AMERICA'S FIRST FULL-SIZE HYBRID SUV

The 2008 Tahoe Hybrid, America's first full-size hybrid SUV,4 has arrived.

Available in two- or four-wheel drive, Tahoe Hybrid provides the power and capability you expect from a Chevy utility vehicle while offering fuel efficiency you never imagined - an outstanding EPA estimated MPG 21 city, 22 highway for 2WD models and 20 city, 20 highway for 4x4 models.

In fact, 2008 Tahoe Hybrid 2WD offers the same city fuel efficiency as a four-cylinder Toyota Camry.

"With larger vehicles generally comes poorer fuel economy because of greater size and curb weight. An 'equalizer' has been needed... and the two-mode hybrid system in the Tahoe Hybrid is clearly that equalizer."- Ron Cogan, Green Car Journal Editor and Publisher

Tahoe Hybrid optimizes efficiency and performance whether you're driving in the city or on the highway thanks to the two-mode hybrid propulsion system. It's this innovative system that allows Tahoe Hybrid to offer up to 50% better city fuel economy the non-hybrid Tahoe.

When you add up the numbers and look at the facts, it's easy to see why the Green Car Journal named Tahoe Hybrid its 2008 Green Car of the Year.5

And it's just one of the many ways Chevy is working to reduce our dependence on petroleum.

Two-Mode System: Mode 1

In the first mode, at low speed and light load, the vehicle can operate in three ways:

  • electric power
  • engine power
  • or any combination of electric and engine power.

When operating with electric power, it provides all the fuel efficiency of a full hybrid system. Leaving the engine shut off for extended periods of time and moving under electric power is key to reducing fuel consumption in heavy stop-and-go traffic.

But when you need the extra muscle of Tahoe's Vortec V8, it is there to seamlessly kick in and deliver the power you expect.

Two-Mode System: Mode 2

The second mode is used primarily at highway speeds to optimize fuel economy. It provides electric assist in addition to four-cylinder or full eight-cylinder power when conditions demand it, such as trailer towing and climbing steep grades.

Put another way, you'll experience the benefit of improved fuel consumption while still having access to plenty of horsepower, torque and utility when you need it.

Additional enhancements

  • Tahoe Hybrid is lowered in both the front and rear to reduce wind resistance
  • Aerodynamically enhanced assist steps are integrated
  • The hood has been streamlined
  • Fascias and the front air dam have been specially tuned
  • Hood and liftgate are made of lightweight aluminum to reduce weight
  • The low-mass aluminum wheels are outfitted with low-rolling-resistance tires

See Tahoe Hybrid in Action

2008 Tahoe Hybrid Demonstration Video (45 sec.)
2008 Tahoe Hybrid Engineering Highlights Video (1 min.)