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:

• 

  OK - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  By Gerardo Ochoa - October 28 - 3:56 pm

  Pretty slow. Saves gas though. Worth the 50 k in the long run. Not really into the whole green movement but this car is really nice.

• 

  A Damned Good Truck.. - 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  By Paul Sanzone - October 27 - 8:23 pm

  This truck is everything you dreamed of in a large 8 SUV. The truck rides smooth and is SUPER QUIET! The cabin is roomy, and seating is comfortable. The Hybrid model is loaded to the gills! From the finely appointed leather seats, its complete with all the power options, navigation, and DVD player. With the Hybrid technology, you are truly saving money on gas! My last SUV was a Nissan Pathfinder SE (V6). The Tahoe uses half the amount of gas that the Pathfinder used. This Hybrid Tahoe gives you (on average) 20 miles per gallon. The warranty from GM is excellent. Overall the handling is good. You must test drive it..YOU WILL BE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED. I love my Tahoe!

• 

  Still fond of this SUV after one year - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  By Craig - April 16 - 2:23 pm

  I have enjoyed this vehicle very much, especially during the summer of 08 when gas hit $4.00 a gallon. It rides very well, has lots of room and is quiet after 45,000 miles. I have had it in for extra service 3 times due to the hybrid transmission failing - first the modulator, then the transmission itself, then the modulator again. Fortunately the failures occurred close to home and the dealer was terrific in getting it repaired quickly. I am willing to put up with the hassle to get the excellent mileage for a full sized SUV.

• 

  Its Great! - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  By East Atlanta - November 5 - 9:13 am

  We purchased the Tahoe Hybrid to enjoy the comfort, space and anticipated gas savings. We have truly enjoyed its performance and handling. We had issues with the brakes, but they were fixed. We also had the decals removed. The mileage is satisfactory, but its great in a lot of stop and go and on the highways; it averages in the low 400 miles per tank.

• 

  Great SUV - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  By Cory - July 15 - 5:23 am

  Great for an SUV. I average about 21 MPG of mixed city/Hwy. The hybrid system is smooth but not seamless. There is an occasional clunk when when the engine disengages. I have had the truck on every type of terrain, including snow, mountains, and mud. It performs as well as any modern SUV, just remember, it is no jeep.

• 

  Great SUV - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  By Tom - December 25 - 2:43 am

  We had a 2001 Chevy Tahoe that we liked very much. When it was time to trade we checked out the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid. We really love the truck, we call it the magic carpet ride because it rides so smooth. Wind noise is minimal and the power is great for a full size SUV. Recently we took it on a trip pulling our 6,000lb boat and trailer, I hardly knew the trailer was on the back of the vehicle. After 180 miles one way, we arrived as if we had been riding without the trailer. I own a 2003 Dodge 2500 with Hemi engine, that truck beats us to death and it does not pull the trailer with the ease of this vehicle. We also got between 12.5 and 14.3 MPG, the truck would get 9.5 MPG.

• 

  my tahoe - 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  By leftygolfer - December 11 - 6:33 pm

  I just bought my Tahoe hybrid 4wd and am very pleased with it. Rides great. Has great acceleration and excellent gas mileage for its size. I had an 08 enclave before and am much happier with the Tahoe. The Tahoe is very solid and well made.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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!