Best Car Models & All About Cars: 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

2012 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Interior

The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is the primary full-size SUV to utilize a hybrid drive system and offers 33 p.c improved fuel economy compared to the quality Tahoe in town driving.

Based on the Tahoe platform, the Tahoe Hybrid merely adds Chevrolet's two-mode hybrid system that enables the SUV to be completed powered by an electric motor at low speeds and a half dozen.zero-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management. The system additionally makes use of regenerative braking further.

Other fuel-economical changes to the Tahoe Hybrid embody a more aerodynamic front fascia, low rolling-resistance tires, a lowered ride height and the employment of lighter aluminum in the SUV's hood, rear tailgate and wheels.

The result's a full-size SUV that can tow up to six,two hundred pounds -- in two-wheel drive guise -- nevertheless still achieves city fuel mileage admire a mid-size sedan.

EPA fuel economy ratings are listed at 21/22 town/highway for 2-wheel drive models and a good twenty/twenty for Tahoe Hybrids equipped with four-wheel drive.

A distinctive hybrid gauge cluster includes a special tachometer incorporating an Auto Stop position just higher than the zero rpm mark that indicates when the gasoline engine is in shut-down mode. An analog economy gauge, to the left of the tachometer, helps the driving force maintain the most economical driving style.

Located midway down the middle stack, the quality navigation system's half dozen.five-in. full-color VGA show doubles as a monitor that shows a graphic representation of the hybrid drivetrain's power flow. This display continuously informs the occupants how the system is sending power to the wheels from the ESS/electrical motors, the gasoline engine or both.

The screen also displays reverse electrical flow during regenerative braking and whether the vehicle is in 2- or four-wheel-drive mode.

Despite all of the changes supposed to increase fuel economy, the Tahoe Hybrid retains seating capability for up to eight occupants.

2012 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Engine