Used Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Review

Used Models

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  2013 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid SUV Used TMV from $41,301Find Used Inventory
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  2012 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid SUV Used TMV from $36,763Find Used Inventory
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  2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid SUV Used TMV from $33,086Find Used Inventory
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  2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid SUV Used TMV from $29,143Find Used Inventory
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  2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid SUV Used TMV from $23,994Find Used Inventory
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  2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid SUV Used TMV from $20,220Find Used Inventory

The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid comes close to being a best-of-both-worlds sort of vehicle. Indeed, the Tahoe Hybrid seats up to eight people, can tow up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped and can get 21 mpg in combined driving. Unfortunately, the Tahoe Hybrid is considerably more expensive than a regular Tahoe, making it a questionable purchase from a value standpoint. And just like the regular Tahoe, the Hybrid suffers from some design aspects that might make a large crossover SUV a better choice for many people.

Current Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
As its name implies, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is a full-size SUV with a gasoline/electric powertrain to help boost fuel economy. The EPA gives the two-wheel-drive Tahoe Hybrid a 20 mpg city/23 mpg highway fuel economy estimate, with a combined average of 21 mpg. This is approximately 30 percent better than a regular Tahoe.

The heart of the efficiency lies in the interplay between the electric power and the 6.0-liter gasoline V8 engine. As with most other full hybrid vehicles, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid can accelerate from a standstill to about 30 mph on electricity alone, a major factor in the Tahoe's increased city fuel economy. When it's time for the gasoline engine to chime in, it will. The Tahoe also capitalizes on many existing hybrid technologies such as regenerative brakes, which are used to recharge the battery pack while slowing the vehicle.

GM's calls this hybrid system "Two-Mode" and it was developed in conjunction with BMW and the now-defunct DaimlerChrysler partnership. The transmission houses two 60-kilowatt electric motors, and it blends their power with that of the gasoline engine using three special planetary gearsets in addition to the four fixed ratios of the fairly conventional automatic transmission. Depending on the driving situation, the electronically variable transmission (EVT) can function with continuously variable gearing for light loads and fixed-ratio strength for more heavy-duty tasks, such as towing. The four-wheel-drive Tahoe also has low-range gearing, an unusual attribute for a hybrid SUV. Total combined output is 379 horsepower.

Because of the considerable weight added by the hybrid-related components, Chevrolet did make an effort to lighten the load and streamline the Tahoe Hybrid. In some places aluminum body panels replace their weightier counterparts, and thin-profile seats shed additional pounds. The Tahoe Hybrid also has aerodynamic add-ons and low-rolling-resistance tires.

The rest of the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid is largely identical to other, well-equipped Tahoe models. It has three rows of seating, eight-passenger seating capacity and up to 109 cubic feet of cargo space, more than any other hybrid. To get that space, however, one must physically remove the third row of seats -- just about every other large SUV allows you to fold it flat into the floor. Almost everything comes standard, including leather seating, a premium sound system and a navigation system. The only significant items left as options are a rear-seat entertainment system and a sunroof.

In our reviews of the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, we've found that it drives very much like a regular Tahoe. Acceleration and highway passing performance, in fact, are better than what a 5.3-liter V8-equipped Tahoe provides. The main downsides to the Tahoe Hybrid, however, are price and absolute fuel economy. The Hybrid still costs thousands more than a similarly equipped regular Tahoe. And the vehicle's combined fuel economy rating, even though it's a major improvement, is still a far cry from what most people would consider "good" fuel economy in the absolute sense.

Overall, we think conscientious consumers who don't need massive towing capacity would be better served with the considerably less expensive, yet equally roomy and nearly as fuel-efficient Chevrolet Traverse full-size crossover SUV.

Used Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Models
The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid was introduced as an all-new model for the 2008 model year. The following year, the Tahoe Hybrid gained power-adjustable pedals. Models produced prior to 2012 lacked front seat side airbags.

If you are looking for newer years, visit our new Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid page

Chevrolet's Tahoe Hybrid full-size SUV debuted for 2010

Vehicle Overview
Chevrolet's Tahoe Hybrid full-size SUV debuted for 2008. It has room for up to nine people, can tow up to 6,200 pounds and the rear-wheel-drive model gets an EPA-estimated 21/22 mpg city/highway. 

