2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
Based on analysis of 25 Tahoe-Hybrid reviews and test drives.
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid ranks 10 out of 10 Affordable Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 25 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2008 Tahoe Hybrid uses cutting-edge technology to combine improved fuel economy with full-size SUV performance and practicality.
The technology inside the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid optimizes fuel economy and performance for various types of driving by using a dual mode transmission to combine a standard V8 engine with a pair of electric motors. This allows Chevrolet to keep the Tahoe Hybrid's functionality as close as possible to that of the regular Tahoe. That means the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid is the only hybrid availible today that can tow significant loads and seat more than seven. Introduced in the fall of 2007, the Tahoe Hybrid hasn't been test-driven enough to determine how it will stack up against the competition over time. Still, most reviews are impressed with the application of hybrid technology to a full size SUV, with an estimated 25-30% improvement in fuel economy over the conventional model for a mixture of city and highway driving. (City-only fuel economy may be improved by up to 50%.)
- "GM is doing a great favor to buyers who need the beef and brawn of a truck-style SUV but have been scared off by poor mileage and high fuel prices." -- USA Today
- "And the system certainly works, producing substantial fuel-economy gains. But during our time with the Tahoe, we couldn't ignore this burning question: Why not just have a diesel Tahoe instead?" -- Car and Driver
- "The first politically correct full-size SUV is about the hit the market - with a city fuel-economy rating the same as that of a four-cylinder Toyota Camry or Honda Accord." -- Fort-Worth Star Telegram
- "The regular Tahoe is probably my favorite full-size SUV, and the Hybrid seems to perform better in every area." -- The Orlando Sentinel
- "GM engineers reworked almost the entire vehicle to cut weight and improve aerodynamics. The payoff: a significant boost in fuel economy and the title of most fuel-efficient gasoline full-size sport utility vehicle." -- Auto Week
Tahoe-Hybrid Performance - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid's electric motors struggle to move the SUV at slow speeds, and its braking takes some getting used to. However, it has the same easy ride and handling of the conventional Tahoe. continue
Tahoe-Hybrid Exterior - NA
From the outside, the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid could almost pass as an ordinary Tahoe. However, very minor exterior modifications help the Tahoe Hybrid achieve the maximum fuel economy. continue
Tahoe-Hybrid Interior - NA
Despite its reduced appetite for gas, the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid serves buyers who are hungry for interior features. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says buyers shouldn't "think the Tahoe Hybrid ... skimps on the amenities that SUV drivers love," and adds, "Leather, heated seats, a navigation system and a backup camera are all standard." continue
Tahoe-Hybrid Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid does exceptionally well in federal government crash tests, earning five out of five stars in frontal crash tests for both driver and passenger. continue
Tahoe-Hybrid Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). GM backs the Tahoe Hybrid with a three-year/36,000 mile basic limited warranty. continue
