Maybe, just maybe, there might be hope for those who want or need a full-size SUV. GM has developed an entirely new hybrid system that is now available in the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid.
This unique, two-stage system was developed through an unusual consortium of automotive foes. At a special center in Troy, Mich., GM worked with BMW and DaimlerChrysler (since split), to develop the system for use in passenger cars. GM has been using a similar version in transit buses since 2003 in 60 cities across North America. Chrysler will introduce the system in its Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango in the near future. BMW hasn’t announced any plans for its use yet, although Mercedes-Benz is interested in using it as well.
The end result in the Tahoe is a seven- or eight-passenger SUV that can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
Fuel mileage ratings are 21 and 22 but we averaged 19.3 in a week of city and highway driving. That’s much better than the 14 we averaged in a regular V8 Tahoe. While that might not seem like much, with the price of gasoline these days, any improvement is welcomed, especially in a full-size SUV.
Like the popular Toyota Prius hybrid, the Tahoe relies on a regular gasoline engine for the heavy work and an electric motor for lower speed, city driving.
However, unlike the Toyota system, the Tahoe relies on a unique transmission system that offers seamless, unlimited shift points and a regular four-speed transmission when on the highway. The 300-volt hybrid battery also controls the air conditioning for continuous operation when the 6.0-liter V8 shuts down. A 42-volt battery runs the power steering and engine oil pump while a 12-volt battery runs the other systems.
Because the hybrid system requires more cooling, the front grill and fascia, and the running boards and mirrors have been redesigned for a better drag coefficient.
The hybrid system also adds 400 pounds to the vehicle’s weight, so aluminum is used to help reduce weight in the hood, rear liftgate and the front seats, which are thinner, but no less comfortable.
The interior is well done with power everything, including heated, leather seats. A rear entertainment system and power sliding sunroof are optional.
As you might expect, the hybrid version costs more. Our two-wheel drive test vehicle was priced at $52,780, including the two options mentioned above. The four-wheel version is some $3,000 more. That’s about $5,000 more than a similar gas-powered Tahoe. But with $4 a gallon gasoline the return on the extra investment should be returned much sooner.
Finally, you might ask why GM put this system in a full-size SUV rather than a regular passenger car. The suits said the ratio of improvement was greater in the Tahoe than it would be in an Impala, for instance. And, with dealership lots jammed with gas-guzzling SUVs, the Tahoe Hybrid might help with overall sales.

Ryan’s Ride –
We’ve tested the Chevy Silverado with a hybrid system, but came away unimpressed as it wasn’t nearly as efficient as other systems. So, it was with a little trepidation that I climbed into the Tahoe.
The Tahoe doesn’t start up totally quiet like the Prius, but you hear very little noise. Once you start driving, the transmission shifts without a pause and there’s seemingly unlimited power available. At a stop light, everything shuts down and goes quiet. There is a little whine, however, at low speeds.
On the highway, the V8 can shut down to four cylinders to help increase fuel mileage. In our week of driving the Tahoe, the onboard computer registered 19.3 average fuel mileage, which surprised me because of the type of driving we had been doing. City driving and a non-stop trip to Ellijay on the freeway didn’t seem to vary the mileage at all.
I did find myself watching the small gauge in the left corner of the dash to see where the power band was moving. And, as a result, I also found myself egg-footing the accelerator with slow starts and smooth acceleration. Maybe it was the “green” coming out in me.
Like the regular Tahoe, there’s plenty of room and the rear seats both fold and tumble for added cargo space. I did find that with only the third-row seats folder, there wasn’t that much additional room.
The best thing, however, was that after about 500 miles of driving, the gas gauge still registered half full.

Marilyn’s Moment –
I hate gas stations. Ryan says I’ve got the idea that it’s illegal for women to pump gas.
And, as he said, we drove the Tahoe for a week and never had to stop at a gas station.
The Tahoe Hybrid is big and the three rows of seats should accommodate any large family needs.
Although it sits high off the ground, the running boards make entry and exiting easy. The leather seats are power operated and quite comfortable. The center console has a large center box, cupholders and various storage areas as well.
Visibility is great and the rear camera on the navigation screen lets you see what might be directly behind you. You also can display the hybrid system’s functions on the screen.
Other than a little bit of whine at low speeds, you wouldn’t know this was a hybrid. The power is constantly there. However, our test vehicle had “hybrid” plastered all over it with decals on the sides and windshield and several green badges as well. That helped reduce the sneers from Prius drivers and actually initiated several inquires about the Tahoe. And none of the inquiries came while stopped at a gas station.