2011 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid Reviews

The Tahoe Hybrid promises a 25 percent improvement in fuel economy in mixed driving, but because the gas-only Tahoe’s 15/21 mpg fuel econom...

The Tahoe Hybrid promises a 25 percent improvement in fuel economy in mixed driving, but because the gas-only Tahoe’s 15/21 mpg fuel economy is so low, hybrid buyers may be less-than-impressed with the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid’s 20/23 mpg fuel economy rating.

When Chevrolet introduced the 2008 Tahoe Hybrid, it was the first vehicle to utilize the advanced two-mode hybrid powertrain developed jointly by General Motors, BMW and the former DaimlerChrysler. For a Tahoe going from 16 mpg to 21 mpg, driving 15,000 miles a year will save 223 gallons. For 2011, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid gets GM’s OnStar 9.0 telematics system that the automaker says provides improved voice recognition.
Hybrid Powertrain

Essentially the EVT has two drive modes—hence the name “two-mode hybrid.” In the first mode, during stop-and-go and city drives, the Tahoe can operate with electric power only, gas engine power only or a combination of both. Like Ford and Toyota hybrids, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid shuts the engine off when the vehicle stops, and when its time to go, the electric motors propel the big SUV to around 30 mph for a couple of miles.
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

The crux of the Tahoe Hybrid’s powertrain is the V-8 engine with cylinder deactivation technology (known at GM as active fuel management).

More Fuel Economy Tricks
The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid’s truck heritage isn’t hidden; its looks announce that it is definitely an old school, truck-based SUV. From the outside, the Tahoe Hybrid is unmistakably a Chevy, but it’s a Chevy with style.

Inside, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid offers a very handsome and spacious cabin similar to the standard Tahoe. Maximum towing capacity of 6,200 pounds for the two-wheel-drive Tahoe Hybrid and 6,000 pounds for the four-wheel-drive version falls short of the conventional Tahoe’s 8,200-pound maximum. If you look at only hybrid SUVs, however, the Tahoe Hybrid and its sibling, the GMC Yukon Hybrid, are far and away the towing leaders that have seating for eight. As a work truck, the Tahoe Hybrid is as tough as any. It’s not as big as the Suburban, but there’s no getting around the Tahoe Hybrid’s substantial size. For those familiar with a big SUV, the Tahoe Hybrid driving experience is rather ordinary.

The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid feels planted during cornering and stable when cruising at 70 mph on the highway. Driving a hybrid becomes a bit of game. The cylinder deactivation also is a tool for increasing fuel economy. The EPA rates both the two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) Tahoe Hybrid at 20 city/23 highway/21 combined. Recently, I clocked 427 mile in a 4WD Tahoe Hybrid, with about two-thirds on the Interstate. The 2011 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid is available for $51,145 for the 2WD model and $53,950 for 4WD. Though the Tahoe Hybrid is not as efficient as most smaller cars (hybrid or non-hybrid), it is currently the greenest choice for those in genuine need of a large SUV.

The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid features GM's two-mode hybrid system. The second, mostly highway, mode provides electric-power assist for the V-8.

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