Chevrolet's 2009 Tahoe hybrid proves that bigger can be better

By Tom Keane MOTOR MATTERS | Friday, July 4, 2008

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If you still prefer big sport utility vehicles, there's one that seats up to nine people and is reasonable on gas. It's the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid.

This four-door SUV hybrid with three rows of seating is available with either two- or four-wheel drive. The test vehicle had 4WD, plus a high price tag: $54,590.

When you get in, it's obvious that this is an upscale SUV, worthy of its price tag with three rows of leather seating, rear entertainment system, plus a rear back-up camera. The price included OnStar, which provides navigation and accident call aid.

Getting into this "big" SUV that has a step-in height of 22-inches is made easy with a running board. The Tahoe Hybrid stands on 18-inch wheels that are wrapped with tires that are specially designed to reduce road noise.

One reason people still prefer these big SUVs is the ability to tow a boat or trailer up to 6,000 pounds.

The new Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid operates with an all-new Electrically Variable Transmission. GM says the EVT is an industry first for any full-size SUV. The hybrid system returns good fuel economy in both city and highway driving while still delivering full-size SUV performance, according to the automaker.

Making it possible for the Chevrolet to carry up to nine people and tow 6,000 pounds is the advanced EVT and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System, which work together with the 6.0-liter V-8 engine and the Active Fuel Management system. Engineers say the hybrid system allows the Tahoe to drive up to 30 mph on electricity alone and for the engine to operate in the more economical V-4 mode for longer periods.

The fuel economy on the test truck is rated at 20 miles per gallon in both city and highway driving.

When I slid behind the steering wheel, it was obvious that this Tahoe had special Hybrid designation because of its unique cluster of gauges. What I really like about the Tahoe Hybrid was its quiet ride as I started to drive over some of my favorite test-drive roads. It was on these roads that I appreciated the interior sound, which made listening to the audio system more enjoyable.

And in the meantime, my grandchildren were in the rear listening to their own entertainment system.

The Chevrolet people tell me they've streamlined the exterior mirrors and roof rack and tightened up the body gaps, including the way the doors shut — all for the purpose of making the interior quieter. They also told me the Tahoe Hybrid has an Autoride system, which refines the ride and greatly reduces body motion. Autoride consists of a semi-active, two-position damping control system that responds in real-time to road and driving conditions, based on body and wheel motion sensors.

The other area of my concern is safety and security. The Tahoe features a 360-degree safety system of occupant protection and crash avoidance technologies.

The 2008 Tahoe has head curtain side airbags with rollover protection for all three seating rows and safety belt pretensioners.

The Tahoe is built on a stronger and stiffer fully boxed frame that helps enhance the crash energy management. And the front frame section is designed to optimize crush progression.

How well it will be rated in the government's crash test remains to be seen, but I suspect this SUV may be awarded five stars.

At a time when we're all thinking smaller is better, it's understandable why some prefer the old fashioned large SUV. A hybrid full-size SUV might make the pain at the pump more digestible.

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