Powertrain

The Tahoe as tested came with a 6.0L Vortec V8 with active fuel management. This lets you drive on either 4 or 8 cylinders depending on the situation to save fuel. This is mated to a 2 mode Hybrid transmission. The Hybrid system is a Hybrid Propulsion Electric with a 300 Volt energy storage system.

This system gives you the option to either drive under full electric power, hybrid power (engine with battery assist), or full engine power.

Thanks to regenerative breaking there is no need to have plug’s or worry about plugging the Hybrid in to get better fuel efficiency.

During testing I averaged 23.02 MPG city and 23.3 MPG highway. Sticker for the Tahoe Hybrid says 20 MPG city and 23 MPG highway. During one local trip that used mostly electric power I averaged 44.3 MPG (this was in a flat town in warm weather with no HVAC or Stereo running). For a vehicle of that size those are excellent numbers.