern tech. Some of the unique touches include open-pore wood trim and chrome accents. Connectivity options include wireless Apple/Android integration and Google built-in. You don’t have to ride up front to be pampered, either. The rear rows come with plenty of creature comforts as well, including the option for second-row captain’s chairs.

If you need a big SUV to do it all, the 2025 GMC Yukon Denali fits the bill in every way.

The post 2025 GMC Yukon Denali: The Ultimate Luxury SUV with Power and Prestige first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

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Sales of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and E-Transit vans have all been on the rise. What’s driving the shift in consumer buying patterns?

Earlier this year, Ford announced plans to scale back the adoption of hybrid and EV tech due to a lack of customer demand. In May, the Ford Mustang Mach-E alone sold 18,737 models. Let’s look at what could be behind this welcome change in buyer behaviors.

The Situation in April

To fully appreciate the significance of this shift in buying patterns, you’ll need a better idea of where they stood in prior months. In April, Ford announced that its EV division lost $1.32 billion on vehicles wholesaled in the first quarter. That’s a significant loss, even for an automotive giant.

In the same month, Ford opened orders for the 2024 F-150 Lightning. It features a “Flash” trim that designers believe hits a sweet spot with consumers thanks to its extended-range battery, extra tech, and popular features.

The new model falls between the XLT and the Lariat. All three of these lower trim levels got price cuts earlier this year. The XLT now costs $2,000 less, the Flash is priced at $5,500 less than anticipated, and the Lariat saw a discount of $2,500.

May Brought a Huge Jump in Sales

In May, electric vehicle sales climbed 64.7%. The Ford Mustang Mach-E was the top-selling EV, accounting for 4,255 of the models sold. That’s up 46% from May 2023. Sales growth for the F-150 Lightning was even higher at 91% year-over-year. Ford sold 3,260 models.

Demand for the automaker’s E-Transit electric commercial van has been slightly lower, but it’s up 77% from last May when 1,450 vans were sold. Ford’s overall EV sales growth outpaced its hybrid and internal combustion engine growth numbers.

Why the Change?

The sudden jump in Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and EV-Transit sales has caught some people off guard. However, it makes sense when considered in the bigger picture.

Part of consumers’ motivation is almost certainly taking advantage of the lower prices and other incentives announced earlier this year. The Ford Mustang Mach-E also saw serious price cuts, with the automaker offering a new 0% APR offer after slashing prices by up to $8,100.

It’s not all about lower prices at the dealership. Ford has also begun a partnership with Tesla, allowing EV owners to use the competitor’s upgraded Superchargers via an adapter. The adapters are free.

Is Now the Time to Buy a Ford Mustang Mach-E?

Now may be the perfect time to invest in a Ford Mustang Mach-E or F-150 Lightning. These EVs are increasing in popularity, and prices may not remain as low forever if demand continues to surge.

Ford has yet to announce further changes to its earlier statement that it was shifting course to focus on hybridizing its existing lineup rather than producing new BEVs.

Drivers who take a wait-and-see approach may be left paying higher prices or settling for models they don’t love.

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GMC offers the Hummer EV in both SUV and pickup versions and delivers several versions with various powertrain systems. This massive beast is capable, opulent, and carries the Hummer name proudly while being completely different from the H2s and H3s of old. Using a massive battery pack, this GMC can travel for up to 381 miles on a single full charge.

Here are some things you’ll want to know about the GMC Hummer EV.

This is a massive beast

The battery pack in the Hummer EV models weighs as much as a Honda Civic. This massive battery tips the scales at nearly 3,000 pounds, but that’s not even half the weight of this big vehicle. The heaviest version of this GMC is the pickup truck model at the Edition 1 trim, which comes in at 9,640 pounds. The SUV version is a little lighter at 8,900 pounds. That means the Hummer EV could be a Class 3 medium-duty truck based on this curb weight.

