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2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Features Review

February 22, 2009

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

provided free of charge for the first year is GM's OnStar communication system
Cars.com

an economy gauge helps maintain an efficient driving style
Detroit News

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

There are only a few options available on the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid; the SUV comes from the factory with nearly everything as standard equipment.

The expense of the two-mode hybrid system, along with a full range of accessories, is built into the price of the heavily loaded Tahoe Hybrid. According to AutoblogGreen, "To help minimize the loss, the system is installed on well-equipped vehicles that people are willing to spend more for.” Thus, there isn't a "no-frills" version of the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. That's not to say you'll be stuck with unpopular features, but you will have to pay for them.

Standard features include leather, a navigation system (which Edmunds says is "easy to use"), a nine-speaker Bose audio system, 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," reports Edmunds. New standard features on the 2009 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid 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.

The 2009 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."

The extent of options for the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, according to Kelley Blue Book, include "power glass sunroof, engine block heater, rear seat DVD entertainment, locking rear axle, six-disc MP3 compatible CD changer and four-wheel drive."

Conclusion

The 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid offers real utility in a well-equipped, green package, albeit for the price of a full-fledged luxury-brand SUV.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:provided free of charge for the first year is GM's OnStar communication systemCars.coman economy gauge helps maintain an efficient driving styleDetroit Newsan easy gas foot can leave the engine running in four cylinder mode much of the timeAutoblogGreen There are only a few options available on the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid; the SUV comes from the factory with nearly everything as standard equipment. The expense of the two-mode hybrid system, along with a full range of accessories, is built into the price of the heavily loaded Tahoe Hybrid. According to AutoblogGreen, "To help minimize the loss, the system is installed on well-equipped vehicles that people are willing to spend more for.” Thus, there isn't a "no-frills" version of the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. That's not to say you'll be stuck with unpopular features, but you will have to pay for them. Standard features include leather, a navigation system (which Edmunds says is "easy to use"), a nine-speaker Bose audio system, 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," reports Edmunds. New standard features on the 2009 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid 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. The 2009 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." The extent of options for the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, according to Kelley Blue Book, include "power glass sunroof, engine block heater, rear seat DVD entertainment, locking rear axle, six-disc MP3 compatible CD changer and four-wheel drive." ConclusionThe 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid offers real utility in a well-equipped, green package, albeit for the price of a full-fledged luxury-brand SUV. 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE HYBRID STYLING | [8 out of 10] ForbesAutos: "still boxy and burly" Edmunds: "handsome with fine build quality" Detroit News: "uncompromising in its size" Car and Driver: "Attractive exterior" There are subtle and obvious differences between the 2009 Chevy 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:

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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