Size, Space and Economy
BY BILL ZERVAKOS AND CATHY DROZ
Little did Kermit the Frog know that the color of his skin would become a buzzword for products, services and new businesses everywhere. In the automotive industry especially, hybrids are quickly becoming the fashionable vehicle to own. It appears everyone wants to align themselves with green ethics and save the Earth; however, we have also grown accustomed to all the space and versatility SUVs provide. Some lifestyles and hobbies simply aren’t a good match for a tiny hybrid, so why not go green and satisfy your need for space and power with a hybrid SUV?
We give you the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. This Hybrid was introduced in 2008 and it combines an all-purpose, full-size, four-door, family-oriented SUV with the substantial increase in fuel economy so typical of a hybrid vehicle.
The Chevy Tahoe is available in 2WD and 4WD models. General Motors’ 2-mode hybrid system conserves energy by using an electrically variable transmission, a 300-volt storage system and a 332-hp 6.0L Vortec V8 engine with active fuel management. The Tahoe Hybrid is able to accelerate using only the electric motor. Chevy added to its efficiency by designing a lightweight aluminum liftgate and hood. To complete the package, low-rolling resistance tires and a 0.4-inch lower ride height were included.
For a family SUV, you can’t beat the fact that the Tahoe seats up to eight passengers and can tow up to 6,200 pounds with the 2WD model and up to 5,900 pounds with the 4WD model. Don’t worry about giving up safety with this lighter SUV, as dual stage front airbags, side curtain airbags, four wheel anti-lock brakes, stabilitrak stability control system with rollover mitigation, tire pressure monitoring system and OnStar all come standard.
If you are considering buying and driving a hybrid SUV, here are a few of the advantages:
PEOPLE MOVING – Instead of taking two vehicles, pile everyone in your hybrid SUV, save on gas and contribute fewer emissions!
MEANS OF TRANSPORT – Whether it’s a trip to Home Depot for some energy-efficient products, taking your firstborn to college with all his gear, or food shopping for six with your cloth bags, the space of a Hybrid SUV is the same as non-hybrid. The difference is in fuel cost and the footprint on Mother Earth.
PULLING PASSIONS – No need to give up camping, boating or snowmobiling because you can’t tow it behind a Prius. A Hybrid SUV can get 20 to 50 percent better fuel economy than your average SUV, and you can fit everything and everyone in it.
A Hybrid SUV, what a concept? You don’t have to give up anything except the trips to the gas station, and unlike Kermit the Frog’s theme song, “It isn’t easy being green,” the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid doesn’t seem to have a problem at all.
2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
MPG – 20 City /23 Hwy
MSRP – $48,332 – $50,983
Basic Warranty – 36 month/36,000 miles
Nickel-Metal Battery – 8 year /100,000 mile warranty
Bill Zervakos is co-producer and co-host with Cathy Droz of Two for the Road USA radio productions. Bill has been test-driving and reviewing vehicles for manufacturers for over 16 years on radio, video and in print. twofortheroadusa.com.
