Hybrid Tahoe

If you have been pricing and shopping for SUVs, you may realize there are a lot to choose from. When browsing hybrids SUVs, your choices become more limited but there is still a good bit of competition in this industry as well. The sticker price for SUVs, especially the hybrids, can often times cause sticker shock.

If you are going to invest your finances in a hybrid SUV, you should know your options and be aware of possible costs involved before arriving at the showroom. One top contender for the best hybrid SUV on the market is the hybrid Tahoe. So take a moment to get an overview of what to expect from this sturdy Sports Utility Vehicle option.

The Hybrid Tahoe Basics

As far as hybrids go and even hybrid SUVs, the Tahoe may not be the greenest of them all, but it certainly fares well when compared to the non-hybrid version. The tradeoff is you get a vehicle that still has the power and capabilities you need from an SUV but with better fuel economy. Not to mention, you are doing your part to cut down on the amount of damage automobiles and sports utility vehicles do to the environment.

The standard package and basic features start with the important engine running it. With the Tahoe hybrid, you get a Vortec 5.3 liter, V8 engine. This driving force also produces 320 horsepower and 335 pound/feet of torque. To get to the fuel efficiency, you have to compare both gasoline consumption and what the electric engine uses.

For the gasoline engine, you should see an EPA estimated use of 15 miles per gallon for city driving and 21 for highway roads. For the 2011, you may actually benefit from 20 city miles per gallon and 23 for highways with the electric engine. It is not the greatest in its class, but it is good enough that many consumers feel it is fuel-efficient for an SUV.

Safety Features

While many of the standard safety features are among the industry standard, the Tahoe has kept them in place. You get features including six air bags and StabiliTrak with Traction Control. You also get four wheel, anti-lock brakes, which is also a standard feature for vehicles these days. You also get Proactive Roll Avoidance, which helps lower the risk of rollovers.

One feature that not all SUVs have yet is the Side Blind Zone Alert, which helps you eliminate blind spots for safer driving. The rear view camera system and ultrasonic rear parking assist help with parking and backing up, which can be tricky and are a leading cause of fender benders.

The Review Feedback

The main complaint from the masses for the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is that the price is quite a bit more than some of the competition, and even for possibly what you are getting in return. Otherwise, a good majority of the feedback from consumers has given much praise to this big mean hybrid SUV.

Other reviews though seem to claim the Tahoe as a hybrid may not be worth the extra expense. If you want a good powerful hybrid that actually gets good fuel economy, there may be better options for you to consider that offer more bang for the buck or are at least less costly. If fuel economy or going green is not one of your priorities, maybe sticking with the standard Chevy Tahoe may make more sense. There are even other options from Chevy you may enjoy just as much if not more than the hybrid version of the Tahoe.

Other Considerations

Consumers looking for something with a powerful towing capability may still want to consider the Tahoe even if the price for the hybrid is steep. For those who need maximum towing abilities for things such as boats, campers or other cars, price may have to take a back seat in the decision making process. Some consumers also feel there are enough whistles and bells involved even on the standard model to make the showroom sticker price on this SUV worthwhile.

You get extras such as 18 inch alloy wheels, power folding heated side mirrors and a remote start, just to name a few. You can also get features including power adjustable pedals, tri zone automatic climate control and leather upholstery in addition to a great number of more luxuries. The bottom line is that you may want to really weigh the pros and cons of this particular SUV before making a decision. At least consider and compare your options before deciding for sure on the Chevy Hybrid Tahoe.

Category: Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, Hybrid SUV Review