While most car companies put complex hybrid systems into small and mid-size cars and crossover SUVs, GM's first full-hybrid vehicle is a large SUV. The thinking is this: The vehicle that drinks the most gas needs the most help.
On the other end of the scale is the Chevrolet Malibu, a mid-size sedan. Where other car companies stuff a huge battery pack in the trunk with a big cost premium to match, GM keeps the cost and battery-size down by using a system that just helps a little. The result is a roughly 10% improvement in fuel economy at a low price.
There are challenges to this approach. The fuel-economy numbers alone aren't eye-popping. You have to look at the whole picture. GM has to convince customers that what they're losing in bragging rights, they're gaining in value.
