What We Think
GM is putting its two-mode hybrid into three top-selling SUVs, figuring that there will always be consumers who need a vehicle that seats seven and has decent towing capacity, but would like better fuel economy for everyday driving. Putting the two-mode system in models that are already popular with consumers makes the most sense. For GM, it gets to show better economy ahead of the likelihood that light trucks will need to meet a target under the upcoming changes to CAFÉ regulations, and plays off the company’s strength in light trucks with a hybrid that gives up very little utility to attain fuel efficiency.