2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Features Review

June 26, 2008

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the first hybrid to come with [remote] starting
Car and Driver

The only options...are an engine block heater, a sunroof, and a DVD-based [rear] entertainment system.
Cars.com

an easy gas foot can leave the engine running in four cylinder mode much of the time
AutoblogGreen

You can get the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid in only one style: loaded.

General Motors spent a lot of money developing the 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid's two-mode hybrid system. According to AutoblogGreen, "To help minimize the loss, the system is installed on well-equipped vehicles that people are willing to spend more for," such as the Tahoe Hybrid. Thus, there isn't a "no-frills" version of the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. 2008 is the year to get a fully loaded rig without having to check off all of the options boxes. That's not to say you'll be stuck with unpopular features, but you will have to pay for them.

Standard features of the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid include leather, a navigation system (which Edmunds says is "easy to use"), a nine-speaker Bose audio system with XM satellite capability, a backup camera, remote start, heated power-folding side mirrors, three-zone automatic climate control, and rear park assist. "The Bose audio system [also comes with] a CD/MP3 player, an auxiliary audio jack [and] two rear seat audio jacks," writes Edmunds. The 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid's instrument cluster includes an auto stop position to indicate when the engine is off for fuel-saving purposes. The Detroit News describes the unique instruments that inform the driver of what mode the Tahoe Hybrid is operating in: "To the right, an economy gauge helps maintain an efficient driving style, and the standard navigation system screen can display a real-time status of how power is flowing between the engine, batteries, and motors." Less popular is the standard tire inflation kit that replaces the traditional spare tire in an effort to save weight. ForbesAutos notes "a third-row seat is available but can't be folded flat into the floor...they must be removed manually, which can be quite a chore." Cars.com mentions, "Provided free of charge for the first year is GM's OnStar communication system."

According to Kelley Blue Book, optional features on the 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid include "power glass sunroof, engine block heater, rear seat DVD entertainment, locking rear axle, six-disc MP3 compatible CD changer and four-wheel drive." That's the extent of options for the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid 2008.

Conclusion

The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid offers real utility in a luxurious, green package, though at a steep price.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:the first hybrid to come with [remote] startingCar and DriverThe only options...are an engine block heater, a sunroof, and a DVD-based [rear] entertainment system.Cars.coman easy gas foot can leave the engine running in four cylinder mode much of the timeAutoblogGreen You can get the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid in only one style: loaded. General Motors spent a lot of money developing the 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid's two-mode hybrid system. According to AutoblogGreen, "To help minimize the loss, the system is installed on well-equipped vehicles that people are willing to spend more for," such as the Tahoe Hybrid. Thus, there isn't a "no-frills" version of the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. 2008 is the year to get a fully loaded rig without having to check off all of the options boxes. That's not to say you'll be stuck with unpopular features, but you will have to pay for them. Standard features of the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid include leather, a navigation system (which Edmunds says is "easy to use"), a nine-speaker Bose audio system with XM satellite capability, a backup camera, remote start, heated power-folding side mirrors, three-zone automatic climate control, and rear park assist. "The Bose audio system [also comes with] a CD/MP3 player, an auxiliary audio jack [and] two rear seat audio jacks," writes Edmunds. The 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid's instrument cluster includes an auto stop position to indicate when the engine is off for fuel-saving purposes. The Detroit News describes the unique instruments that inform the driver of what mode the Tahoe Hybrid is operating in: "To the right, an economy gauge helps maintain an efficient driving style, and the standard navigation system screen can display a real-time status of how power is flowing between the engine, batteries, and motors." Less popular is the standard tire inflation kit that replaces the traditional spare tire in an effort to save weight. ForbesAutos notes "a third-row seat is available but can't be folded flat into the floor...they must be removed manually, which can be quite a chore." Cars.com mentions, "Provided free of charge for the first year is GM's OnStar communication system." According to Kelley Blue Book, optional features on the 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid include "power glass sunroof, engine block heater, rear seat DVD entertainment, locking rear axle, six-disc MP3 compatible CD changer and four-wheel drive." That's the extent of options for the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid 2008. ConclusionThe 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid offers real utility in a luxurious, green package, though at a steep price.  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:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

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for the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid near you

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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