 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid LT 4WD. Click image to enlarge |
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2007 Chevrolet Tahoe, by Greg Wilson Manufacturer’s web site |
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2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
North Vancouver, British Columbia – Many consumers are contemplating downsizing or buying a hybrid car to save on fuel, but some buyers still require the size and/or towing capacity of a large SUV or pickup truck, such as “active” families who tow RV trailers, boats, snowmobiles, ATVs, etc; ranchers with animal trailers; and farmers with utility trailers. For these buyers, a Toyota Prius is just not going to do it. In an ideal world, what they need is a full-size SUV that can tow a trailer and get great gas mileage too.
Well, how about a full-size SUV that can tow 6,000 pounds and average 9.5 L/100 km (Energuide estimate), about the same as a mid-size V6-powered passenger car?
 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid LT 4WD. Click image to enlarge |
Enter the new Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and its stablemate the GMC Yukon Hybrid, GM’s new “two-mode” Hybrid SUVs. GM says these full-size, eight-passenger SUVs offer a 22 to 26 per cent improvement in average fuel consumption over their non-hybrid counterparts while providing a towing capacity of up to 2,812 kg (6,200 pounds) (2WD) and 2,722 kg (6,000 pounds) (4WD). That compares to the standard Tahoe’s maximum towing capacity of 3810 kg (8400 lbs).
The Tahoe Hybrid provides the same passenger capacity, comfort features, and convenience features as regular Tahoe models. In fact, the 2008 Tahoe Hybrid LT 4WD test vehicle pictured here has some standard features that are not standard on the regular Tahoe LT, including leather seats, navigation system, rear back-up camera, Bose nine-speaker stereo and an eight-year/160,000 km warranty on the powertrain and hybrid components.
All of this doesn’t come cheaply though. The base price of the 2008 Tahoe Hybrid 4WD model is $69,125, and this rises slightly in 2009 to $69,765. That compares to $51,865 for a 2009 Tahoe LT 4WD and $65,995 for a Tahoe LTZ 4WD. 2009 Tahoe Hybrid 2WD models start at $66,765.
That’s a lot of cash to save a little gas. But for those who want or need a full-size SUV, GM’s Tahoe and Yukon Hybrids are the most fuel efficient vehicles in their class.
 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid LT 4WD. Click image to enlarge |
While regular Tahoes have a 320-horsepower 5.3-litre V8 engine (except the 2009 LTZ 4WD which has a 395-hp 6.2-litre V8), the Tahoe Hybrid has a 332-hp 6.0-litre V8 with a cylinder deactivation system that allows it to run on only four cylinders while coasting or going downhill, saving fuel. An “Auto Stop” feature also shuts off the engine while idling at traffic lights.
The Hybrid’s 6.0-litre engine is mated to a new four-speed electrically variable transmission (EVT) which has two modes: variable drive for light load conditions and fixed-ratio for high-load, such as when towing. In addition, a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack under the rear seats allows the Tahoe to run on electricity alone at speeds up to 49 km/h, and assist the engine in V4 mode. For a complete description of GM’s Two-Mode hybrid system, see Technical Editor, Jim Kerr’s column here.
Natural Resources Canada’s Energuide fuel consumption ratings for the Tahoe Hybrid are 9.8/9.2 city/hwy (2WD) and 10.5/9.8 (4WD). That compares to the regular Tahoe 5.3 with 15.0/9.8 city/hwy (2WD) and 15.1/10.0 city/hwy (4WD), and the Tahoe LTZ 6.2 with 17.7/10.8 city/hwy (4WD).
A few other factors go towards improving the Tahoe Hybrid’s fuel consumption: to save weight, it has a lightweight aluminum hood and rear hatch door, aluminum front bumper beam, lightweight aerodynamic alloy wheels, and a tire inflator kit that takes the place of the spare wheel and tire, jack and tools. As well, the Hybrid has special, lightweight front seats. However, even with all these weight saving methods, the Tahoe Hybrid weighs about 120 kg more than a standard Tahoe.
Tahoe Hybrids also feature low rolling-resistance 18-inch tires, a front air dam, aerodynamic side steps, aerodynamic rear fascia, and a rear spoiler to help smooth its passage through the air.
And just in case you forget this is a Hybrid, there are six Hybrid badges on the car, two large Hybrid decals on the sides, and one Hybrid decal on the rear window.
       2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid LT 4WD. Click image to enlarge |
Attractive, luxurious, roomy, and very well-equipped is the short description of the Tahoe Hybrid’s interior. Standard features include eight-passenger seating (2-3-3 configuration), leather upholstery (third row is vinyl), front heated seats, woodgrain trim, Bose premium nine-speaker audio system with subwoofer and second row audio controls, navigation system with rear back-up camera, rear parking sensors, front and rear heating/air conditioning, driver information display, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, power windows and locks, remote starter, two front and two curtain airbags with rollover sensor, OnStar, 115-volt power outlet, and heavy-duty trailer hitch and wiring connector.
