You can be sure anything hybrid will be top of mind at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.
So the arrival today of our new Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid tester, couldn't have shown up at a better time.
Our friend Dan Neil of the LA Times reviewed it and in our opinion (as well as others on the net) kinda slammed it.
After driving it most of today, I'm having a hard time knowing why.
Aside from the price premium, I can't really see a downside on the Hybrid Tahoe.
In fact, there are certain things I like better about it than the regular version.
It's a lot quieter and smoother driving than the gas version.
But let's face it, nobody cares about that.
The ONLY thing anyone really wants to know, is what is the REAL mileage like on this new Hybrid?
Is it like other GM products like this in the past that cost a lot more and got 1-2 MPG better?
Before I tell you about our mileage experience let me say to all you consumers out there looking for information on new models this small piece of info you would think should be in ALL reviews, is not very easy to find!
Is it just me or does EVERY person who reviews a product NEVER tell you there own mileage experience?
Seems like they ONLY list the EPA numbers...including Danny Boy Neil.
Which in the case of this vehicle, makes the review totally useless in my opinion.
Drum roll please....
So with no further ado, we will actually tell you WHAT the real life mileage is!
And it's damn impressive for a tank like this.
How does a range of 19.5-24.8 sound?
Cruising down the I-5 today we were registering 24.8MPG.
On a full size SUV!
And we have the pictures to prove it!
Around town it was lower but still impressive, just under 20MPG.
Now considering the regular Tahoe we had could only get 12MPG, 15MPG highway, that's a HUGE difference.
And at $50,400 and change, it still undercuts the price of the most loaded gas Tahoe out there.
If you live in the real world, we believe you will be impressed the new Tahoe and Escalade Hybrids.
But if you were expecting to turn the key on this thing and get Prius mileage, then nothing will impress you.
Kudo's to GM...The new Chevy Tahoe Hybrid gets the 'GREEN' light from AutoSpies.com.
2008 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery
2008 San Diego Auto Show Photo Gallery