PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

I can't wait for Detroit critics...

Toyota SUV hybrids: hybrids are not the answer; we have to question the long-term effects of its batteries; you don't get enough good mileage with a hybrid SUV; they're stupid; you get better gas mileage with an Aveo...

GM SUV hybrids: "It's the shiznit!!!"

TRDFantasy

I'm not impressed at all . After ALL the hype and hoopla about the two-mode hybrids, and how they would be SO much better than Toyota's hybrids, we get 21/22 EPA numbers?

The new Land Cruiser, which has MORE power than these GM hybrids gets 18 mpg on the highway under the new EPA regulations. The Land Cruiser also has permanent 4WD. Curb weight for the Land Cruiser is roughly the same as the GM hybrids. The EPA numbers for 4WD versions is 20/20. To compare, Land Cruiser EPA numbers are 13/18.

A nice improvement in city mpg, but nothing special on the highway side and overall the two-mode does NOT seem any better than Toyota's system in terms of fuel economy improvement.

Wasn't all the hype about the two-modes related to the idea that they could tow more than traditional hybrids, and get better highway fuel economy? They have good tow ratings for hybrids, but it looks like they fail to match the hype about much improved highway fuel economy.

And comparing these GM hybrid SUVs to a 4 cyl Camry? It's absolutely silly. So what if they slightly beat or match the city mileage of the Camry? The Camry remains MUCH better on the highway. Talk about a biased and narrow-minded comparison. And if you compare these hybrid SUVs to a hybrid Camry? Well then there is even no comparison as the Camry Hybrid's EPA numbers are in a whole other league.

SLegacy99

This is true, the Land Cruiser's 5.7L does make significantly more power. But you have to remember that GM has been a few paces behind in the game for awhile so at least they're getting something out there and have room for improvement.

I would also like to see the numbers with the old method of testing, which the EPA should post sometime soon on fueleconomy.gov.
The Malibu mild hybrid gets 24 mpg city, 32 hwy, but under the old method of testing it achieves 28 city, 35 hwy, very respectable for a mild hybrid with a 2.4L. In case you couldn't tell, I dont agree with the EPA's new method of testing. Sure people accelerate faster than I do, but do they really run their A/C year round and accelerate to 80 MPH? I certainly don't. In fact most the roads around PA are 55 MPH so Im usually crusing at 62. And mom's RX400h gets 27 hwy, 29 city on average, must different from what the EPA's new estimates are.

End rant

I think Toyota can learn from GM and Honda and start incorperating active fuel managment to their 6 and 8 cylinder hybrids.

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

Here is a pic of it. Very nice riding truck by Mr. Lutz & GM

TRDFantasy

I actually agree with the EPA testing since it is more realistic in terms of being closer to "worst case" fuel economy than it was before.

Sure not everyone drives hard or aggressively, but in places like Cali A/C really IS used most of the time, and a lot of people on highways drive more than 55mph.

The new EPA ratings encompass a wide variety and range of driving styles, which is what makes the numbers more realistic.

rosskoss

This is the same 2-mode hybrid system that MB and BMW will be using in the future. For a 5500+lb giant SUV with a 6200lb towing capacity, I'd say that's damn good.

I hope people realise that going from 14mpg to 21mpg yields a larger fuel savings compared to say going from 30 mpg to 40mpg.

GM needs to throw this system into its lambda units as soon as possible. If this car is any indication, the numbers will be very impressive -

GFerg

Sounds pretty good to me for a big 5,700lb SUV. About the same EPA estimates for the LS600h I think.

carguy101

Toyota is the hybrid leader, and these GM hybrids seem every bit as good as Toyota hybrids from an efficiency standpoint, so that's a pretty good accomplishment in my book.

Also, all hybrids get very little efficiency gains on the freeway. A 10% gain sounds about right. For example, the Camry Hybrid gets 34 mpg on the freeway, while the regular Camry gets 31 mpg on the freeway. That's also about a 10% gain.

TRDFantasy

To be fair, the LS600h is more powerful and has AWD, although it weighs less than these GM SUVs and has less drag. The GM hybrids with 4WD get 20/20 EPA while the LS600h gets 20/22.

Mr. Jones

when GM vehicles are involved EPA estimates mean little. I'll wait to see real world results. But I'm glad GM finally is building a hybrid.

SLegacy99

Well I am just confused how I can drive my Subaru Legacy (5MT) doing all city driving and achieve 24 mpg, when the EPA said (in 1999) it should achieve 21 mpg and the new EPA ratings say it should only get 19 mpg. Yeah right. It really doesn't have that much hp. Re-evaluate your testing methods.

Perhaps I am just a really really really good driver ....of AWD vehicles no less.

SLegacy99

I dont run my A/C year round!

rosskoss

People, go read up 2008 EPA fuel economy ratings. Most people will BEAT these ratings in real-world performance.

splitfire

iTrader: (6)

I'm also driving a 08 Tahoe LT now, returned the POS 08 Expedition and got this instead.. much nicer.. I put almost 1500 miles in 2 weeks it get pretty good gas millege on highway.. it drive so smooth and quite I actually think the new Tahoe is better than my old LX470..

splitfire

iTrader: (6)

here is a pic of the Tahoe I'm driving now.. so big and wide its AWSOME