Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
The 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid ranks 8 out of 10 Affordable Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 33 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid lets buyers who need full-size SUV capability go green — even if it’s only a very light shade. Buyers who want Prius-like fuel economy numbers and who don’t need to carry lots of people or tow heavy loads should look elsewhere.
The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, and its corporate cousins, the GMC Yukon Hybrid and Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, are unique. Though they aren’t the greenest hybrids around, they are the most capable. All three can go off-road, tow boats and horse trailers, and offer comfortable seating for seven in upscale and roomy cabins. Prius drivers may use less gas on their trips around town, but Tahoe hybrid drivers will be able to bring more toys and people along, and arrive in comfort and style.
For the most part, reviewers are impressed with the Tahoe Hybrid, even as they question it. Edmunds points out, “The 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid may offer significant fuel savings relative to conventional Tahoes, but it’s mostly unimpressive compared to rival crossovers.” Though the Tahoe Hybrid uses cutting-edge two-mode hybrid technology to allow the Tahoe to operate on either V8 engine power or on power from two electric motors, Chevrolet’s refusal to give up an ounce of capability leads to some compromises on fuel economy. The Tahoe hybrid boasts a 25% improvement in fuel economy over the conventional Tahoe in mixed driving, but buyers need to remember that the Tahoe’s fuel economy numbers weren’t phenomenal to begin with. The 25% improvement is nice, but this is one hybrid that isn’t going to make it to 100, 50, or even 30 mpg. In fact, the Tahoe Hybrid is rated at 21/22 mpg, city/highway.
So, the Tahoe Hybrid doesn’t make sense for drivers looking to squeeze maximum mileage out of every drop of fuel. However, for buyers who have large families and do a lot of city driving, the Tahoe Hybrid could add up to a significant fuel savings, at least compared to a conventional large SUV.
Article Source:usnews.rankingsandreviews.com
