2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Review

A Big Box of Technology

The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid uses its two-mode hybrid transmission to boost the full-size SUV's fuel economy by a sizeable margin.

While not the first SUVs to get the hybrid treatment, the full-size Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and its corporate relation GMC Yukon Hybrid are certainly some of the largest models to boast the fuel-saving technology. With high fuel prices responsible for a huge drop in demand for big SUVs the hybrids come at the right time for General Motors. The automaker hopes to be able to ride this wave of fuel-efficient trucks into the future.

With a two-mode hybrid system that was developed with assistance from Chrysler and BMW (the technology also sees duty in the somewhat smaller Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid SUVs), the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid registers an estimated 25 percent boost in combined city/highway fuel economy over the gasoline-powered version. This sounds like a lot, but in reality it amounts to a difference of about four mpg, which will save you around $700 a year if you drive 15,000 miles with gas at $3.00 per gallon.

Available in both rear- and four-wheel-drive versions, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is primarily powered by a 6.0-liter V8 engine that generates over 300 horsepower. It includes GM’s Active Fuel Management system that saves gas by shutting down half of its cylinders when cruising at highway speeds. It’s integrated with an electric motor/generator and a compact self-charging 300-volt battery pack that doesn’t intrude unduly on passenger space.

Under light loads and/or lower speeds (the first mode), the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid can run solely on electricity, solely on engine power, or on a combination of both, as warranted; the gasoline engine automatically powers down at idle to help preserve fuel. At highway speeds (the second mode), the vehicle generally runs on full engine power, with electric assistance provided if needed. The hybrid system can also use the electric motor to power the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid’s accessories, so neither an alternator nor a conventional lead-acid 12-volt battery are necessary.

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Though one could argue that using a smaller gasoline engine would further boost the vehicle’s mileage, the Tahoe is built to benefit those who have a purposeful need for the towing and hauling capabilities only a large and powerful truck can accommodate. To that end, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid maintains a maximum 6,200-pound tow rating, which is sufficient for pulling moderate sized boats and trailers; by comparison, the standard model is rated at a maximum 8,200 pounds when properly equipped.

While there are some cosmetic differences between the gasoline-powered version and the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, they’re far from obvious. The truck is still boxy and burly, though it’s been lowered by 10 millimeters to reduce wind resistance, and certain exterior leading edges have been smoothed for the sake of improved aerodynamics. The hood and liftgate are fabricated from aluminum as a weight-saving measure, there’s a larger front air intake to better facilitate cooling, and the truck rides on lightweight aero wheels with low rolling-resistance tires.

Otherwise, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is identical to the gasoline-powered model, which means it rides on a fully boxed frame for stout structural rigidity with reduced noise, vibration, and harshness. A responsive suspension setup delivers a fairly smooth ride with relatively composed handling that belies the vehicle’s size and weight.

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Coming well equipped, The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid’s handsome interior includes a two-tone instrument panel with LED-backlit instrumentation, chrome trim, and a high center stack for the climate control and audio systems. A third-row seat is available, but can’t be folded flat into the floor like seats offered by the competition. Instead, it must be removed manually, which can be quite a chore. Standard safety features include front-side and side-curtain airbags that remain inflated for several seconds to protect passengers in the event of a rollover, GM’s StabiliTrak stability control system, and the OnStar communication system.