Overview & Reviews

The discontinued Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid came close to being a best-of-both-worlds sort of vehicle. To wit, it seats eight, can tow 6,200 pounds when properly equipped and gets up to 21 mpg in mixed driving. Unfortunately, the Tahoe Hybrid was considerably more expensive than a regular Tahoe when new, making it a questionable purchase from a value standpoint. And just like the regular Tahoe, the Hybrid suffered from some inherent shortcomings that made a large crossover SUV a better choice for many shoppers.

The Tahoe Hybrid never sold particularly well, so finding a used one could prove challenging. If you do track one down, keep in mind that similarly priced three-row crossovers are likely to provide comparable fuel economy and a better driving experience. Note, too, that the hybrid power system is quite complex, so long-term reliability is a bigger question mark than usual. But if you're looking for big-SUV functionality in a relatively fuel-efficient package, a used Tahoe Hybrid could still fill the bill.

Used Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Models
Produced in a single generation for the 2008-'13 model years, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is a full-size SUV with a gasoline/electric powertrain that produces a healthy 379 horsepower. EPA fuel economy ratings fluctuated slightly through the years, but the combined city/highway figure was consistently 21 mpg for the rear-wheel-drive Tahoe Hybrid, with the four-wheel-drive version hovering between 20 and 21 mpg. At the time, this was approximately 30 percent better than the regular Tahoe could manage.

The secret lies in the interplay between the twin electric motors and the 6.0-liter gasoline V8 engine. For one thing, the Tahoe Hybrid can accelerate from a standstill to about 30 mph on electricity alone, though you'll need flat (or ideally downward-sloping) ground and very patient drivers behind you to make it happen. But even when the gasoline engine kicks in, the electric motors minimize fuel consumption by continuing to provide motivation. The Tahoe also capitalizes on familiar hybrid technologies such as regenerative brakes, which are used to recharge the battery pack while slowing the vehicle.

GM developed this hybrid system in conjunction with BMW and the now-defunct DaimlerChrysler partnership. The most novel component is the transmission, which uses three special planetary gearsets in addition to four fixed ratios like a conventional automatic. Depending on the driving situation, this electronically variable transmission (EVT) can function with continuously variable gearing for light loads or fixed-ratio strength for heavy-duty tasks.

Because of the considerable weight added by the hybrid-related components, Chevrolet made an effort to lighten the load and streamline the Tahoe Hybrid. Some of the body panels are made of aluminum, while thin-profile seats shed additional pounds. The Tahoe Hybrid also has aerodynamic add-ons and low-rolling-resistance tires. It's a bit surprising, then, that the four-wheel-drive Hybrid has low-range gearing, an unusual attribute for a hybrid SUV.

The rest of the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid is largely identical to well-equipped regular Tahoe models of the same vintage. It has three rows of seating, an eight-passenger capacity and up to 109 cubic feet of cargo space, more than any other hybrid. To access that full space, however, you have to physically remove the third row of seats -- just about every other large SUV allows you to fold it flat into the floor. Standard features included leather seating, a premium sound system and a navigation system. The only significant items left as options were a rear-seat entertainment system and a sunroof.

In reviews of the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, we found that it drove very much like a regular Tahoe from that era. In fact, its acceleration and highway passing performance were a shade better. But while the Hybrid's combined fuel economy rating was a major improvement, it's still a far cry from what most people would consider "good" in the absolute sense. Overall, consumers who don't need massive towing capacity would be better served by equally roomy crossovers like the three-row Chevrolet Traverse.

Changes were few and far between for the Tahoe Hybrid. For 2009, power-adjustable pedals became standard, while the 2012 model added front-seat side airbags. Otherwise, this quirky truck received only minor technology upgrades during its run.