Incredible size and road presence

The GMC Hummer EV is extremely wide, which gives it the road presence that you’ll see with this big vehicle. The Hummer name has always been associated with massive vehicles, some of which were too massive for their own good. The new electric versions of these vehicles are the new definition of excess. Still, the Hummer EV isn’t larger than every gas-powered SUV or truck in the market, but it’s pretty darn close.

The Hummer EV proves what an EV can do

This massive electric truck and SUV pair aren’t made to be extremely eco-friendly and green, but they only use electricity to power the motors. Instead of being one of the greenest vehicles in the world, this massive GMC is more of a showcase vehicle than anything else. It shows off what EVs can do by using one of the largest battery packs in the market and offering drivers several amazing features that make it more fun to drive and enjoy. This show-stopper is a lot of fun to see on and off the road.

This EV is inefficient

Yes, the GMC Hummer EV is a fully electric vehicle, but that doesn’t make it efficient. It takes a lot more electricity to charge the batteries in this EV than three smaller models. The batteries are massive at 246.8-kWh, which is more than three 82-kWh batteries for the Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD. The driving range is impressive, but that doesn’t make the Hummer EV efficient. Still, this massive EV is something to admire, and it can handle nearly every situation.

This massive EV has some really cool features

GMC didn’t simply build a massive version of the Yukon and give it a retired name. Instead, they gave this amazing EV lots of great features. The Hummer EV has several surprises in store for drivers. Here are a few of them:

Watts to Freedom

The Watts to Freedom feature is the launch control system that allows this massive EV to use all of its power at once during a rocket-fast acceleration from 0 to 60 mph. This big SUV can hit this market in 3.5 seconds or less, which makes it faster than some sports cars.

CrabWalk

GMC created the Hummer EV to be an incredible off-road vehicle. The addition of the CrabWalk feature makes it much easier to travel at angles around various obstacles on the trails. This feature turns the rear wheels to allow the vehicle to drive at angles to move around obstacles on the trails.

Extract Mode

Some vehicles are built to be high off the ground, and this big GMC electric vehicle is one of them. Of course, some obstacles still might be too big for the Hummer EV at its normal height. The Extract Mode allows the driver to raise the height by six inches using the air suspension, which allows this massive vehicle to travel over taller obstacles in its path.

Extreme Off-Road Package

Adding the Extreme Off-Road Package to this big vehicle gives it more capability on the trails, which ensures it can tackle most of the terrain it might face. This package has 18-inch wheels, 35-inch mud terrain tires, a front e-locker, rear virtual locker, five skid plates, and rock sliders with built-in steps.

The GMC Hummer EV is an incredible electric vehicle, built to be the excessive vehicle that shows what EVs can do.

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Hybrid SUVs are becoming increasingly popular, combining the versatility of an SUV with the fuel efficiency of a hybrid powertrain. As new models fill our local dealerships, we can look forward to a host of new hybrid SUVs.

2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid is the king of the compact crossover market, offering a smooth ride, advanced tech features, and excellent storage space. It has a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine delivering 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. It also features a three-mode drive system (ECON/Sport/EV) to help you save fuel or crank up the power.

The 2024 CR-V Hybrid balances performance and efficiency, making it one of the most exciting hybrid SUVs on the market.

2024 BMW X5 Hybrid

The 2024 BMW X5 is a luxury SUV that stands out with its blend of performance and refinement. It has a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine that produces 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, paired with an electric motor that adds even more power. Those who want an SUV with more eco-friendliness can opt for the plug-in hybrid powertrain that allows it to travel up to 30 miles on electric power alone.

This BMW also features a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display. The X5 Hybrid is perfect for green luxury.

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is a larger version of the popular Highlander SUV. This big brother of the Highlander offers more space and comfort for passengers and cargo. It has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors for extra oomph. This rig’s hybrid system delivers up to 36 mpg combined.

You’ll love the 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital rearview mirror, and a JBL sound system. The Grand Highlander Hybrid brings Toyota comfort to a larger package.

