2009 Chevrolet Tahoe XFE, Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid, & Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

SPORT/UTILITIES: Lean & Green

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe XFE
GM has already extended the XFE package to its full-size SUVs, including the 2009 Tahoe and GMC Yukon. For the Tahoe, wind resistance was reduced to a Cd of 0.349, according to GM sources. The result will be an expected five-percent gain in highway mileage and a seven-percent improvement around town. Other than that, not much is changed--most regular production options will be available when they hit the showrooms in early 2009.

2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
We had a test drive in the Escalade hybrid and must say it's uncanny to move out in a full-size SUV without the engine running. The Escalade has the same 2-Mode hybrid system that appears in the Silverado and Sierra, allowing it to blend output from the battery and gas engine according to driver demand. As with other hybrids we've driven, the transition between electric-only and gas/electric power occurs when speeds get higher or the throttle comes down harder. The result is a faint whirring thump as the engine lights up along with the usual background intake/exhaust sounds of a 6.0-liter V-8. It's a transition you can hear, but not really feel, as you drive.

The 6.0-liter V-8/hybrid combination mates Active Fuel Management with the 2-Mode hybrid system and a 3.42 rear-axle ratio. The 6.0 uses an Atkinson-cycle combustion process, which means intake valves remain open later in the cycle for better efficiency. For the Escalade, the engine is tuned to produce 332 horsepower at 5100 rpm and 367 pound-feet of torque at 4100 rpm on regular unleaded. Power passes through an electric continuously variable transmission; the electric motors are supplied by a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack.

Cadillac has announced a starting MSRP of $72,865, a premium of $4895 over a comparably equipped Escalade. The Escalade hybrid will come with a very high level of standard equipment; the only two extra-cost options are four-wheel drive and power runningboards.

2009 Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid
Billed as the world's most fuel-efficient V-6 SUV, the Saturn Vue 2-Mode is the second hybrid in the Vue line. It's not a cargo truck so much as a people-mover, but the hybrid system in this front-drive trucklet can increase efficiency up to 50 percent over the non-hybrid V-6 Vue. The Vue 2-Mode Hybrid's 3.6-liter VVT V-6 engine has direct injection for maximum fuel efficiency. Acceleration time from 0-60 is expected to be around 7.3 seconds, and the maximum towing load will be 3500 pounds. Driving range is projected at more than 500 miles per tankful.

GM has announced plans for a plug-in hybrid version of the Vue for launch around 2010.

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
This full-size SUV combines 25- to 30-percent better overall fuel economy, up to 6200 pounds of useable towing capacity (6000 pounds on 4WD models) and a 12,000-pound GCWR--plus eight-passenger seating. The 2-Mode hybrid system uses two electric continuously variable transmission modes of operation to optimize power and torque for various conditions. The addition of the second mode, which comes into play at higher speeds, reduces the need for large electric motors, typically used in single-mode systems. The smaller motors are lighter and more easily packaged. In the Tahoe hybrid, the 6.0-liter V-8 delivers 332 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque.

Chevrolet Tahoe (and GMC Yukon) hybrids are EPA rated for 21 mpg in the city, comparable with a 2.4-liter {{{Toyota Camry}}} sedan. EPA highway fuel economy is 22 mpg. For 4x4s, the Tahoe/Yukon hybrids are rated at 20 mpg, city and highway. All GM hybrids are treated as luxury SUVs, with an unique gauge cluster and with high levels of standard equipment, offered at premium prices. Pending IRS approval, Tahoe/Yukon buyers could be eligible for a federal tax credit, reducing the MSRP to something under $50,000.