GM takes two-way road on hybrids

Your driving style has a huge impact on fuel efficiency in any vehicle. In a hybrid, the effect is magnified. So, like most hybrid vehicles, the Tahoe has a system to help you gauge how efficiently you're using the gas and brake pedals.

To to get the best mileage, you try to keep the needle over "Economy" pointing straight up. Press the gas pedal too hard and it moves to the right. Slam on the brakes - aggressive braking wastes a good bit of fuel - and the needle moves to the left.

The Tahoe's driving experience is surprisingly smooth, considering the complexity of the hybrid drivetrain. It can travel up to 30 mph under light gas pedal pressure on electric power alone. When the V8-engine kicks in, it does so smoothly.

Keep half an eye on the the power flow display, and you'll notice that the Tahoe Hybrid's electric motors are working a lot of the time, providing extra power even on the highway.