2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Review

As the 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid enters into its third year of production, it's recipe continues to be honed to present purchasers with a fuel efficient, spacious and utility based SUV. It's made for families. The GM dual-mode hybrid system combines the powers of a 300 volt battery system, a continuously variable transmission and a 6.0L Vortec V8 that cranks out 332 horses at 5100 revs. It also generates bucketloads of torque: 367 pound-feet at 4100 RPM to be exact. The Chevrolet Active Fuel Management system is also utilized to substantially increase fuel economy ratings. This big brute delivers 21/22 mpg in urban areas and on highways respectively and features a big 24 gallon fuel tank. Fill it up to travel around 500 miles in sharp, powerful style.

The hybrid system of the 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe provides enough power for launching without using gasoline. Only the electric motor is used for acceleration during light load driving times. It stores the power that it's regenerative braking system generates in a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery system that's covered by a 100,000 mile/eight year warranty. It has received 5-star frontal crash test ratings from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Chevrolet suggest that retailers price this new Tahoe hybrid between $50,720 and $53,525. If they were honest, competitors including the Ford Expedition EL, GMC Yukon hybrid, Jeep Commander and Mercury Mountaineer would say they rather it did not even exist.

Overall exterior measurements for the Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid 2010 are 202.0, 79.0 and 74.6 inches in length, width and height respectively. Its long wheelbase takes up 116.0 inches and the base trim clears the ground by a 9.5 inch step up. With a gross weight of 7100 pounds and curb weight of 5629 pounds, it provides confidence-instilling levels of stability. And when equipped with an optional 4WD system, it can take you just about anywhere in complete safety. The overall efficiency of the Tahoe hybrid is also increased by an all-aluminum hood and rear liftgate as well as low-rolling resistance tires and improved aerodynamic engineering. This year, the Chevrolet Tahoe also receives upgraded premium sound and USB ports standard.

Inside of the pleasing cabin area of the Chevy Tahoe 2010 hybrid, front passengers will be treated to 41 inches of room for bopping heads, 5 foot 5 inches each of shoulder room, another 64 inches of room for their hips - and 41.3 inches to stretch their legs in. The standard 16.9 cubic feet of luggage capacity can be expanded up to a whopping 108.9 cubic feet by utilizing the space intended for rear occupants. Standard seating is for 8 adults. And even if you didn't like anything else about this very well done hybrid SUV, you'd have to agree that it's one of the most spacious anywhere.

The 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid comes with an estimated 5-year total cost to own of $66,323. That breaks down into just about $10,000 for insurance, another $10,000 for financing and $7000 more for fuel. And by the end of those 5 years, it will have depreciated roughly $32,294. On the plus side, repair costs for the entire five years total only $1390. With oil tanker spaciousness, very attractive styling and loads of Vortec power, you'll have a very difficult time believing that your driving a hybrid vehicle.