When it comes to big SUVs going hybrid, one of my car-nut pals says: "Really, Barry, what's the point?"
It is difficult for some, perhaps, to understand why anyone considering a muscle-bound V-8-powered vehicle really cares about saving few mpgs. Sort of like drinking diet Coke with your triple-fudge sundae.
For those folks, I have two thoughts. First, every little bit of fuel efficiency helps the environment and your wallet. Second, GM says the hybrids (Tahoe and cousin Yukon) will do 25 percent better than their gas-only counterparts (50 percent in city driving). Not sure about measuring up to that, but Edmunds.com figures a savings of about 3.1 mpgs and that translates to around 150 gallons a year -- and that means more than $500 a year in fuel savings.
Not monumental savings by any means but, for those who need a big SUV and can afford to sacrifice some hauling power, why not go for it (OK, price maybe. We'll talk more on that in a bit.)
GM's new two-mode hybrid system really is an engineering marvel. Developed jointly with BMW and DaimlerChrysler, the system has been running transit buses with great success for five years. This is the first time they've been attached to a smaller vehicle.
Describing the two-mode system is much tougher than driving it. Basically, the first mode is for lower speeds and can be operated by the electric motors, gas power or both. The second mode is mostly for high speeds, when the big V-8 kicks in.
The 5.3-liter engine, which puts out 320 horses, is accompanied by a 300-volt battery pack under the second-row seats and two electric motors. A sophisticated electronics system decides who plays and when. You don't get a say and you don't even know when it's all happening.
Beyond the hybrid system, combined mileage in the ballpark of 20 mpg is achieved by a cylinder deactivation that can shut down four cylinders when they are not needed, and by variable valve timing. Regenerative brakes capture energy to recharge the battery.
If all this isn't green enough, the Tahoe is also capable of operating on E85, the renewable fuel made up of 85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gasoline.
Driving it is as simple as other hybrids. Slow speeds are all electric, with the engine kicking in at around 20 mph. It all goes quiet at the stoplight. Its ride is smooth and quiet, with a car-like suspension. Except for some typical SUV body roll, handling is car-like, too.
So where's the sacrifice? Well, some towing power. Tahoe Hybrid's capacity is 6,200 pounds, some 2,000 less than the four-wheel-drive Tahoe with conventional engine is able to haul around.
Then there's that pesky cost factor. At about $7,000 more than the regular Tahoe, the Hybrid starts at 50,490. Take a tax credit (for now) of $2,200 but that still leaves a pretty big gap -- one that would take a decade to make up in fuel savings.
As is with other hybrids, you must want the Tahoe Hybrid on principle. You want to show the world you're trying to make a difference. And show the world you will, with at least a dozen logos and badges inside and out -- you can even get bold HYBRID letters on the lower side panels.
The two-mode hybrid is an efficient system and you can look for it on more trucks this year, like Chrysler's Aspen and the Dodge Durango. Mercedes has plans to put it to use, too.
Base Price: $50,490