Exclusive to the Hybrid is a special tachometer with an Auto Stop indicator that shows when the engine is shut off; a digital readout that shows real-time instant fuel consumption and average fuel consumption; and a display that shows whether the engine is running on eight or four cylinders. There’s also a small Eco gauge to the left of the tachometer that helps the driver keep a light foot on the gas.
The screen in the centre console can also be set to display a graphic showing the real-time distribution of power between the engine, battery, electric motor and drive wheels. It also shows when regenerative braking is taking place.
Like the regular Tahoe, the Tahoe Hybrid has a wide cabin with plenty of headroom and legroom for first and second row passengers. To access the third row, the right-side second row seats fold and slide out of the way. The third row seats aren’t as comfortable as the other seats though. Headroom is okay, but they have low, hard cushions and a high floor.
Second row passengers have their own heating, air conditioning and audio controls, and in the case of my test vehicle, an optional second row DVD entertainment system with flip-down screen, wireless headphones and remote.
The front seats are very comfortable, and have seat heaters in the cushion and backrests; the driver’s seat has a power height and manual lumbar adjuster.
Interior storage areas include a wide, deep bin under the armrest between the front seats, an open bin at the bottom of the centre stack, and a folding centre armrest in the second row.
The cargo area behind the third row seats is small, measuring just 15 cm (6.0 in.). With the third row seatbacks folded flat, flipped forwards, or removed entirely, the cargo floor lengthens up to 69 cm (27 in.) With the second row seats folded, the cargo floor length is about 193 cm (76 in.). Cargo floor width remains constant at 122 cm (49 in.). The right front passenger seatback does not fold down.
The Tahoe’s split third row seats are light enough to be lifted out by one person, but most people will find it easier to flip and fold them up against the second row seatbacks. The loading height at the rear is quite high, about 80 cm (31 in.).
With 332 horsepower at 5100 rpm and 367 lb.-ft. of torque at 4100 rpm, the Tahoe Hybrid’s 6.0-litre V8 engine has plenty of grunt to move this heavy 2647 kg (5835 lb) SUV. The cabin is eerily quiet when the engine shuts off automatically at traffic lights and when running on electric power alone at slow speeds. However, there is a distinct whine from the electric motors when accelerating from rest and when coming to a stop.
    2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid LT 4WD. Click image to enlarge |
While driving, a display in the tachometer indicates whether the engine is running on eight cylinders or four cylinders – the latter usually when coasting or going downhill. The transition from eight to four to eight cylinders is almost imperceptible, however when switching from electric-only mode to gas-engine mode, engine starts are not always smooth.
While the engine is turned off, the 300-volt battery provides power for the electric power steering, power brakes, air conditioning compressor and vehicle accessories.
On the road, a real-time fuel consumption display shows just how much fuel is being used at any given speed. For example, cruising on the freeway at 100 km/h in top gear in V4 mode, the display shows 8 to 9 L/100 km, but while coasting down a hill in V4 mode with an engine speed of 1,000 r.p.m., the display reads 0 L/100 km (see photo). Since the engine is running, I don’t see how it can be using no fuel at all, but it’s certainly using very little. And of course, when the Tahoe is running on battery power alone, no fuel is being used.
My average fuel consumption after a week of mixed driving was 13.4 L/100 km, quite a bit higher than Energuide’s 9.5 L/100 km combined city/hwy rating, but still not bad for a full-size SUV. The 6.0-litre V8 uses regular gas.
The Tahoe Hybrid is very comfortable on the highway, and the engine is as quiet or quieter than the regular 5.3-litre powertrain. With a wide track, large P265/65R18-inch tires, and fairly firm suspension, the Tahoe Hybrid also handles very well. But because it’s very wide, very tall, and very long, parking becomes a challenge – the side mirrors in particular are huge. I really appreciated the rear back-up camera and rear parking sensors when reversing into parking spaces.
With its tall cabin and large windows, the driver has good visibility, except for the right rear view where a head restraint blocks the window.
The electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering provides a numb but easy steering feel, and the truck’s turning diameter of 11.9 metres (39 ft.) is reasonable for a big vehicle like this.
  2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid LT 4WD. Click image to enlarge |
A regenerative braking system helps recharge the battery while braking, but because there are two braking systems, regenerative and hydraulic, the Tahoe Hybrid has more braking power than a conventional Tahoe model and stopping distances are shorter, according to GM. The Tahoe Hybrid includes standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. I found pedal feel to be similar to a standard hydraulic system.
My test vehicle had GM’s four-wheel drive system which can be activated using a dial on the dash. Choices are 2WD (rear-wheel drive), Auto (all-wheel drive), 4Hi (four-wheel drive), 4Lo (Low range), and Neutral (for towing). This range of drive options makes the 4WD Tahoe Hybrid a very versatile vehicle capable of handling anything from gravel roads to steep trails and icy winter roads to deep snow.
For those who’s lifestyle requires a full-size V8-powered SUV, the new Tahoe Hybrid offers the best fuel consumption available in its class, a comfortable, well-appointed cabin, and plenty of cargo space.
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Pricing: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid LT 4WD
Base price: $69,125 Freight: $1,250
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