2008 Chevrolet Tahoe

From behind the wheel, I found that the brakes felt very artificial and squishy under hard braking but fairly normal during regular, light applications. Foot-to-the-floor acceleration is weird and rubber-bandy, because the hybrid assistance alternates between helping and bailing. I do like the Hybrid-specific lower front fascia that resembles a tasteful body kit, but it seems that this would be a liability when traversing boat launches and so forth. The hybrid display screen isn't as clear as Toyota's, either, but at least it gives you an idea of what's going on with the drivetrain, unlike GM's Saturn Vue Hybrid. In spite of the Tahoe Hybrid's 20 mpg city/20 mpg highway EPA rating, the trip computer told me that I got only 17.5 mpg for my 37-mile round-trip commute on mixed roads. Still, that's a few mpg better than I get in similar big trucks.

The so-called two-mode system generates around 300 hp and consists of an electric motor/generator and a Vortec V-8 OHV engine, using electric power only, engine power only, or a combination thereof at low speeds and light loads. It's the Toyota approach with two planetary gear seats and two electric motors mated to a gasoline engine. Unlike previous GM hybrids such as the Saturn Vue Green Line, the Tahoe hybrid will be able to accelerate with the gasoline engine shut off.

On the highway, full eight-cylinder engine power is added to the electric motors for passing, climbing steep grades, and towing. GM claims 25 percent fuel savings compared to conventional Tahoes, improvements aided by such features as a 0.4-inch lower ride height, low rolling resistance tires, a streamlined hood leading edge, and a liftgate and hood made of aluminum.

Let's take a look at the fuel mileage from our long-term test Silverado for comparison. After plenty of time to get broken-in, it delivers 14.8 mpg. Granted, it's a 4x4 and the Tahoe is 2WD, but it's still a pretty fair comparison. The 2-Mode Tahoe we drove got 20.1 mpg and was still climbing up, gradually, when we had to turn it in. Undoubtedly it would continue to climb up at least a few tenths, especially if you had an eye on economy, which we didn't. That's still a 36-percent improvement. With current gas prices, that would save the average driver about $1,000 a year. GM hasn't given a hard cost difference between hybrid and normal Tahoe models, but when optioned the same, the option seems to cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $8,000. So, like most hybrids out there, it's going to take a while to recoup your investment through fuel savings.

If you're looking for a solid off-road toy that's still laudable on-road, or a cavernous five-seat sport/ute that can swallow seven in a pinch, the Tahoe won't disappoint. But if you're looking for more from a three-row full-size SUV, like a higher tow rating than 8200 pounds, there are better options.

Chevrolet's Tahoe is joining its GMC and Cadillac GMT900 platform mates in offering GM's 6.2-liter V-8 as an engine option for the 2008 model year. It is now the most powerful engine available for the Tahoe. The engine, which will be offered for the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ trim package, is only available for two-wheel-drive models and is rated at 380 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque. The engine is also available on the Denali trim GMC Yukon, while a slightly-uprated version of the engine is standard equipment on the Cadillac Escalade. The block is mated to GM's six-speed Hydra-Matic 6L80 automatic transmission, which has a tapshift gear select system located on the column shifter. It's not the most graceful setup in the world, but at least they can say they have one. The vehicle will have a towing capacity of 7,900 pounds, according to the automaker.

The Chevy Tahoe 2 Mode will be sold only in midlevel trim, but the GMC Yukon Hybrid 2 Mode will offer a higher trim-level package, yet its price is said to fall well below the Yukon Denali option package. Chevy pricing will be about $40,000, with the GMC equivalent able to garner around $45,000.

The Hybrid looks sportier than a regular Tahoe, thanks in large part to the lowered stance and larger, color-matched front bumper and air dam. The front end has been reworked to eliminate drag-causing bumper gaps, tow-hook holes, or rough seams. The key is to move oncoming air around the vehicle as quickly and smoothly as possible. Even the sidesteps are aerodynamically tucked behind the front tires and under the door panels. Beyond that, the only visual giveaways on the outside are a small set of side- and tailgate-mounted "Hybrid 2 Mode" badges.

"The Tahoe and Yukon Two-mode Hybrids combine the functionality and comfort of a full-size SUV with a two-mode full hybrid system that optimizes fuel efficiency in city and highway driving, the way most Americans use their vehicles," said Stephens.

The two-mode hybrid system features two modes optimized for city and highway driving. In the first mode, at low speed and light loads, the vehicle can operate in three ways: electric power only, engine power only or in any combination of engine and electric power. When operating with electric power only, it provides all the fuel-savings benefits of a full hybrid system. Leaving the engine shut off for extended periods of time and moving under electric power at low speed is key to reducing fuel consumption in heavy stop-and-go traffic.

Indeed, the Tahoe Hybrid offers the utility and capability customers seek in a full-size SUV. The Hybrid can tow up to 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg). To maximize its efficiency, the 6.0L V-8 engine is equipped with GM's Active Fuel Management technology, which switches between four- and eight-cylinder power in certain driving situations. The 2008 Tahoe is available in LS, LT, LTZ and Hybrid models (Hybrid with interim availability), with 2WD and 4WD. Tahoe's standard powertrain (except base 2WD) includes an efficient 5.3L V-8 with Active Fuel Management technology that seamlessly switches from eight-cylinder to four-cylinder operation to save fuel. Additional changes for '08 are minor, reflecting customer preferences and enhancing Tahoe's style. They include a change to a 40/20/40-split bench seat in LS models that provides convenient storage space in the center section; woodgrain trim added to the forward center console and brighter instrument pointers in the gauge cluster.

The 2008 Chevy Tahoe offers lots of cargo space, comfortable passenger accommodations, and a big towing capacity. It's a full-size truck and handles like one, but the Tahoe offers a smooth ride and a pleasant interior. With the addition of the Hybrid model, it can get sedan-like fuel economy. The Hybrid is a good choice for a daily driver with a lot of cargo and passenger carrying capacity, and the other models are excellent choices for those who need to tow.