Honda Accord Or Nissan Altima: Which One Does V-6 Better?
A decade ago, both the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima were offered in base four-cylinder versions... Read More
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The transmission is smooth, especially on the freeway where the hybrid powertrain is seamless.
pleasurable to drive and feels smaller on the road than it really is
less-than-sharp handling
Keeping a Tahoe within a highway lane is no longer a full-time job because the new rack-and-pinion steering actually offers on-center feel
PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
The transmission is smooth, especially on the freeway where the hybrid powertrain is seamless.
AutoWeek
pleasurable to drive and feels smaller on the road than it really is
Motor Trend
less-than-sharp handling
Edmunds
Keeping a Tahoe within a highway lane is no longer a full-time job because the new rack-and-pinion steering actually offers on-center feel
Car and Driver
All Tahoe models are built on GM's full-size SUV platform, with a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering. At its best, the Tahoe is as responsive as any 5,600-pound vehicle can be and feels much more maneuverable than it should. It's more maneuverable than it might suggest, and it holds the road fairly well, considering it is a tall, heavy vehicle with a solid rear axle.
In Hybrid models, a big 332-horsepower, 6.0-liter V-8 is augmented with electric motors and battery power, using a version of the Two-Mode Hybrid system developed by GM with BMW, Daimler and Chrysler. With this system, the Tahoe can accelerate (lightly) on battery power alone or with a mix of engine and motor power. The hybrid system's batteries and transmission will allow electric-only driving up to 27 mph; beyond that, both the gas engine and electric power are run in parallel, and the gas engine deactivates cylinders to save gas. It's a very fuel-efficient combination, allowing EPA ratings of 20 mpg city, 23 highway, and tow ratings of up to 5,000 pounds.
The Hybrid models have a similar driving feel, though the electric-assisted steering lacks feedback, and regenerative braking makes stops a little less coordinated.
Throughout the standard Tahoe lineup, it can be ordered with rear- or four-wheel drive, with a dual-range system available. The Tahoe Hybrid's system is a more sophisticated, electronically switched system.
Conclusion
For such a big, heavy vehicle, the Tahoe and Tahoe Hybrid move quickly and handle relatively well.
