2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid SUV Review & Ratings

The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid SUV combines all of the features of the Tahoe with the increased fuel-economy of a hybrid vehicle. With 20 miles per gallon in the city and 23 on the highway, this SUV is a better deal for urban dwellers. The standard Tahoe is significantly less expensive than the Hybrid, and only gets 15 city miles per gallon. This Hybrid improves on these numbers in urban areas because the design of a gas/electric engine allows the batteries to be recharged any time the vehicle is moving without your foot pressing down the gas, such as traveling down inclines, approaching stop signs, or coasting to reduce speed - all more common to city driving.

Highway numbers are comparable at 21 mpg, so frequent highway travelers should take other features into consideration before making a decision. The Hybrid is ideal for families that spend their weekdays in city traffic, but want to have the flexibility of rugged construction, cargo room, and towing capacity during downtime.

GM offers both a two-wheel-drive and a four-wheel-drive Hybrid, with an advanced hybrid system that keeps energy use at a minimum. The vehicle features a 6.0 liter V8 engine with Active Fuel Management, and the strength of 332 horsepower. Electrically variable transmission and a 300-volt storage system offer the reliable fuel efficiency expected by Hybrid drivers. Note that the battery pack does not reduce the cubic feet of cargo space, as it is located under the second row of seats.

Eight passengers can fit comfortably in the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid SUV, or the cargo area can be opened to 108.9 cubic feet. The two-wheel-drive model tows 6,200 pounds, and the four-wheel-drive version can pull up to 5,900 pounds.

The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid SUV requires no assistance from you to keep the electric and gasoline engines operating at optimal fuel-efficiency. Starting the car might take some getting used to, as many times only the electric portion will turn on and the gasoline engine will not engage, giving an entirely different sound. As you drive at the speeds below 10 miles per hour, through parking lots for example, the electric engine is virtually silent. Therefore, you must be extra-cautious, as pedestrians won't hear you coming.

Standard safety features are second to none, including four-wheel anti-lock brakes, a tire pressure monitoring system, OnStar, and the Stabilitrak stability control system with rollover mitigation. In addition, a series of airbags protect passengers, such as dual-stage front and side curtain airbags.