What is new in the 2012 model?
For the 2012 model, this Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid comes with standard front-seat side air bags, with new sound system and a navigation system that is hard drive based (it replaces the older DVD-based system).
Intro
2012 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is well-appointed but expensive full-sized SUV having good green credentials, look at its capability and size. This car can take in eight passengers and tow max 6,200 pounds, and still gives you estimated 20 mpg fuel efficiency for city driving. This is better than 6 cylinder Honda Odyssey, for example.
The credit for this capacity must go to Tahoe Hybrid’s 2 mode hybrid power train; it combines six liter V8 along with pair of electric motors and specialized transmission. The shoppers having an eye on conserving the resources of earth and still yearn for the towing and size capability of big SUV, will certainly feel good if they opt for Tahoe Hybrid. This is true especially if you end up in stop-&-go kinda traffic routinely, as improvement of efficiency delivered by the electric components is the best in such driving environment.
However, from practical stand point, 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is not as appealing. The other full-sized SUVs tow more than Tahoe Hybrid, and there are a lot of vehicles — including mini vans and the big cross overs – which give you greater versatility, comfort, and agility and give fuel economy with in two or three mpg of Tahoe Hybrid. Theirs is also the price issue; Hybrid starts at about $5,000 more than a regular Tahoe which is similarly equipped. Based on an average use, EPA estimates savings of about $550 annually due to reduced costs at gas station.
There are some clear alternatives available too. Toyota Highlander Hybrid is not as brawny or spacious as Tahoe, but it is a lot cheaper and the fuel economy is much better. You also might consider diesel-powered, smaller, European luxury high end crossovers like BMW X5 xDrive35d which come with less room on the interior but offer you better fuel-efficiency and experience of superior driving. If pulling heavy objects is not required, I would recommend you to check large crossovers like Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango, or Chevy Traverse.
Tahoe Hybrid will certainly save you fuel as compared to the other big family haulers, particularly in city. If your chief priority is this along with maintaining max utility, then 2012 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid is the only one available for you. But it is doubtful if you will save on money.
Body Styles, Options, and Trim Levels
8-passenger full sized SUV, 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is available just in single level of trim: 1 HY. However, it is fully loaded trim for the customers who are seeking fusion of luxury and utility.
The standard equipment includes alloy 18 inches wheels, automatic head lights, running boards, rear parking sensors, heated power folding mirrors (driver sides auto dimming), cruise control, remote ignition, power adjustable pedals, automatic tri-zone climate control, rear view auto dimming mirror, six-way heated power front seats (with manual recline), split-folding 60/40 2nd row seat, leather upholstery in second and first rows (3rd row vinyl), and 50/50 removable and folding 3rd row seats.
Also standard offerings include OnStar, Bluetooth, trip hybrid specific computer, rear view camera, navigation system, voice controls, touch screen interface, real time traffic and 9 speaker Bose audio system along with CD player, aux audio jack, satellite radio, USB/iPod audio interface and rear head phone jacks. Sunroof and rear-seat system of entertainment are only 2 options.
Performance and power trains
2012 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid comes with 6.0-liter V8. This V8 is rated at about 332 hp and torque of 367 pound-feet. It is joined by 2 x 60 kilo watt electric motors which are supplied by hydride nickel metal battery pack under rear seat. Engineers at GM say combined output of electric motors and gas is about 379 hp.
Unique transmission here has electric motors with 3 different planetary gear sets and 4 traditional clutches. It maximizes the efficiency by adapting it self to the current conditions of driving. The rear-wheel drive is pretty standard and 4 wheel drive is offered as option; it includes 2-speed transfer case. Every Tahoe Hybrid is equipped with locking rear differential.
In my performance testing, this Tahoe Hybrid went from 0 to sixty mph in about 8.2 seconds. This is quite good for full-sized SUV. The mileage estimated by EPA is about 20 mpg for city, 23 mpg for high way and 21 mpg for combined irrespective of the drive train. Properly equipped Tahoe Hybrid 2WD can tow about 6,200 pounds, and 4WD model has 5,900 pounds capacity.
The safety
2012 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid has standard features like anti lock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, side curtain airbags, front seat side airbags, OnStar emergency communications, and rear parking sensors.
In the government crash testing, this 2012 Tahoe Hybrid got overall rating of 4 stars (out of possible 5), with 5 stars for both the over all frontal crash protection and the over all side crash protection. The 3 star rollover rating lowered the overall score of Chevy.
In my brake testing, this Tahoe Hybrid could come to stop from sixty mph in about 132 feet. It is stop for full sized truck.
Special Features and Interior Design
Cabin of 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is quite identical to the one found in regular Tahoe with the no-nonsense yet attractive design and solid finish and fit. A noticeable difference here is gauge cluster along with information dedicated to the hybrid operation. Additional hybrid-centric info like battery condition and power flow are shown on touch screen which included in standard system of navigation. Switchgear and controls are pretty straight forward and the operation is quite intuitive. However, the touchscreen and buttons itself are on smaller side as compared to the similar systems which offered elsewhere.
There is room for 8, but if you fill cheap seats regularly out back; you should note that Chevy Traverse crossover comes with better accommodations for 3rd row. If you need space for more cargo in back of this Tahoe, then you are out of luck because third-row 50/50-split seat does not fold away. Instead, you will need to do a plenty of heaving and grunting for removing and storing it. Once it is out, there is 109 cubic feet of max cargo capacity, making this Tahoe (along with the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid cousins) roomiest hybrids in the market.
My driving impressions
Weight of 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is more than standard Tahoe, and the electronic hybrid-specific automatic transmission is a little lazy with full power. Due to this, acceleration is pretty good but isn’t as sharp as you’d expect looking at the advertised torque and horsepower.
Tahoe Hybrid does shine on open highway with the cushioned and quiet ride. But will certainly feel slow response from electric power steering; Handling too is ponderous as compared to that on the bigger crossovers. That said, the towing capacity is still unmatched for hybrid.