$51,390 (for 2WD)
As Tested: $52,685
6.0L V-8 two-mode
continuous electric ratio
hybrid engine
21 city/ 22 hwy
More info:
www.chevrolet.com
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So much for the theory that all hybrid vehicles look like they're built for tweedy college professors -- Prius, anyone? As the first full-size hybrid SUV in America, the Tahoe Hybrid would be right at home in an MTV Cribs driveway shot, next to Escalades and Beemer coupes. Chevy pimped out the exterior of this sleek ride with a street-hugging air dam, sweeping running boards, 18-inch aluminum rims and rear spoiler and tinted rear windows, and our jet black tester's aggressive, sporty, high-end profile constantly turned heads.
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As it should for a base $50K-plus sticker, the eight-passenger Tahoe Hybrid rolls off the line fully amped. Leather seats, maple veneer trim, heated front seats, a premium Bose stereo system, navigation, rear parking assist and rear-view camera: That's all standard and lets you roll safely and in style with your entourage. If you've got a short guy like Vince's pal E in your group, better put him in the cramped third row bench seat.
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Chevy claims its two-mode hybrid system delivers roughly the same city fuel economy as a 2008 Camry -- not bad for a full-blown SUV. The two-mode system propels the Tahoe up to 30 miles per hour on battery power alone, and the V-8 Tahoe also operates in economical V-4 mode for stretches to save gas. Brakes work confidently, and if you're using them a lot in stop-and-go traffic, the vehicle's auto-stop function shuts down the gasoline engine (at 0 mph) to reduce fuel consumption. Sure, you pay a premium to get into Chevy's luxe new green machine, but once you're in it, it's like dating a gorgeous girl with inexpensive tastes.
-- by Sam Jemielity
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