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2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Review

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

still boxy and burly
ForbesAutos

handsome with fine build quality
Edmunds

uncompromising in its size
Detroit News

Attractive exterior
Car and Driver

There are subtle and obvious differences between the 2009 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and its fraternal twin, the standard-model Tahoe.

The editors at TheCarConnection.com find that most reviewers consider the 2009 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid stylish and handsome for a vehicle of its size.

Cars.com says the Hybrid has a "stylish appearance" and refers to the "large 'Hybrid' graphics on the side doors and smaller ones on the windshield and rear window” as "notable." According to ForbesAutos, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is "still boxy and burly"—unsurprising, considering that the standard Tahoe is what Edmunds deems "a traditional full-size SUV built on a truck platform."

All 2009 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 2009 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. 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."

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." The Detroit News calls the 2009 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid "uncompromising in its size," while AutoblogGreen thinks it's "gargantuan."

To further differentiate it from other Tahoe trims, the 2009 Tahoe Hybrid is equipped with a unique instrument cluster. Edmunds describes the interior of the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid as "handsome with fine build quality." 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 2009 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid is no different from a fully loaded Tahoe LT. Edmunds notes the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid 2009 "looks like any other [late model] Tahoe on the inside, except for the metallic trim in place of faux wood accents."

Conclusion

A slightly more streamlined exterior and unique instrumentation differentiate the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, but from a distance, it’s just a Tahoe.


Read More of this Review:

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

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.

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See the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid in Other Years:

2009 | 2008

Comments (1 total)

  1. Good choice

    By Robert | Posted: Feb 6th 2009, 09:51:31 AM

    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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