From the logbook: A "green" Chevrolet Tahoe—a hybrid hopeful?

Even though G.M. touts its new full-sized Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon Hybrids as "green" machines, buyers haven't exactly stampeded dealerships. According to a recent article in The New York Times, "G.M. has sold about 1,100 of its Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon hybrids since their introduction in January…[a] pace [that's] well behind its goal of 12,000 sales a year, and a fraction of the more than 100,000 hybrids sold so far in the United States this year."

We were eager to find out if this new hybrid really could make sizeable fuel economy improvements over the conventional Tahoe we last tested, which got a deplorable 14 mpg overall. Our well-equipped "Summit White" 4WD Hybrid stickered for a cool $55,585. So far, we’ve put nearly 3,000 miles on it; here's a look inside the logbook:

"Hybrid system works smoothly…even used no [gas] engine for a couple of miles of 0-20-0 mpg driving."

"18.3 mpg overall isn't great, but it's [obviously] better than the non-hybrid version." [Note: other drivers logged 16-17, 17.5, 18.6, and 20.8 mpg]

"Ridiculously low mpg…and this is 'green'? This gets tax incentives and the Toyota Corolla doesn’t? Insane."

"Ride is stiffer than regular Tahoe.” [But other opinions said: "Rides well and easy to navigate despite its massive size."]

"Brakes are very touchy, and then very hard."

"Steering has hardly any feedback."

"Feels heavy and slow reacting even in casual driving."

"Gee, can you tell it’s a hybrid? Our truck has more stickers and badges than a NASCAR racer…gets attention, though."

"Very quiet interior and comfortable seats."

"No power recline/lumbar for the seats and no powered tailgate is cheap for the crazy $55K sticker."

"Third-row seats steal virtually all the cargo space."

"Want to get [similar] fuel economy, seat eight and tow 4,500 pounds? Buy a Honda Pilot and save $15K."

Perhaps the final word on the big Tahoe Hybrid's fuel economy came from one of our most trusted bottom-liners: Auto Test's Data Program Manager (and keeper of all things statistical), who wrote "18 mpg is quite an improvement for such a big vehicle especially that it can be used for towing."

Look for a full road test soon.

—Mike Quincy

For tips on saving gasoline and alternative fuels, see our green car guide.

Comments

[johnmarco]

That it gets better mileage than a regular Tahoe is great, but.... tax incentives? The government should NOT be subsidizing this thing.

[Ray]

I'm not sure, but couldn't you get comparable mileage from a diesel for a lot less money?

[ed]

Its worth mentioning since no one else has written a blog about it.... Most large SUV's are exempt from the "gass guzzler tax" that is applied to vehicles that average poor milage. The tax is designed to be used to offset the carbon foot print of these cars. Most large SUV's in the united states are classified as "utility vehicles" and are thus, exempt from this tax. Therefore, I could go by a V8 chrysler 300 that averages right around 20 mpg and have to pay extra for my "gas guzzler" but if i bought an H2, H3, Land Rover or any of those other useless cars that NOBODY uses as utility vehicles, I would not pay the "gas guzzler tax!" Incredible. Hmmm its like the government wants me to waist fuel huh?