New for 2010
There are no significant changes for 2010.

Exterior
The Tahoe Hybrid looks much like a regular Tahoe SUV, which is to say that it features a relatively squared-off shape. However, there are a number of subtle (and not so subtle) differences between the two.

• Revised D-pillar and flared ends for the running boards to lessen drag
• Aluminum hood and liftgate to save weight
• 18-inch aluminum wheels fitted with low-rolling-resistance tires
• Hybrid badges on the front fenders, C-pillars and liftgate
• Large hybrid decals on the side doors
• Three new colors for 2010

Interior
The cabin of the Tahoe Hybrid is similar to the gas-only Tahoe, but it includes some hybrid-specific cues.

Interior features include:

• Lightweight front seats
• Economy gauge in instrument panel to encourage frugal driving behavior
• Standard navigation system with hybrid power-flow animation
• 16.9 cubic feet of cargo room behind third row
• Power-adjustable pedals
• OnStar 8.0, which supports features like Turn-by-Turn navigation and the ability to remotely slow down the vehicle if stolen
• New USB input for portable MP3 devices

Under the Hood
The Tahoe Hybrid features GM's two-mode hybrid system. It includes a 6.0-liter V-8 engine that makes 332 horsepower and has cylinder deactivation technology, which can deactivate half of the cylinders when they aren't needed. The system's first mode, which allows the Tahoe Hybrid to move on just electric power, just engine power or a combination of the two, is designed for city and light-load driving. The second, mostly highway mode provides electric-power assist for the V-8.

• Electrically Variable Transmission with two electric motors and four forward gears
• Rear- or four-wheel drive
• Can move on electric power alone up to 30 mph, according to Chevrolet

Safety
Standard safety features include:

• Three-row side curtain airbags
• Electronic stability system
• Antilock brakes

2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid For Sale, Pictures and Prices

Full 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Review

What's New for 2010

If you want to buy Chevy Tahoe  is a little simpler for 2010, as its engine choices have been reduced to one -- the 5.3-liter V8, which now comes standard with E85 capability. 2010 Chevy Tahoe Front seat-mounted side airbags and a USB audio connection are now standard, while the LT trim and a few equipment packages have been enhanced with additional equipment.

Introduction

A Traverse can't traverse a mountain attached to a 7,000-pound camper. A Flex isn't flexible enough to seat nine people. The pilot of a Pilot isn't going to be very willing to tackle a rocky trail. Sometimes you need an SUV that can deliver the macho-truck goods that a crossover cannot. Sometimes you need the 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe.

A Tahoe served in our long-term fleet for one year where it became the go-to vehicle for towing a classic car from Colorado, hauling the family to Oregon and hitting up rugged terrain throughout the American West. While other SUVs, pickups or crossovers may have been able to tackle some of these tasks, none could do all of them like a Tahoe. Its strong capability, comfortable ride, high-quality cabin and generous passenger capacity made it a good choice for our editors and it should be for many SUV buyers as well.

Now in its fourth year since a complete overhaul, the 2010 Chevy Tahoe features a number of significant additions and subtractions for its lineup. Most notably, the entry-level 4.8-liter V8 and top-of-the-line 6.2-liter V8 have been discontinued -- the latter of which was only introduced last year. Rest assured, though, that the bigger engine is still available in the Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon Denali. Remaining is the 320-horsepower 5.3-liter V8, which now comes standard with E85 ethanol capability.

Of course, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention some of its competitors. The Toyota Sequoia is perhaps the most formidable, offering a highly refined nature, more maximum cargo space and more than one solid engine choice. The Ford Expedition is also worth consideration, as its fold-flat rear seats make transitioning between people- and cargo-carrying much easier.

