The Hybrid Hustle: Checking Out the New Subaru Forester and GMC Yukon
Electric cars are all the rage, right? But honestly, it’s the hybrid scene that’s *really* exploding. Look at Toyota in Australia – their whole passenger car lineup is hybrid now! That tells you something about petrol-electric powertrains. So, what's happening with other brands? I recently got a chance to check out two very different SUVs – the all-new Subaru Forester Hybrid and the seriously beefy GMC Yukon – to get a feel for where things stand.
2026 Subaru Forester: Hybrid Redemption?
Subaru’s been a bit slow on the hybrid uptake. Their previous Forester and XV hybrids? Let's just say they didn't exactly set the world on fire. But this sixth-generation Forester aims to change all that. I got an exclusive sneak peek at some pre-production models, both on the road and off-road.
First Impressions: It’s definitely a Subaru Forester, only… beefier. They've widened the arches and raised the ride height, but it still feels like a mid-size SUV. The wheelbase and length are almost identical to the previous model.
What's the Deal? Expect four trims: AWD, Premium, Sport, and Touring. And rumour has it, a Wilderness trim's coming in 2026.
It's built on an updated Subaru Global Platform, which boasts a 10% boost in torsional rigidity. The suspension's been tweaked too. Inside, there's a massive 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen that controls everything from the AC to the safety systems (including ventilated seats on the Touring trim – fancy!). The Sport and Touring trims even get a 12.3-inch digital driver's display.
The interior? Typical Subaru – some nice bits, but also some… less nice bits. Think coarser plastics and a few scratchy surfaces. Remember, these were pre-production models, so things might change by the time they hit showrooms. Plenty of rear-seat space and a big, flat boot are definite pluses. The downside? No full-sized spare tire on the hybrid.
On the Road: The petrol version, with its 2.5L flat-four engine (expect similar power to the previous model's 136kW and 239Nm), is…fine. Nothing spectacular. The CVT's improved, though. Low-end acceleration is better, and highway cruising is smoother. The steering feels heavier and more responsive than before. The hybrid, with its special suspension tuning, handles corners more confidently.
The hybrid system itself is a power-splitting setup, unlike most rivals like the RAV4. Both electric motors are positioned before the output shaft, sending power to all four wheels via Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Sounds great for off-roading, right? Fuel economy might be a sticking point, though. Subaru Australia’s promising over 1000km range, but official numbers aren't out yet. My guess? Better than 6.0L/100km (NEDC). Off-road, it was impressive – the electric motor's low-RPM torque made even tricky climbs easy.
Overall: I'm pretty optimistic! The hybrid system is a big leap from the previous generation, even if it might not beat the competition on fuel economy. Pricing and real-world fuel efficiency will be key.
2025 GMC Yukon Denali: American Muscle Down Under
GMC – the name conjures up images of massive American SUVs. They've just arrived in Australia with the Yukon Denali, a luxury SUV converted for right-hand drive. That's a pretty bold move, aiming straight for the premium SUV market.
So, What's GMC? For ages, GMC was basically a rebadged Chevrolet. But they've carved out their own identity now, with unique styling and features.
The Price Tag and What You Get: $174,990 before on-road costs. That's a hefty chunk of change, but it undercuts a Cadillac Escalade and includes things like Magnetic Ride Control, air suspension, a 6.2-litre V8 (313kW/624Nm), and a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Inside: It looks modern and stylish, but some materials feel a bit…cheap for the price. The large infotainment screen, digital instrument cluster, and head-up display are nice touches, but there's no satellite navigation – seriously? Three rows of seats, but the boot space is smaller than the Yukon XL. It does have a 3480L capacity with all seats folded. Towing capacity is impressive – 3628kg.
It drives surprisingly well. The air suspension and Magnetic Ride Control make for a smooth ride. Steering is heavy but accurate. Safety features are comprehensive, but it hasn't been ANCAP tested yet. The warranty? Three years – shorter than most competitors.
Final Thoughts: The Yukon Denali is a unique mix of American muscle and luxury. But for that price, you’d expect top-notch materials and better after-sales support. The lack of sat-nav and that short warranty are serious downsides.
The Verdict
The new Subaru Forester Hybrid and the GMC Yukon Denali are totally different beasts. Subaru's offering refinement, practicality, all-wheel drive, and a reasonably accessible hybrid. GMC is going for luxury, power, and towing capacity, but at a premium price with some drawbacks. The best choice really depends on what you're after.
