For 2008, Green Car staff evaluated dozens of new vehicle models that were deemed to have raised the bar in environmental performance and narrowed the field to five nominees. They include the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, and Saturn Aura Hybrid. While all technologies and fuels are considered, the fact that all 2008 nominees are gasoline-electric hybrids reflect the significant investment of time and resources the auto industry has focused on hybrid vehicles, and just how far this technology has come in recent years.

Weighing these choices was a jury comprised of four Green Car Journal editors and six invited outside jurors, among them leaders of some of the nation’s top environmental organizations.

As jurors considered the achievements of the 2008 nominees, one stood out as a clear leader in this field: the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. This breakthrough hybrid SUV received a majority vote from jurors and has earned the distinction as the 2008 Green Car of the Year^®.

The 2008 Tahoe Hybrid brings significant improvement in environmental performance to the market. Its two-mode hybrid system makes this model 30 percent more fuel efficient than a standard Tahoe with a smaller V-8 engine. Importantly, it allows a 50 percent increase in city fuel efficiency, and city driving is where SUVs like the Tahoe spend much of their time. A 50 percent improvement in efficiency in any consumer product is a notable accomplishment by any measure, and especially so in the automotive field where efficiencies are not easily attained. For perspective, the Tahoe Hybrid’s EPA estimated 21 mpg city fuel economy rating is the same as that of a Toyota Camry with a much smaller four-cylinder engine. Emissions are also reduced when the Tahoe Hybrid is stopped since its engine shuts off at a standstill under specific conditions, which means no emissions at all are being created at the time.
2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, it’s being used to make a popular full-size SUV a more environmentally positive choice today. GM is further scaling the hybrid system down to make V-6 powered models much more efficient as well. The 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, with its all-new technology and notable efficiency for a full-size SUV, deserves to be recognized for its considerable achievements and is a fitting selection for Green Car Journal’s 2008 Green Car of the Year®.

2008 CHEVROLET TAHOE SPECIFICATIONS
Drivetrain Front- or four-wheel drive, gasoline-electric hybrid
Base Engine 6.0-liter V-8, gasoline-electric hybrid
Emissions EPA/CARB Tier 2, Bin 5/LEV
Valves 16
Valve Configuration OHV, variable valve timing
Horsepower @ rpm 332 @ 5100
Torque, lbs-ft @ rpm 367 @ 4100
Transmission Two-mode continuously variable hybrid transmission, 4 fixed gears
Fuel Economy City/Hwy, mpg 21/22 (2WD), 20/20 (4WD)
Cruising Range, mi 525
Cargo Volume, cu ft 60.3 (with second and third row seats folded)
Fuel Capacity, gal 24.5
Towing Capacity, lbs 6200
Curb Weight, lbs 5617
Wheelbase, in 116.0
Length, in 202.0
Width, in 79.0
Height, in 76.9
Base MSRP $55,000 (est.)