Over the last six months, I've gotten a lot of questions about how I can better my fuel economy in a large SUV. While consumers are expecting impossible solutions to achieve the 25-30 mpg by any means necessary, I found it hard to tell them to do this, or to install that, or just don't do these things. And full knowing I know that the overall improvement on the bottom line was only 10% better, very little change to make it worthwhile and could be costly. The Chevrolet Tahoe has been one of the quintessential niche vehicles in GM's line up, and it's easily important to further research new, innovative ways to further keep themselves in contention when it came to expensive gasoline or thrilling competition. When I heard through the grapevine that a 2-mode hybrid system was going to be making its way into these benchmark SUV's, I just had to research more and find out if what it had to offer was worth the king's ransom. I drive the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and get the full array of details the consumers must know.

At first, I could not help but notice the amount of hybrid decals the Tahoe was sporting. Apparently, GM is trying to get the word out in a big way, if it were up to me, I would send mine to the detail shop to get them removed. There are noticeable details that set this model out from the rest. The front bumper and bumper have been modified for better aerodynamics. This one has 20" wheels that are an exclusive feature and puts this Tahoe apart from the rest. Additionally, this one has LED taillights, resculptured panels and more plastic pieces to fit into the lightweight design. It was a Tahoe, but very much distinguishable against an army or 50 other Tahoe models.

The difference maker is what is inside, the technological marvel pleases with a hybrid system that works together in harmony. Hybrid Tahoe's are naturally equipped with a 6.0L V8 with a continuously variable transmission, 2 81hp electric motors, and a 300-volt nickel hydride battery system. Let's see how it all works together.

The 2wd LT2 model I drove was quiet starting. It used a combination of motors and engine power on the start up and quieted down with only motor power on idle. As I shifted into drive, the first 7-15 mph was quiet, sounded like a golf cart. And as I accelerated further, the engine kicked in and it is easily known by the navigation interface and exhaust sound. This interface is neat, it made knowing what mode I was in a snap by using easy, colorful pictures to show me all the specifics. Also, this was great as it taught me to be more frugal on foot power and try to drive in a more economical fashion. The total engine power didn't disappoint either, it was fluid and seamless. The continuous transmission was slick, I didn't feel the gear shifts or throttle kickdown as the electric motors filled in those gaps. It is with this power that the Tahoe Hybrid can still tow an unbelievable 7000 lbs, fascinating! With the interface, there is also an economy gauge and an instant fuel economy meter in the driver information center that gave me all the pertinent info. In my 50+ mile trip, I averaged about 17.8 mpg, this considering I was flogging the accelerator quite often.

So with all the use of power, exactly how does the Tahoe Hybrid regenerate itself? First of all, this is not a "plug in hybrid", its regeneration comes from the braking system. As we slow down, the motors recharge the batteries using the regenerative braking system, a very smart and innovative feature. This made maintenance a non-issue and was very easy to understand from the get go. The batteries are hidden under the second row seating, I had to literally ask the sales consultant where it was, hidden very well. I also found out that there are some features (power lift gate, power release second row seats) you can't get on this hybrid that other Tahoes have, more or less for weight savings.

All in all, the Tahoe Hybrid didn't boast huge fuel economy gains, I wasn't too deeply impressed, but I had to look at the overall picture. This is of course the large SUV arena, so any new trends at this point is certainly welcome. Basic 2WD LT2models start in the neighborhood of k and go up from there depending on how fancy consumers get. The base model comes stacked however with nav, leather appointed seating, bose, very nice indeed. This hybrid system is expensive, it does all the right things very nicely, consumers just have to decide whether it is the money they want to invest in such a bulbous automobile. A great move and step in the right direction for GM, will this new technology make its way into other GM vehicles? It would be a smart idea...