2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Reviews
Reviewers say the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is a green monster, combining the capabilities of a truck-based SUV with the fuel economy of a sedan.
The Tahoe Hybrid is expensive: it starts at about $13,000 more than the conventional Tahoe. The Tahoe Hybrid promises a 25 percent improvement in fuel economy in mixed driving, but because the gas-only Tahoe’s 15/21 mpg fuel economy is so low, hybrid buyers may be less-than-impressed with the Tahoe Hybrid’s 20/23 mpg fuel economy rating.
But, again, if you really need the Tahoe Hybrid, reviewers say you’ll be pleased. The Chevrolet Traverse offers similar seating capacity to the Tahoe Hybrid, and while it can’t match the Tahoe Hybrid’s city fuel economy, it beats its highway numbers. Best of all, it costs about $20,000 less than the Tahoe Hybrid.
The Highlander Hybrid only seats seven, and reviewers say that its interior isn’t as comfortable as the Tahoe’s, but at almost $17,000 less than the Tahoe Hybrid, it could pay to overlook the Highlander Hybrid’s shortcomings.
All three are in play -- with varying degrees of success -- with the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid SUV.
First, Chevy promotes its Tahoe Hybrid as a smart, green SUV that sips fuel and therefore does its part to help conserve Earth's resources. It's rated at a surprising 21 mpg in combined driving. As for the other marketing principles, Chevy's Tahoe Hybrid (and its GMC Yukon Hybrid twin) was indeed America's first full-size hybrid SUV. If you tow moderately heavy loads and price isn't an issue, a case might be made for the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid SUV. The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is an eight-passenger full-size SUV offered in a single trim level. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, power-folding heated side mirrors, remote start, power-adjustable pedals, rear park assist with a rearview camera, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a hybrid power flow display, leather upholstery, power front seats and tri-zone automatic climate control. A sunroof and a rear-seat entertainment system are optional.
The Tahoe Hybrid offers strong, nearly seamless performance. A properly equipped Tahoe Hybrid can tow up to 6,200 pounds.
The 2011 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags.
In the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedure, the Tahoe Hybrid earned an overall rating of four stars (out of five), with five stars for overall frontal crash protection and five stars for overall side crash protection. The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid's cabin is nearly identical to that found in the regular Tahoe, meaning it boasts an upscale design with high-quality fit and finish.
The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid weighs more than a standard Tahoe, and its hybrid-specific electronic automatic transmission is a bit lazy under full power. Crossover SUVs offer a noticeably better driving experience.
The gas engine is a Vortec 6.0L V8 engine with Active Fuel Management. Under different driving conditions, again depending on loads, technology in the engine deactivates cylinders to save gas. Reviewers did cite some negatives about the 2011 Tahoe Hybrid. With a MSRP of $50,735, the Tahoe Hybrid starts at about $13,000 more than the gas-only Tahoe. And several reviews noted the Tahoe Hybrid costs much more than many hybrid SUVs in the same size range.
It is also not the most fuel-economy hybrid SUV on the market. Like most new SUVs today, the 2011 Tahoe Hybrid is packed with technology. This includes OnStar, XM NavTraffic, and XM Radio.
Drivers can also mark parking spots and set parking meter alarms with a Find My Car feature.
A OnStar MyLink app lets drivers remotely start their SUV, control the door locks, and check the SUV’s diagnostics.
For example, the 2011 Tahoe Hybrid offers a StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System.
