Beyond the Prius: New 2012 Hybrid Cars
From luxury cars to SUVs — even a station wagon — the new hybrids go beyond the traditional compact car.
By Jim Motavalli
2012 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
The Bottom Line: $51,665
Fuel Economy: 20 city/23 highway
Just about everything is big about the Tahoe Hybrid, including the price. There’s just one trim level on the car, and it comes loaded with everything from a touch-screen stereo and rear-seat entertainment system to a power sunroof. Benefiting from the “dual mode” hybrid system that GM developed with other manufacturers, the Tahoe has a six-liter, 332-horsepower V-8 with active fuel management, a two-mode transmission and a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. It’s technically advanced, but quite heavy, so fuel economy isn’t stellar. The sky-high price and the relatively minor fuel economy gain over the standard Tahoe is one reason this vehicle hasn’t sold well—just 18 were sold in August. The GMC Yukon Hybrid and the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid are similar. If you’d prefer a pickup, check out the Chevy Silverado Hybrid.
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