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2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Bottom Line

February 22, 2009

By Rex Roy's avatar Rex Roy, Detroit EditorRex Roy

TheCarConnection.com's editors and SUV enthusiasts drove the new Tahoe Hybrid in order to give you an expert opinion. TheCarConnection.com also researched available road tests on the new Tahoe Hybrid to produce this conclusive review and to help you find the truth where other car reviews might differ.

Likes:

  • Strong acceleration
  • Uncompromised towing capability
  • High-tech hybrid powertrain
  • Great fuel economy
  • Smooth, quiet operation

Dislikes:

  • Restrictive third-row seating
  • Pricey compared to the standard Tahoe

Buying Tips:


GM dealers are now frequently willing to make deep-discount deals on full-size SUVs—the sort of deals that would have been unheard of just a year or two ago. Because these huge discounts most likely won’t extend to this model, for those considering the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid for the economics rather than the green statement alone, this much more expensive Hybrid becomes a much harder sell.

One of the most notable aspects of the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is that it has the same basic appearance and capabilities as the non-hybrid, V-8-powered Tahoe. The Tahoe Hybrid benefits from an advanced two-mode hybrid system combining an electric motor system with a conventional V-8 engine. It involves no special skill set compared to the standard Tahoe; simply climb in, turn the key, choose a gear, and drive. You'll also go up to 50 percent farther on a gallon of gas.

The 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid has a look that might be mistaken for one of the other Tahoe models except for subtle badging, along with an aerodynamically refined exterior. Inside, the Tahoe Hybrid is equipped much like the premium Tahoe LTZ, but the instrument panel is unique, as are the lightweight leather-trimmed front seats.

The Chevy is capable of running up to 32 mph on only electric power, so don’t be surprised if the engine doesn’t start. That so-called full-hybrid operation is a feature that brings especially good fuel economy in town. By achieving EPA fuel economy ratings of 21 mpg city and 22 mpg highway for the two-wheel-drive model, the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid takes small sips compared to the 5.3-liter V-8 in the standard Tahoe, which guzzles 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. The Tahoe Hybrid's mileage nearly equals that of mid-size sedans in real-world city driving.

All of this economy does not compromise the Tahoe Hybrid’s 6,000-pound towing capacity, and there is an abundance of power and extra torque from the twin electric motors propelling this full-size SUV. When the Tahoe Hybrid runs on battery power, it can be eerily quiet, but as you get used to it, other vehicles seem loud. The advanced powertrain of the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid combines a specially outfitted 332-horsepower 6.0-liter V-8 with what looks like a regular automatic transmission. The two electric motors combine with the four-speed automatic transmission. The technology (codeveloped with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Chrysler) works well, and the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid drives beautifully.

Rest assured that the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid includes all the goodness that comes with the standard Chevy Tahoe model. New standard features on the 2009 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid bring more of a high-tech feel to the package inside; they include adjustable power pedals, Bluetooth connectivity, OnStar 8.0 with Stolen Vehicle Slow Down, XM Satellite Radio with new real-time NavTraffic feature, turn-by-turn navigation, and Destination Download.

Chevrolet does charge a premium—approximately $5,000—for the Tahoe Hybrid. As such (depending on the greatly fluctuating price of gas), it could take more than five years of driving to recoup that expense. This premium is even harder to swallow considering the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid suffers from some of the same issues as the standard Chevy Tahoe, such as a cramped third-row seat. However, the editors of TheCarConnection.com anticipate a much more impressive resale value for the Tahoe Hybrid compared to other full-size SUVs, especially in times of high gas prices.

Other Choices:

If you're interested in the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, also consider:

Reason Why:

If buying a hybrid is the driving force behind your selection decision, Toyota offers the Highlander Hybrid and Lexus has the mechanically identical RX 400h. These are both very nice SUVs with good passenger comfort and real-world fuel economy of around 25 mpg, but neither offers the room, towing, or genuine four-wheel-drive capabilities of the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. Mercedes-Benz offers a diesel-powered GL320 BlueTec SUV, a marvelous performer with more comfort inside, more available technology features, and similar towing capability for not quite $10,000 more than the Tahoe Hybrid. From Chrysler, the Dodge Durango/Chrysler Aspen two-mode hybrids utilize the same technology as the Tahoe. While these Chryslers benefit from a great piece of technology, the Durango/Aspen platform is generations behind the Chevy Tahoe—especially in ride, handling, and refinement. The Jeep Grand Cherokee with the newly available 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 is another alternative; it delivers EPA ratings of 17/22 mpg with excellent towing and off-road capabilities. Of course, the Jeep is considerably smaller than the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid.

The Bottom Line:

Without compromising the capabilities—or comfort—of a full-size SUV, the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid makes a very green statement and cuts your fuel bills by up to a third.