However, before parking any of the above in your garage, we suggest contemplating how often you really need the massive towing and hauling capabilities that these trucks provide. If you just need something that can carry about six, seven or eight people in comfort, a large crossover like the Chevy Traverse or Ford Flex would be better choices as they are easier to get into and drive, offer more comfortable rides and interiors, and achieve better fuel economy. Sometimes you need the macho-truck goods, but then again, you usually don't.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV available in three trims: LS, LT and LTZ. The LS comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, cruise control, dual-zone manual climate control, rear air-conditioning, a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, a 40/20/40-split front bench seat with six-way power driver adjustment, a 60/40-split second-row seat and a 50/50 folding and removable third-row seat. Also standard is OnStar and a six-speaker stereo with CD player, satellite radio, auxiliary audio jack and USB audio jack. The Interior Plus package adds tri-zone automatic climate control, six-way power front bucket seats with a front center console, rear seat audio controls, Bluetooth, interior wood trim and additional body-colored exterior trim pieces. The Convenience package adds rear parking sensors, a rearview camera (available as a stand-alone option), power-adjustable pedals and remote engine start.

Upgrading to the LT brings all the LS Interior Plus and Convenience packages' equipment (minus the rearview camera, which is optional separately) and adds OnStar turn-by-turn navigation and leather upholstery. It can also be equipped with optional features not available on the LS. The Luxury Package adds power-folding exterior mirrors, a power liftgate, eight-way power front seats with driver memory functions, heated front and rear seats, and a second-row power release function. The Off-Road package adds specially tuned springs and shock absorbers, 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, skid plates and unique front and rear fascias. Second-row bucket seats are also optional for the Tahoe LT.

The LTZ comes with the LT Luxury package as standard equipment and also has 20-inch wheels, exterior chrome trim, the rearview camera, perforated leather upholstery, additional front seat adjustment, heated and ventilated front seats, power flip-and-fold second-row bucket seats, a navigation system with real-time traffic, and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound stereo. The Suspension package adds an air suspension with variable shock dampening and automatic load leveling. Also optional are the second-row bench and a blind-spot warning system.

The Sun, Entertainment and Destinations package available on all trims adds a sunroof, a rear-seat entertainment system and the navigation system with rearview camera. The entertainment system is also available separately. There are also a variety of 20- and 22-inch wheels available and a trailering package that includes a different rear axle ratio.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2010 Chevy Tahoe comes with only one engine, a 5.3-liter V8 that produces 320 hp and 335 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, while rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive models are available. Notably, Chevy is equipping the 4WD Tahoe this year with a choice of the traditional two-speed transfer case or a single-speed unit (no low-range gearing).

In performance testing, a 4WD Tahoe LT went from zero to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined regardless of 2WD or 4WD. Properly equipped, a 4WD Tahoe can tow up to 8,200 pounds.

Safety

Every 2010 Tahoe comes standard with stability control, antilock disc brakes, front seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags. In government crash testing, the Tahoe received a perfect five stars for frontal crash protection. It has yet to be tested with its new front seat side airbags, but prior to their addition, the Tahoe still managed a five-star side crash performance. In our brake testing, the Tahoe came to a stop from 60 mph in 134 feet.

Interior Design and Special Features

Thankfully, the current Tahoe raises the disappointingly low bar set by past Chevy SUVs when it comes to interior aesthetics. Step inside the cabin and you'll find attractive materials and solid build quality. The Tahoe's controls are intuitively laid out, especially the stereo. It's also able to transport up to nine passengers, though third-row passengers won't be as comfortable as they would be in the Chevy Traverse crossover. Some drivers might also find the driving position awkward because of the lack of a telescoping steering wheel and uneven pedal heights.

The Tahoe offers 109 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, besting that of rivals like the Dodge Durango and more or less equaling that of the Ford Expedition. However, unlike virtually every competitor, its third-row seats must be physically removed, and their hefty weight makes the process laborious.

Driving Impressions

For a 5,500-pound SUV, the 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe does pretty well when it comes to acceleration. Even 4WD models are able to get from zero to 60 mph in an impressive 8.5 seconds. Although last year's bigger 6.2-liter V8 is no longer available, the Tahoe is still a champ when it comes to towing. Should you own a large boat or trailer, there are few other SUVs that will do as well as the Tahoe.

Those who favor a soft, forgiving ride will appreciate this SUV's road manners, but the downside of that cushy comfort is steering and handling that feel somewhat rubbery. The Tahoe feels less than agile around corners, but its tight turning circle -- measuring just 39 feet -- makes it relatively easy to pilot in the city.