The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is a classy and competitive SUV in the market because of its fuel-efficient quality. Ranking 7 out of 8 in the list of Affordable Large SUVs, the Tahoe Hybrid combines the competencies of a truck-based SUV and the economy in fuel consumption of a typical sedan, thus dubbed as a green monster by car reviewers.
The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, is America’s first full-size SUV, that can carry eight people and has a capacity to tow recreational equipment. For people who need the means of a large SUV while vying for a vehicle with a carbon footprint, this vehicle is the answer.
Although the Tahoe Hybrid pushes its way to being green, it doesn’t come cheap. The 2011 Tahoe Hybrid is fairly expensive, much more than the typical Chevrolet Tahoe. This Hybrid SUV offers a great deal of increase in fuel economy at about 25% improvement rate in mixed driving compared to its gas-only version.
Performance
Irrefutably, as reviewers state it, owning a Tahoe Hybrid is in fact satisfying. The SUV carries with it a long list of features, ample power and comfortable handling that buyers look for. Despite its fuel efficiency, its engine is still powerful with 332 horsepower, 367 lb.-ft. of torque and up to 6,200 lbs. of towing capacity with a cylinder deactivation system, not to mention it’s backed by a 100,000 mile/8-year limited warranty on particular hybrid components.
Moreover, the Tahoe Hybrid has a seating capacity of eight in a roomy and comfortable cabin. The Tahoe is perfect for those who have large families and enjoy city driving since it could provide significant fuel savings as compared to an archetypal large SUV.
The Tahoe Hybrid would not be your best choice if you are looking for a car that can carry passengers more than eight or if you want one with the same seating capacity in a lower price. The Chevrolet Traverse can provide the same seating capacity but costs less than the Tahoe Hybrid. The Traverse also beats the Tahoe Hybrid in highway numbers, though fuel economy of the latter can’t be matched by the previous one.
According to some reviewers, the electric motors of the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid aren’t powerful enough to carry the weight of the SUV well at slow speeds. Although, the first-class ride you would expect from a Tahoe is present in the Hybrid.
Exterior & Interior
With its superior styling, rugged lines and unmistakable grill, the Tahoe Hybrid almost looks like an ordinary Tahoe. Modifications, though, were done to reduce the car’s weight thereby maximizing fuel economy. The small changes would also include; the now aluminum steel hood, bumper and rear lift-gate, the undercarriage placed a centimeter closer to the ground, the flared ends of the running boards to improve the car’s aerodynamics, and the larger air intake in the front fascia.
The interior of the Tahoe Hybrid has a seating for seven passengers with plenty of leg-room. The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid has standard interior features including an AM/FM radio with in-dash single CD player; auxiliary MP3 audio input; a Bose premium speaker system with nine speakers in total; a DVD navigation system with voice activation; a leather-wrapped steering wheel; tri-zone automatic climate control; and a USB port.
The Competition
If you are looking for a car whose fuel economy can beat that of the Tahoe Hybrid’s, you ought to have a Toyota Highlander Hybrid (MSRP $38,140) at a 28/28 mpg city/highway fuel economy. The Highlander Hybrid, however, can only accommodate seven people and a lot of reviewers say that its interior is not as comfy as that of the Tahoe Hybrid’s. Despite the shortcomings, the Highlander Hybrid is almost $17,000 less than the Tahoe Hybrid.
Safety & Reliability
The Chevy Tahoe Hybrid includes standard safety features to ensure the security of the buyers. The safety features include: the standard accidence avoidance features with StabiliTrak electronic stability control, making the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid stable on slippery surfaces; a four-wheel anti-lock brake system, a feature that decreases locking wheels when in contact with slick surfaces; a rear-view camera; features for crash safety such as air bags with a passenger detecting system; head curtain side-impact air bags; head airbags; and seats designed for child safety.
Although the model hasn’t been crashed tested yet, its features are quite similar to the gas-only Tahoe, which does well in federal government crash tests, making crash tests unnecessary.
The Predicted Reliability score provided by J.D. Power for the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is 7.0 out of 10. They based this score on historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power’s automotive studies for the past three years. These studies would be specified on Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS).
Overall Rating
76 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is one of the greenest sport-utility vehicles—allowing nearly the same level of truck-based SUV goodness as the standard Tahoe…”Car Connection
“The Tahoe’s ride is supple, but handling and braking are so-so. Trailer-towing capability is impressive. ”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“Expensive; non-foldaway third-row seats must be removed and stored; not as user-friendly as many fuel-efficient crossover alternatives.”Edmunds
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Hybrid SUV | Base Price: $51,145.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 25 gallons (94 liters) | MPG: 20 city / 23 hwy |
| Length: 202.0 in. (513 cm) | Width: 79 in. (200 cm) |
| Height: 74.6 in. (189 cm) | Wheel Base: 116 in. (294 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 5688 lbs (2580 kg) | Ground Clearance(Front): 10.2 in. (25 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 16.9 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 8 people |
| Engine: Gas-Electric V8 DOHC | Displacement: 6.0 liter |
| Horsepower: 332 HP | Max RPM: 5100 RPM |
| Torque: 367 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm | Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic w/ OD |
| 0-60 mph: NA | Max Towing Capacity: 6200 lbs (2812 kgs) |
