Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, SUVs, Green, Chevrolet, GM, GMC
GM hybrid SUVs get 21 mpg city/22 mpg highway
click above image for new pics of the 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid
Finally! For months and months we've been hearing that the upcoming two-mode hybrid SUVs from General Motors will have better fuel economy by this or that percent. Today we learned from Automotive News exactly how much better they'll be. The 2WD version of the Tahoe and Yukon Hybrids will achieve 21 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, while the 4WD version will get 20 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. For comparison's sake, the 2008 Chevy Tahoe 2WD gets 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway from its 5.3L V8.
We had a chance to drive GM's pair of two-mode hybrids recently, and we're pretty amazed at just how normal they felt. Since they are true hybrids, both will pull away from stop on pure electric power, which is a bit eery at first. Mash the throttle, however, and you'll be extremely surprised at how fast these hybrids accelerate. Their two-mode hybrid system is mated to a 6.0L V8, which, in combination with an assist from the electric motor, can really move these SUVs down the road. Together they produce 332 HP and 367 ft-lbs. of torque, which also allows for a 6,200 lbs. towing capacity!
[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]
Gallery: 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid
GM also spent a lot of time and money reducing their weight by adding an aluminum hood and rear hatch, lightweight wheels, and thinner seats. In fact, we've heard reports that a Tahoe Hybrid will weigh exactly the same as a regular Tahoe, despite the addition of the two-mode system and battery pack, the latter of which is hidden underneath the second-row seats. That's nothing short of amazing.
Of course, the two-mode hybrid system, weight savings and aerodynamic improvements must add a lot of cost to each GMT900 two-mode hybrid. You'd think so, but wouldn't be able to tell based on what GM will charge you for one. The base Chevy Tahoe LS starts at $34,000, while an upper level LTZ model begins at $45,510. Automotive News is reporting that the hybrid versions will start in the low- to mid-$40,000 range, a price we've corroborated with some inside sources who also tell us that the additional to cost to make these vehicles well exceeds what GM will charge for it.
We'll find out more details soon enough, as the Tahoe and Yukon Hybrids will officially debut tomorrow at the Texas State Fair.
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 7)
Brian Dreggors 8:48PM (9/26/2007)
If you're referring to the old 2004 Silverado that averaged 14.7mpg, that was a mild hybrid (BAS) that was essentially an oversized alternator and some battery packs. That truck's virtue wasn't fuel economy improvement, rather the start/stop function and the fact that you could power lots and lots of tools and appliances with the external power outlets.
The new GMT-900 Silverado/Sierra hasn't yet recieved the two-mode 'strong' hybrid system yet, but it will. I expect it will return similar if not BETTER results than these SUVs given their lighter curb weight you mentioned.
roar 8:37PM (9/26/2007)
According to Fueleconomy.gov the Rav4 4WD with a 4cly gets a combined 22 miles per gallon and the CRV gets the same. Cool. I cannot wait for applications of the system. Go GM.
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spw 9:38PM (9/26/2007)
while you were doing that, did you check on Highlander Hybrid? Or not?
:-).
Erik 8:38PM (9/26/2007)
I'm having a hard time understanding why everyone gets excited about this kind of mileage. I have an 89' Chevy full size with a 3.73 rear end, the 5.7 L and it gets 20 mpg highway. I know a Suburban/Tahoe/Yukon is heavier, but it probably has better aerodynamics. How is a 2 mpg jump in nearly 20 years groundbreaking???
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wally 8:47PM (9/26/2007)
Its city MPG !!!!
Brian Dreggors 8:49PM (9/26/2007)
Don't forget more powerful, too - 6.0l Vortec with 320hp+ and gobs of torque.
GM V8s (especially the small blocks) have always gotten supurb highway fuel economy - they're virtually reknowned for it. But in the city, the economy falls quicky into the teens, especially in stop-and-go traffic. With the two-mode, the Tahoe now apparently gets city mileage in the 20s - that's amazing considering that according to '08 EPA figures, cars like 4cyl Sonatas, Camries, and the old Malibu get 21mpg city.
