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...

The Chevrolet HHR, a fresh take on the retro car trend started by the Chrysler PT Cruiser offers you a distinctive look, smooth ride and versatile interior. It's designed to compete with Chrysler's PT Cruiser. The Chevrolet HHR is built on the Chevy Cobalt small sedan's platform. It's a four-door vehicle with a rear touch-pad liftgate. The 2006 Chevrolet HHR is a new kind of car. But honestly, it's is not for the sporting driver unless your driving the HHR SS Turbocharged version or tricked one out.

Driving

The Chevy HHR's strength is a smooth and quiet ride. Stock, it's not the best choice if you drive on curved rural two-lane roads or unimproved roads. If you spend the bucks you saved buying the HHR to trick it out, you get a sexy hot car, given it's retro appeal. Sharing the Chevrolet Cobalt's powertrain, you have a small wagon with utility and basic comfort.

Looks

The HHR, a retro Car, looks like the PT, but was inspired by the 1949 Chevrolet Suburban. When the Chevrolet released the HHR, it recaptured the classic looks of Chevy's mid-century trucks and vans. The HHR panel van is not for everyone, but will appeal to you if you want a small delivery vehicle or a car with a late forties look to it.

Performance

You find that nothing equals the HHR SS Turbocharged hot car's performance. Chevy delivers design, performance and value with standard features found on more expensive vehicles. The non-turbocharged HHR falls behind the competition is in overall performance and refinement. GM aimed the HHR at a younger crowd with a broad range of appearance and performance accessories.

Price

The Chevrolet HHR is a four-door sport utility vehicle with a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission in the LS, 1LT, and 2LT models priced from ,550 to ,350. It's packed with features, retro styling and practicality all at affordable price for a retro car. You may not know what a '49 Suburban looks like, but you will like the HHR's classic-car styling, practicality, mainstream mechanicals and affordable pricing.

As cool as the 1940s-style exterior is, the Chevrolet HHR is equally cool for its use of space and features like remote start and the iPod connector. The Chevrolet HHR looks like the Chrysler PT Cruiser, the lead designer of the PT Cruiser was involved in the design of the Chevy HHR. The Chevrolet HHR offers you roughly the same EPA fuel-economy ratings regardless of engine or transmission choice. Whether it's the HHR SS Turbocharged or a tricked out model, it's a sexy hot car.

Sport utility vehicles built on a car chassis are called crossover utility vehicles or CUVs, an apt characterization for the Chevrolet Equinox. This compact CUV which competes in a crowded segment that includes the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR/V can boast about something that none of the other models can claim: best in class fuel economy.

Significantly redesigned for the 2010 model year, the Chevy Equinox is powered by a 2.4-liter DURATEC four cylinder engine. This efficient, yet robust engine allows the Equinox to get 22 mpg around town and 32 mpg on the highway; the latter figure is one mpg better than what the Ford Escape Hybrid delivers. Optionally, buyers can choose a 3.0-liter V6, but the 182 horsepower four cylinder model may be sufficient for most needs.

The Chevrolet Equinox offers a number of features not typically available in this class including:

A six-speed automatic transmission. Toyota and Honda offer five-speeds which accounts for the Chevrolet's miles per gallon edge. Model features six standard air bags including dual action frontal air bags, head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags. Electronic stability control, traction control and four-wheel disc brakes. OnStar with directions and connections included. Remote start which activates climate control and can heat the seats if temperatures warrant it. Programmable power lift gate. Dual-screen rear entertainment system.

The five-passenger Chevrolet Equinox is available in front or all-wheel drive. Alloy wheels paired with 17-, 18- or 19-inch tires are standard and the Equinox features an electric power steering system, another attribute designed to save fuel.

Inside, the Equinox cabin includes a generous supply of storage bins, an extra-large glove box; a closed storage bin in the instrument panel positioned above the center stack; and a closed storage compartment located under the center armrest capable of housing a laptop computer. Yes, 21st century storage needs are addressed with the Chevrolet Equinox.

Seating surfaces are cloth, but leather trim is optional. Other cabin amenities include blue ambient lighting, a tilt telescoping steering wheel, available touch screen navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, internal high drive for song storage, rear view camera system and optional upgraded audio system with eight speakers.

Perhaps the only drawback for the Chevrolet Equinox is that buyer demand is matching supply which means that almost as soon as these popular CUVs hit dealer lots they are sold. GM is keeping its inventories lean, but if you want an all-new Equinox you can have one made to order by contacting your local Chevrolet dealership.