Sky-high gas prices have already motivated all those people who didn’t really need to drive a big honkin’ SUV in the first place to trade their gas guzzlers for more environmentally-sound forms of transportation. But what about the handful of folks who actually do need a full-size sport-ute to, say, tow a good-sized trailer or get eight passengers between Points A and B? If that sounds like you, allow us to suggest Chevrolet’s new Tahoe Hybrid.
Hard as it may seem to believe, this gasoline-electric hybrid version of Chevy’s popular Tahoe SUV returns EPA City fuel economy estimates that are on par with a four-cylinder version of Toyota’s midsize Camry sedan. The secret is a powertrain that combines two 60-kilowatt electric motors with a 332-horsepower, 6.0-litre V-8 gasoline engine that can automatically shut down and restart four of its eight cylinders to save fuel when full power isn’t required. This beast is far from a lightweight, however, boasting a towing capacity of roughly three tons.
There are downsides, of course, including a steep price tag that may offset any potential fuel savings. Still, we can honestly say the Tahoe Hybrid is a sensible choice for folks who want the capabilities of a full-size SUV without the drawbacks.
Strengths:
Above-average fuel economy, at least by SUV standards
Room for eight passengers and lots of cargo
6,000-plus pound towing capacity
Weaknesses:
Price premium over base Tahoe would buy lots of gas
Third-row seats not fit for passengers over age 10
Limited cargo room behind third-row seats.
Bottom Line:
A remarkably happy medium for those who need the capability of a big truck and want the fuel economy of a family sedan.
Pricing:
Base price: FWD: $50,945; 4WD: $53,295
As Tested: $55,585
Safety Features:
Antilock disc brakes
Electronic stability/traction control
Multi-stage front airbags
Side-impact airbags (front seats)
Side-curtain airbags (front/rear seats)
Tire pressure monitoring system
Rollover protection
Electronic communications system (OnStar) with emergency services
Crash Test Ratings:
NHTSA: Frontal crash: five stars, driver and passenger; Side crash: five stars, front and rear seats; Rollover: not tested
117.5 cu. ft. (behind 1st row)|69 cu. ft. (behind 2nd row)|24.4 cu. ft. (behind 3rd row)
Headroom
Front: 40.4 in.|Second Row: 39.4 in.|Third Row: 37.8 in.
Legroom
Front: 41.3 in.|Second Row: 36.8 in.|Third Row: 33.2 in.
Seating
7 - 8
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive|All-wheel drive
Engine
3.6L V-6
City mileage
17/24 (FWD)|16/23 (AWD)
Highway mileage
Fuel capacity
Fuel requirement
Regular unleaded
Horsepower
281-hp @ 6,300 rpm|288-hp @ 6,300 rpm
Torque
266 lbs.-ft. @ 3,300 rpm|270 lbs.-ft. @ 3,400 rpm
Towing capacity
5,200 lbs.
Transmission
6-speed automatic w/manual shift feature
Wheels
17-in. |18-in. |20-in.
Options
Dual-panel sunroof/rear skylight
Leather upholstery
Second-row captain’s chairs
Rearview camera
GPS navigation system
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
Premium Bose audio system with 10 speakers
Trailer towing package
Safety features
/*Antilock Brakes:*/|Standard|/*Brake Assist:*/|Not available|/*Electronic Stability Control:*/|Standard|/*Traction Control:*/|Standard|/*Multistage Front Airbags:*/|Standard|/*Side-Impact Airbags:*/|Standard|/*Side-Curtain Airbags:*/|Standard|/*Active Front Head Restraints:*/|Not available|/*Height Adjustable Shoulder Belts:*/|Standard| /*Safety Belt Pretensioners:*/|Standard| /*Center Rear Shoulder Belt:*/|Standard| /*Childproof Rear Door Locks:*/|Standard| /*Daytime Running Lights:*/|Standard| /*Tire Pressure Monitor:*/|Standard|
Standard features
/*LS:*/
17-inch steel wheels with wheelcovers
Daytime running lights
Power-adjustable outside mirrors
Deep-tinted rear privacy glass
Rear window defroster
Air conditioning
Cloth upholstery
60/40 split-folding second-row seat
60/40 split-folding third-row seat
Keyless entry
Cruise control
Power windows
Power door locks
Carpeted floor mats
AM/FM/CD stereo
XM® satellite radio
/*1LT adds:*/
18-inch alloy wheels
Power-adjustable heated outside mirrors with built-in turn signals
Power-adjustable driver’s seat
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
Trip computer
/*2LT adds:*/
Power-operated rear liftgate
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Second-row captain’s chairs
Universal garage door opener
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Rearview camera system
Remote start
Bluetooth hands-free cell phone compatibility
Premium Bose audio system with 10 speakers
/*LTZ adds:*/
20-inch alloy wheels
Dual chrome exhaust tips
Perforated leather upholstery
Power-adjustable front passenger seat
Heated/cooled front seats
Memory feature for driver’s seat/outside mirrors
GPS navigation system
Warranty
/*Bumper-to-bumper:*/|3 years/36,000 miles|/*Powertrain:*/|5 years/100,000 miles|/*Corrosion:*/|6 years/100,000 miles|/*Roadside Assistance:*/|5 years/100,000 miles