TheCarConnection.com's editors and SUV enthusiasts drove the new Tahoe Hybrid in order to give you an expert opinion. TheCarConnection.com also researched available road tests on the new Tahoe Hybrid to produce this conclusive review and to help you find the truth where other car reviews might differ. Likes:Strong accelerationUncompromised towing capabilityHigh-tech hybrid powertrainGreat fuel economySmooth, quiet operationDislikes:Restrictive third-row seatingPricey compared to the standard TahoeBuying Tips: GM dealers are now frequently willing to make deep-discount deals on full-size SUVs—the sort of deals that would have been unheard of just a year or two ago. Because these huge discounts most likely won’t extend to this model, for those considering the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid for the economics rather than the green statement alone, this much more expensive Hybrid becomes a much harder sell. One of the most notable aspects of the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is that it has the same basic appearance and capabilities as the non-hybrid, V-8-powered Tahoe. The Tahoe Hybrid benefits from an advanced two-mode hybrid system combining an electric motor system with a conventional V-8 engine. It involves no special skill set compared to the standard Tahoe; simply climb in, turn the key, choose a gear, and drive. You'll also go up to 50 percent farther on a gallon of gas. The 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid has a look that might be mistaken for one of the other Tahoe models except for subtle badging, along with an aerodynamically refined exterior. Inside, the Tahoe Hybrid is equipped much like the premium Tahoe LTZ, but the instrument panel is unique, as are the lightweight leather-trimmed front seats. The Chevy is capable of running up to 32 mph on only electric power, so don’t be surprised if the engine doesn’t start. That so-called full-hybrid operation is a feature that brings especially good fuel economy in town. By achieving EPA fuel economy ratings of 21 mpg city and 22 mpg highway for the two-wheel-drive model, the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid takes small sips compared to the 5.3-liter V-8 in the standard Tahoe, which guzzles 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. The Tahoe Hybrid's mileage nearly equals that of mid-size sedans in real-world city driving. All of this economy does not compromise the Tahoe Hybrid’s 6,000-pound towing capacity, and there is an abundance of power and extra torque from the twin electric motors propelling this full-size SUV. When the Tahoe Hybrid runs on battery power, it can be eerily quiet, but as you get used to it, other vehicles seem loud. The advanced powertrain of the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid combines a specially outfitted 332-horsepower 6.0-liter V-8 with what looks like a regular automatic transmission. The two electric motors combine with the four-speed automatic transmission. The technology (codeveloped with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Chrysler) works well, and the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid drives beautifully. Rest assured that the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid includes all the goodness that comes with the standard Chevy Tahoe model. New standard features on the 2009 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid bring more of a high-tech feel to the package inside; they include adjustable power pedals, Bluetooth connectivity, OnStar 8.0 with Stolen Vehicle Slow Down, XM Satellite Radio with new real-time NavTraffic feature, turn-by-turn navigation, and Destination Download. Chevrolet does charge a premium—approximately $5,000—for the Tahoe Hybrid. As such (depending on the greatly fluctuating price of gas), it could take more than five years of driving to recoup that expense. This premium is even harder to swallow considering the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid suffers from some of the same issues as the standard Chevy Tahoe, such as a cramped third-row seat. However, the editors of TheCarConnection.com anticipate a much more impressive resale value for the Tahoe Hybrid compared to other full-size SUVs, especially in times of high gas prices. Other Choices:If you're interested in the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, also consider:Chrysler Aspen HybridDodge Durango HybridJeep Grand Cherokee DieselLexus RX 400hMercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTecToyota Highlander HybridReason Why:If buying a hybrid is the driving force behind your selection decision, Toyota offers the Highlander Hybrid and Lexus has the mechanically identical RX 400h. These are both very nice SUVs with good passenger comfort and real-world fuel economy of around 25 mpg, but neither offers the room, towing, or genuine four-wheel-drive capabilities of the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. Mercedes-Benz offers a diesel-powered GL320 BlueTec SUV, a marvelous performer with more comfort inside, more available technology features, and similar towing capability for not quite $10,000 more than the Tahoe Hybrid. From Chrysler, the Dodge Durango/Chrysler Aspen two-mode hybrids utilize the same technology as the Tahoe. While these Chryslers benefit from a great piece of technology, the Durango/Aspen platform is generations behind the Chevy Tahoe—especially in ride, handling, and refinement. The Jeep Grand Cherokee with the newly available 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 is another alternative; it delivers EPA ratings of 17/22 mpg with excellent towing and off-road capabilities. Of course, the Jeep is considerably smaller than the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. The Bottom Line:Without compromising the capabilities—or comfort—of a full-size SUV, the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid makes a very green statement and cuts your fuel bills by up to a third. TheCarConnection.com's editors and SUV enthusiasts drove the new Tahoe Hybrid in order to give you an expert opinion. TheCarConnection.com also researched available road tests on the new Tahoe Hybrid to produce this conclusive review and to help you find the truth where other car ...

Other Choices:

If buying a hybrid is the driving force behind your selection decision, Toyota offers the Highlander Hybrid and Lexus has the mechanically identical RX 400h. These are both very nice SUVs with good passenger comfort and real-world fuel economy of around 25 mpg, but neither offers the room, towing, or genuine four-wheel-drive capabilities of the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. Mercedes-Benz offers a diesel-powered GL320 BlueTec SUV, a marvelous performer with more comfort inside, more available technology features, and similar towing capability for not quite $10,000 more than the Tahoe Hybrid. From Chrysler, the Dodge Durango/Chrysler Aspen two-mode hybrids utilize the same technology as the Tahoe. While these Chryslers benefit from a great piece of technology, the Durango/Aspen platform is generations behind the Chevy Tahoe—especially in ride, handling, and refinement. The Jeep Grand Cherokee with the newly available 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 is another alternative; it delivers EPA ratings of 17/22 mpg with excellent towing and off-road capabilities. Of course, the Jeep is considerably smaller than the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid.

Next Steps:

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See the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Robert #1, Posted: 2/6/2009

    Good choice

    This is a good choice for anybody that can afford the high cost and wants to help reduce our dependence of foreign oil.
    Much more practical for a family than a Prius.

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