First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe 2-Mode Hybrid (and GMC Yukon, too)

The Chevrolet Tahoe 2-Mode Hybrid is GM’s first full parallel hybrid — meaning the hybrid system can propel the vehicle with an electric motor, a gasoline engine or a combination of the two. That’s the setup that gives many of today's most efficient hybrids their mileage gains. After driving it and its full-size sister SUV, the GMC Yukon Hybrid — and after grilling GM's execs — there don’t appear to be any significant tradeoffs compared to a regular model. That said, the gas mileage is now described only as "up to 25 percent better" than the non-hybrid in mixed driving and up to 40 percent better in the city. That would mean gas mileage around 19.6 mpg in city driving, while the mixed-driving estimate could be as high as 20 mpg. EPA numbers will be released closer to the on-sale date in the fourth quarter of 2007.

The Tahoe may feel even more natural than some other hybrids because it combines fixed transmission gears with the continuously variable nature of a full hybrid. In other words, it shifts just like an automatic transmission, but with some continuously variable changes, too. It moves much like a regular Tahoe — and quickly. 2-Mode combines GM's 6.0-liter V-8 engine with the added oomph of electric motors. Six liters might sound large for a hybrid, but the engine can deactivate four of its cylinders when under light load. Could GM have made the trucks less strong/quick and more efficient? Most likely, and environmentalists are sure to object, but boaters are likely to celebrate.

GM's Hybrid SUVs May Get Better MPG Than Expected

When General Motors first showed off the hybrid versions of its Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs, it said mileage gains would be around 25% over the gasoline-only versions. Now GM is saying that when the two hit dealers this fall, city mileage could be 40% better — about 19-20 mpg using the EPA’s 2008 testing guidelines.

These will be the first vehicles to use a new hybrid system developed jointly with Chrysler Group and BMW, both of which have hybrid plans of their own. Towing rates will go down, though, from 8,200 pounds to 6,200 pounds, but the SUVs will still be four-wheel drive.

This hybrid system, like many others, doesn’t impact highway driving as much as city driving, and mileage both on the highway and overall is expected to be around 20 or 21 mpg. 

Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but a $5,000 or more premium over the regular versions would be a conservative estimate.

GM Expects 40% Mileage Boost on Big SUV Hybrids (USA Today)

Consumer Reports Applauds New Vehicles From Ford and GM

Toyota and Honda still rule the annual car issue of Consumer Reports, but this year Ford and GM are happy to be gaining ground as important models like the Ford Fusion and Chevy Tahoe topped future reliability rankings. However, only six of the top 47 most reliable models were domestics. The issue is on sale now and includes results from surveys of 1.3 million vehicle owners.

Customer satisfaction greatly favored the Japanese, who were responsible for 26 of the 45 top-rated vehicles. European automakers followed with 11, and the domestics moved from four to seven of the top vehicles in satisfaction ratings. 

[Ford, GM Gain With Redesigns, The Detroit News]