User Reviews:

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  2009 Tahoe Hybrid is outstanding - 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  By V & S - November 10 - 5:53 am

  Current mileage 19700. Superb vehicle beyond expectations. Superb assembly inside and out. Visibility is superb and blind spots nil. Ride is surprisingly smooth, quite, comfortable, roomy. Required no repairs at 14 months. Same tires and breaks. Handling is better than many cars, excellent acceleration, responsive, tight steering, little sway, great traction control and brakes. It almost never skids. Great sound system, navigation, rear camera, and warning lights. Holds 7-8 large adults; or 5-6 with baggage. Pulls 32 foot trailer with ease. Mileage is better than expected with cruise control, on flat roads, 27-29 mpg. City is 19-24 mpg.

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  best SUV out there - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  By SF bay area - March 30 - 8:30 am

  This car has performed to all expectations. We tow a large ski boat with absolutely no problems and still hold to abut 14 mpg. Regular driving holds around 23 mpg. We have had very few issues in the past year and a half. Power door lock and two recalls. I was apparently one of the first to purchase the vehicle in the area so one or two recalls was normal. Only improvements that had to be done was additional headrest monitors, tranny cooler and removing of the hybrid decals. This car was worth every penny and save me a lot in gas compared to my old Tahoe.

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  MyBrid! - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  By CJ - February 20 - 6:33 am

  Ive had 2 other gas Tahoes since 2004 and the #1 question I get when someone notices I have a Hybrid is "does it have any power?", and the second of course is "what kind of gas mileage do you really get". Im always very proud to say its more powerful than either of my 2 previous gas Tahoes and I get 19-21 in town, and about the same on longer trips. I had the dealership remove all the decals on body, and removed the windshield decals myself with a hair dryer & WD40 (it really works!). The only thing I miss is my power tailgate. This Hybrid is Mybrid and if you want one, get your own!

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  Loving the fuel efficiency! - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  By TreeHugger - February 17 - 10:23 am

  Ive gotta say for the fuel efficiency, hands down, the best. Traded my old Range Rover for it & Im super happy about my gas mileage but it is BIG. Bigger than any other vehicle Ive had. The rear camera needs improvement (the angle and range are off). The rear sensors are not as sensitive as they should be (minor fender bender backed into a small car) But I get 30+ on the highway easy. Trust me, Im always checking. They were very modest with the mpg. So whenever Im in Atl or DC traffic, Im laughing at the suckers who are burning up their money lol. Took the 3rd row seats out, theres no room for storage with them in.

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  Happy after 9 months - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  By Kevin - December 14 - 9:53 pm

  I traded in a 2007 gas Tahoe for the 2008 hybrid. The mileage is everything that they say it is. It has changed my driving habits somewhat, Im not a agressive and heavy footed at I used to be. Average 21.3 MPG overall, city mostly, little highway. On my gas Tahoe, Id get 325 miles per tank if I was lucky, on the hybrid I can get 500 miles per fill-up.

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  Great Choice - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  By JTK - October 28 - 8:40 am

  I traded an 07 Tahoe LTZ on this hybrid. Its great sitting at a stand- still and still having cold A/C while burning no fuel. The 4WD works great. I miss the rain sense wipers, memory seats, and power tailgate, but I love getting 4-5mpg more than on the all gas Tahoe. Especially since this one has more power than the engine on a regular Tahoe. Ive saved some 25% on my gas useage, and since it was >$4.00/gal last summer and fall that adds up to a lot of money. The ride is great and it pulls my trailer effortlessly. I bought as soon as it was available so I did have a recall to replace something in the hybrid system, but they put me in a Caddy while it was in the shop, so OK.

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  New owner - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  By Bl4z3n - August 14 - 1:10 am

  The incorporation of a CVT on a full size SUV really makes the difference here. Not only does this feature always keep the vehicle in the perfect RPM range, it is super smooth. I just wish the interior was a bit more modern. My reliability rating is a wash as I have only had the vehicle for a few weeks.

