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2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Review

June 26, 2008

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Stylish appearance
Cars.com

13 examples of hybrid badges...on this SUV's flanks
Edmunds

A much bigger vehicle than [many] people actually need
AutoblogGreen

Attractive exterior
Car and Driver

The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is nearly identical to the handsome standard Tahoe with some subtle--and not so subtle--differences.

In reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, most reviewers find the 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid stylish and handsome for a vehicle of its size. ForbesAutos says the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (2008) is "still boxy and burly"--unsurprising, considering that the standard Tahoe is what Edmunds describes as "a traditional full-size SUV built on a truck platform." Cars.com thinks the Hybrid has a "stylish appearance" and calls "notable" the "large 'Hybrid' graphics on the side doors and smaller ones on the windshield and rear window."

Some differences are related to body changes designed to reduce drag and improve efficiency. Car and Driver notes its "attractive exterior" includes "reworked front and rear fascias, running boards, and D-pillar moldings [that] help reduce the drag coefficient from 0.36 to 0.34." All 2008 Chevy Hybrid Tahoes receive unique lightweight alloy wheels (with hollow spokes to reduce weight) shod with low-resistance tires. Kelley Blue Book notes that the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid also comes with a longer roof spoiler and sharp-edged, body-colored D-pillars, but it is not available with a roof rack. Other than a more streamlined appearance, the changes do not drastically alter the look from that of the standard Tahoe. Automobile "likes the lower front fascia that resembles a tasteful body kit," though they speculate it may be a problem "traversing boat launches and so forth." Detroit News calls the 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid "uncompromising in its size," while AutoblogGreen thinks it's "gargantuan."

Inside, Edmunds describes the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid as "handsome with fine build quality." To further differentiate it from other Tahoe trims, the 2008 Tahoe Hybrid is equipped with a different instrument cluster. ForbesAutos also calls the interior "handsome" and notes the Hybrid's "two-tone instrument panel with LED-backlit instrumentation [and] chrome trim." From the second row back, the 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid is no different from a fully loaded Tahoe LT. Edmunds notes the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid 2008 "looks like any other [late model] Tahoe on the inside, except for the metallic trim in place of faux wood accents."

Conclusion

The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is distinguished from the standard Tahoe by its streamlined exterior and unique instrumentation.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Stylish appearanceCars.com13 examples of hybrid badges...on this SUV's flanksEdmundsA much bigger vehicle than [many] people actually needAutoblogGreenAttractive exteriorCar and Driver The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is nearly identical to the handsome standard Tahoe with some subtle--and not so subtle--differences. In reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, most reviewers find the 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid stylish and handsome for a vehicle of its size. ForbesAutos says the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (2008) is "still boxy and burly"--unsurprising, considering that the standard Tahoe is what Edmunds describes as "a traditional full-size SUV built on a truck platform." Cars.com thinks the Hybrid has a "stylish appearance" and calls "notable" the "large 'Hybrid' graphics on the side doors and smaller ones on the windshield and rear window." Some differences are related to body changes designed to reduce drag and improve efficiency. Car and Driver notes its "attractive exterior" includes "reworked front and rear fascias, running boards, and D-pillar moldings [that] help reduce the drag coefficient from 0.36 to 0.34." All 2008 Chevy Hybrid Tahoes receive unique lightweight alloy wheels (with hollow spokes to reduce weight) shod with low-resistance tires. Kelley Blue Book notes that the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid also comes with a longer roof spoiler and sharp-edged, body-colored D-pillars, but it is not available with a roof rack. Other than a more streamlined appearance, the changes do not drastically alter the look from that of the standard Tahoe. Automobile "likes the lower front fascia that resembles a tasteful body kit," though they speculate it may be a problem "traversing boat launches and so forth." Detroit News calls the 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid "uncompromising in its size," while AutoblogGreen thinks it's "gargantuan." Inside, Edmunds describes the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid as "handsome with fine build quality." To further differentiate it from other Tahoe trims, the 2008 Tahoe Hybrid is equipped with a different instrument cluster. ForbesAutos also calls the interior "handsome" and notes the Hybrid's "two-tone instrument panel with LED-backlit instrumentation [and] chrome trim." From the second row back, the 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid is no different from a fully loaded Tahoe LT. Edmunds notes the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid 2008 "looks like any other [late model] Tahoe on the inside, except for the metallic trim in place of faux wood accents." ConclusionThe 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is distinguished from the standard Tahoe by its streamlined exterior and unique instrumentation.  2008 CHEVROLET TAHOE HYBRID STYLING | [8 out of 10] Cars.com: "Stylish appearance" Edmunds: "13 examples of hybrid badges...on this SUV's flanks" AutoblogGreen: "A much bigger vehicle than [many] people actually need" Car and Driver: "Attractive exterior" The 2008 Chevrolet ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

For 2008, there are no other full-size hybrid SUVs available on the planet. Similarly sized nonhybrid competitors available in the U.S. include SUVs such as the Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia, Nissan Armada, and Mercedes GL. But if buying a hybrid is the driving force behind your selection decision, Toyota/Lexus does offer smaller, mid-size SUVs: the Highlander and RX 400h hybrid models. These are both very nice SUVs, but neither offers the room, towing, or genuine four-wheel-drive capabilities of the 2008 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 capmotion #1, Posted: 6/29/2008

    Tahoe Hybrid 4WD

    Is the 4x4 version a real 4WD, with low gear range, etc., or merely an AWD?

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