2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
- 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
Based on analysis of 32 Tahoe-Hybrid reviews and test drives.
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid ranks 7 out of 12 Affordable Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 32 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. 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. Compared to a large crossover, the Tahoe Hybrid makes less sense. The Chevrolet Traverse offers similar seating capacity to the Tahoe Hybrid, and has fairly comparable fuel economy to the Tahoe Hybrid. Though the Tahoe Hybrid can out tow the Traverse, it also costs about $20,000 more. Before you jump into the Tahoe Hybrid, take a close look at your needs to be sure what you save on fuel can cover this green monster's price tag.
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The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid was introduced in 2008 and little is changed for 2010. There are a few new exterior colors, and a USB port for playing music stored on portable devices through the Tahoe Hybrid's stereo is now standard. The port can also charge some handheld devices.
- "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
- "The Hybrid model's premium may seem significant, but so are the fuel economy savings. This large SUV can achieve the fuel economy of a midsize car with no sacrifice in passenger or cargo capacity." -- Consumer Guide
- "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 . . . 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
Tahoe-Hybrid Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)
Auto reviewers say that the Tahoe Hybrid retains the handling characteristics that make the conventional Tahoe so easy to live with. Unfortunately, the electric motors have trouble moving the big SUV at slow speeds, and the braking takes some getting used to. Read More
Tahoe-Hybrid Exterior - 8.4 (Very Good)
The 2010 Chevy Tahoe hybrid is an example of how exterior design can improve fuel economy-even for a big and brawny SUV. In terms of styling, Cars.com says "The Tahoe Hybrid looks much like a regular Tahoe SUV, which is to say that it features a relatively squared-off shape. However, there are a number of subtle (and not so subtle) differences between the two." Read More
Tahoe-Hybrid Interior - 8.6 (Very Good)
Other hybrids may use less gas, but the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid gets high marks for interior comfort, amenities and style. Read More
Tahoe-Hybrid Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)
The 2010 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. Read More
Tahoe-Hybrid Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2010 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, and a five-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Read More
