As a technology, the hybrid system Toyota uses is bounds ahead of GM’s. My wife drives a Toyota Prius and even its tech was lacking when compared to the options the Highlander brought to the table. With buttons like Econ to force gas saving, and more electric-mode runtime, the Highlander definitely keeps up as a SUVish car. The Tahoe fails in this department.

From any standstill, the electric motor meerly assists the gas hog of a V8 off the line. Unless you’re very delicate with the throttle, the gas engine kicks on immediately even though it is marketed as electric-only from 0-26mph.

What really saves gas in the Tahoe is the 2-mode engine underneath the hood. This removes the use of 4 cyclinders at any point in time that they are not being used. From testing this, I can easily go from 18-19 mpg in v8 mode on the highway to 24-30 mpg in v4. Unfortunately for practicality, when you use cruise control at normal speeds of 65-80 mph, the v8 mode is almost always on. When you take it out and manually throttle, it’s a lot easier keep the v4 mode on. If only there was an “econ” button that kept the motor in v4 mode while interstate driving, the Tahoe could easily pull 25-30 mpg highway.

In-town driving, as I said, is generally mostly on gas. When I TRY to be economical or just testing, I can keep the electric motor going. But at the slightest acceleration the gas kicks in.

All-in-all the vehicle is fantastic. It’s loaded with comfort and beauty, and was my choice over the Highlander. I sacrificed a few mpg’s for a little more room, but about equal amenities. It’s a great truck and I always try to support American-made, so it was my final choice.

Good luck