Hybrid SUVs Offer the Best of Both Worlds

With their blend of efficiency, performance, comfort, and versatility, hybrid SUVs like the Honda CR-V Hybrid, BMW X5 Hybrid, and Toyota Grand Highlander are compelling choices in the market today. As automakers continue to expand and improve their hybrid SUV offerings, this segment is poised for even more growth in 2024 and beyond.

Drivers interested in an SUV with excellent fuel economy would be wise to consider one of these exceptional hybrid models. Stop by your local auto dealerships and explore these fantastic rides for yourself today.

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2023 Tesla Model 3: The most affordable Tesla

The Tesla Model 3 is the cheapest model from this brand, offering competitive pricing across the range. The Model 3 is a Top Safety Pick+ winner from the IIHS and earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA. This safe and impressive electric car is eligible for the Federal EV Tax Credit, reducing the price by up to $7,500 for qualifying owners. The price range for the Model 3 is $40,240 to $53,240 covering three trims. You’ll find a lean and sparse interior when you step inside the Tesla Model 3. This small Tesla has a large touchscreen in the center of the dashboard to handle most of the controls required in the cheapest Tesla car. The Model 3 is the cheapest Tesla car, and it has up to 358 miles of driving on a full charge in the Long Range model. Both the Long Range and Performance models include AWD to send power to all four wheels for better traction and stability. The Model 3 is where affordability meets practicality in the EV world.

2023 Tesla Model Y: Could this small Tesla EV be right for you?

The Tesla Model Y is second on the list of the longest-range electric SUVs ranked by Kelley Blue Book. The Model 3 and Model Y share a platform, allowing the Model Y to be a small and useful electric SUV. The shared platform ensures that the Model Y achieves the same safety ratings as its sibling, hitting top marks with the IIHS and NHTSA. The Tesla Model starts at $47,490 and goes up to $54,490 across three trim levels. Surprisingly, the Tesla Model Y offers three rows of seats, despite its small footprint. Legroom in the third row is tight, but this area is still useful for small children or short drives across town. The second row brings up to 41.8 inches of legroom, making passengers comfortable. The second and third rows fold flat to open up 72.1 cubic feet of space behind the front seats in the 5-seat models, while 7-seat versions have 67.9 cubic feet of cargo room.

2023 Tesla Model S: Long-range luxury electric car dominance

The 2023 Tesla Model S isn’t the cheapest Tesla car, but the pricing fits in the luxury electric vehicle class. Only the Lucid Air brings a longer driving range than the Model S, which includes a maximum of 405 miles of EV driving on a single full charge. Only two versions of the Model S exist, the Standard, which starts at $88,490, and the high-performance Plaid model, which costs $108,490. When a performance EV is on the menu, the Tesla Model S Plaid is extremely quick, rocketing you to 60 mph in only 2.0 seconds, which is staggeringly fast. The Model S has interesting qualities, including the option of a regular steering wheel over the new Tesla yoke-style system. When you want a luxury EV with the highest level of tech, the Model S is what you’ll want to drive.

2023 Tesla Model X: Fast and futuristic Tesla fun

Although far from the cheapest Tesla model, the Model X is an impressive luxury electric SUV that captures the hearts and minds of those in its presence. The Model X brings luxurious comfort and a minimalistic cabin with three rows of comfortable seats to be a fantastic family SUV. The Tesla Model X, similar to the Model S, has two trims. The Standard trim starts at $98,490, while the Plaid trim costs $108,490. In addition to the luxury qualities, the Tesla Model X is the longest-range electric SUV on the road today, with up to 348 miles of electric driving range on a single charge. This Tesla SUV, along with the other models, can recharge at any of the many Tesla Supercharging stations located throughout the country. Although the price of the Tesla Model X isn’t low, it could be worth every penny you spend on it. Currently, these four Tesla models make up the entire vehicle lineup. The new Tesla Cybertruck is on the way, which will give this electric car brand five great EV models to choose from.

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