Finally, the excellent highway mileage of GM's SUVs are matched with equally-impressive city mileage.
psarhjinian 11:09PM (9/26/2007)
Remember, 2mpg is a big improvement when the two MPG figures are as low as these are. MPG is a tricky measure of economy as it distorts real usage. What you want is, for example, litres per 100km:
14mpg = 16.8 L/100km
20mpg = 11.8 L/100km
22mpg = 10.7 L/100km
That's five litres (one gallon or so) less fuel every 100km (60 miles). That adds up real fast.
far jr 8:45PM (9/26/2007)
Towing capacity like a truck.
Passenger capacity like a van.
Safety like a tank.
AND with the city fuel economy of a V-6 sedan.
Great to see another rendition of the hybrid drivetrain improving the automotive landscape.
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Tony 8:45PM (9/26/2007)
Gary - That's a great point.
I'm sure GM will say it's because of the Truck's bed causing Drag. But we all know that mileage varys and this b eing so big and heavy that the miliage wil be mot like 17-20 city.
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Vivek 8:50PM (9/26/2007)
Not so great point tony. Have you read the responses to gary's comments? The one in the silverado was not for a true hybrid. It's mostly for connectivity and advertised as such. But why the let the truth get uin the way of some GM bashing right?
SPG 8:48PM (9/26/2007)
Good work GM! Very impressive.
All that's left to do now is take a Tahoe Hybrid on a week long camping trip.
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Brett- BMW Advocate 8:49PM (9/26/2007)
the 21mpg is great for the city driving but i think more needs to be done for hwy cruising. 2 miles is a difference but i'm thinking, lets make a bigger difference, 25-27mpg is more of the target GM needs to seek.
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whofan 8:56PM (9/26/2007)
Moving 5000+ pounds in a stop an go situation at 21 MPG is damn good.
far jr 9:04PM (9/26/2007)
Yeah, I cant wait until GM adds the 4.5 diesel to this dual mode transmission.
Best of both worlds just around the bend?
Tony 8:58PM (9/26/2007)
Gary - That's a great point.
I'm sure GM will say it's because of the Truck's bed causing Drag. But we all know that mileage varies and this being so big and heavy that the mileage will be more like 17-20 city.
To the Commenter that this makes more sense than a Prius, Cobalt or Impala size vehicle. I don’t think so. It would make more sense to have Impala, G8 size, Traverse or Saturn CUV wagon. For those that need utility but won’t go off-road.
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Harrity 9:22PM (9/26/2007)
As someone else pointed out the first time you posted this, the Silverado "Hybrid" was a mild hybrid with a BAS system (belt alternator-starter). It was not even remotely like the new dual mode hybrid in this Tahoe. The old system simply allows for the engine to be stopped and started at stoplights (like a golf cart, in a way), and allows for power generation with AC electrical outlets in the bed.
This is pretty common knowledge, actually...
The old Silverado BAS "hybrid" saw a bit better fuel economy thanks to the engine stop feature in stop and go driving (and the small amount of assist provided by the little electric motor/alternator, if I recall correctly).
This new dual-mode system is capable of propelling the vehicle using purely the electric motors (like the Ford Escape, Toyota Prius/Camry/Highlander, and so forth).
J Freezy 9:02PM (9/26/2007)
332 hp and 367 lb-ft from the 6.0 + electric. How much has the 6.0 been detuned, I thought it made that much by itself. The mpg is still very impressive though.
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MikeW 12:16PM (9/27/2007)
Not 'detuned' but converter to a almost an atkinson cycle.
GM calls it 'late intake valve closure'
http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2008/Whats%20New/Gen%20IV/Gen%20IV%20Truck/08_LFA.doc
Doesn't have variable valve timing, only has variable cam timing.
Where are the coaxial camshafts?
TriShield 9:09PM (9/26/2007)
That's about an 8-10mpg improvement in city driving.
Very impressive, and it may make a lot of sense for buyers who plan on keeping their SUVs for awhile.
Keep in mind though the initial cost for the hybrid model will be more than the gasoline model. To keep the pricing fairly reasonable GM is subsidizing the cost. Expect to see this hybrid system appear in other GM products to spread the cost out in time.
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Brett- BMW Advocate 9:24PM (9/26/2007)
whofan, I understand that the weight is a major concern. Although 2 mpg for the price might not weigh out the cost for the wait of a future model.
anyone know the price premium for the hybrid system?
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