2014 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Review, Photos, Features, Overview

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Drivers who absolutely must have all of that seating, storage and towing capacity are actually doing more to cut their annual fuel consumption by buying a hybrid full-size SUV, than drivers who are upgrading from a standard Toyota Camry to a Camry Hybrid. Even though hybrids like the 2014 Tahoe or Yukon and Escalade may not yield their owners 40 mpg, the fuel savings they provide over their gas-guzzling counterparts are undeniable.

Most of the fuel economy gains come from the electrically variable transmission (EVT). The transmission is made up of two 60-kilowatt electric motors, three planetary gearsets and four fixed gears that use the same space as GM’s six-speed automatic transmission. Essentially the EVT has two drive modes – hence the name “two-mode hybrid.” In the first mode, during stop-and-go and city drives, the 2014 Tahoe can operate with electric power only, gas engine power only or a combination of both. Like Ford and Toyota hybrids, the 2014 Tahoe Hybrid shuts the engine off when the vehicle stops, and when its time to go, the electric motors propel the big SUV to around 30 mph for a couple of miles.

In the second mode, the 332 horsepower 6.0-liter V8 engine is the primary source of motivation, and one or both electric motors can run concurrently along with the engine in order to provide a power boost. If the Tahoe is pulling a load, the transmission locks out the electrically variable gears and both electric motors. It shifts over to the four fixed gears, so the V8 is the sole source of power. A computer monitors the entire system and determines every 1/100th of a second what method is the most efficient means to propel the vehicle.

The crux of the 2014 Tahoe Hybrid’s powertrain is the V8 engine with cylinder deactivation technology (known at GM as active fuel management). In other words, the engine can shut down four of its eight cylinders when additional power is not needed. Camshaft phasing, and late-intake valve closure allows even more efficient engine operation. Beyond the engine, there’s a 300-volt nickel metal hydride battery pack tucked neatly under the second-row seats.