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  Honest Review, 2008 Tahoe Hybrid, Owned 5 yrs - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  By Thomas - February 28 - 7:56 pm

  2008 Tahoe Hybrid, birch metallic. Just sold it after 5 yrs ownership, bitter sweet ... Honestly, I bought this big truck for its looks. And because I have 3 kids so I needed something bigger. Im also a car guy so I just cant spend $30 or $40 k and have to look at a minivan in my driveway. Im a man, so I do like to mow the lawn, wash the truck, and have a beer in the yard and admire both. This truck allowed me to check that box. The magnesium alloy 18" wheels are beautiful and the box shape was so anti-minivan I just had to have it. The Tahoe had a legendary reputation. I also found my Hybrid model at a dealer off trade in for $35K with only 12K miles on it. Made the decision easy. Good : The looks. If you dont like the boxy GMT900 style, dont get it. Its the single most appealing feature. Its exterior far outshines the bland, big Pilot looking Expedition. The Durango in that time frame looked like it was built in the early 1900s. Nothing from the Germans came anywhere close for the price (or features). The looks of this vehicle sells it (and all those cheesy Hybrid decals come off easily using a hair dryer). The ride was also great, I was dumbfounded as to how a body on frame vehicle could cruise at 85 mpg as if it were an Audi. Very impressive body dampening. Engine reliability was perfect for 90k miles. And the 6L V8 with electric motors assisting would really rocket this vehicle to dangerous speeds. Good thing it was limited to 96 mph, I often found myself hitting that limiter as the truck felt like it was good for much much more. Now with the good comes the bad. This is a heavy, dumb, clumsy, body on frame truck. Make no mistake about that. You are sacrificing vastly superior minivan and unibody drivability and mall parking lot maneuverability in big sums to own this truck. Its 39 turning radius is abysmal. Ingress/egress is also more difficult because it rides higher up. The 2wd model I owned was LESS capable off road than a Yugo GVX. It seemed like 90% of the weight rode on the front axle, and they drive the rear wheels. Dont take the 2wd version even into a dry lawn. OK what else ... the transmission had a "clunkiness" that just got to my nerves eventually. It would sometimes get confused between hybrid mode, 4 cylinder, and 8 cylinder modes. This would result in driveline shutters and clunks that just should not of been there in a vehicle costing $55k new. The rear diff was replaced under extended warranty at 80K miles. The entire rear diff, all the gears, bearings, bushings, everything. I never towed anything. You have of course read about the infamous cracked dash issues. I wont go into that, but mine was nearly cracked in 2. All the door locks failed repeatedly. Thankfully we found GruvenParts.com making the reliable replacements, never had a problem since. The Nav and OnStar, while it all functioned fine, was far behind the times (and still is). I miss the truck, mainly for its stunner looks. Sadly its reliablity and driveability left so much to be desired. I wonder if the 2015 model is better, I still see they use a live rear axle. I hope they didnt just reshape the sheet metal and slap a $70K sticker price on it. If they did, GM has no merit to receive another bail out. Cmon guys you can do far better... I would not buy another GM, ever. Mainly due to the repeated interactions with GM customer service on the dash and door locks. They have hired off shore contractors to hire customer service who know nothing and care nothing about the US owners. With the dash, they directed me to a local dealer, then told me it was entirely up to them. I sat down with the service manager and he said why the heck is it my problem ? I agreed. The dash is flawed, GM should cover it, not give owners of $55K trucks a circle jerk. I will not buy another because of this. Sorry.

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  The best Tahoe i have ever had. - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  By John - January 19 - 7:07 pm

  I have owned my 08 hybrid Tahoe for about 8 years and has been a great suv for my family it drives great and is highly recommended mine has just hit 200000 miles and never has had problems just a few minor recalls you can fit 8 perfectly please get one it is the best.

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  34k miles Runs Perfect Great Mileage and Big - 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  By tassopappas1 - August 7 - 7:13 pm

  We buy a newer used automobile every 12 months or so. We love cars. We have owned several Tahoe since 2007 and suburbans, Land Rover LR3, 2009 Subaru Outback and now this for my wife. It has been a dream. It gets better gas mileage than my new used 2010 Volvo small xc60. Hold seven, the second row bench is a big plus. Plenty of power. Not one problem yet and we are at 34k miles. Good in snow. The Onstar is really nice and the navigation system with XM is one of the best. But the gas mileage for this much vehicle beats all the above mentioned even smaller vehicles including the Subaru (AWD Tahoe in 2WD mode).