Typically, SUVs are in the news because of their gas-guzzling or because some tree-hugger has set a bunch of them on fire. Not this time. Chevy unveiled the '08 Tahoe hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. It's powered by a 6.0L Vortec V-8 joined to the electric Two-Mode hybrid system developed by GM, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. When the Two-Mode is combined with the V-8's cylinder deactivation system, the fuel economy improves by 30 percent overall and up to 50 percent in the city. That puts the 2WD Tahoe's 21-mpg city mileage on par with a four-cylinder Toyota Camry. And the 4WD model isn't far off at 20 mpg. The Tahoe's technological advances earned it the 2008 Green Car of the Year award by judges at the Green Car Journal-a panel that included the executive director of the Sierra Club. The Sierra Club liking an SUV? Now that's news.
More Hybrids At LA Show
Green was definitely the theme at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show. The environmentally friendly (or, at least, friendlier) trucks making their debut included:
'09 Chevy Silverado Hybrid | 
'09 Dodge Durango Hybrid | 
Porsche Cayenne Hybrid |
'09 Chevy Silverado Hybrid, which uses the same 6.0L V-8/Two-Mode electric hybrid system as the '08 Tahoe, making it "the most fuel efficient pickup" when it hits the market next year, according to Chevy General Manager Ed Peper.
'09 Dodge Durango Hybrid, another recipient of the Two-Mode hybrid system, this time mated to a 5.7L Hemi V-8. Look for a 25 percent improvement in overall fuel economy, with city mileage rising by 40 percent.
Porsche Cayenne Hybrid Prototype, not yet scheduled for production, is a gas/electric hybrid, with an electric motor sandwiched between the gas engine and transmission. Porsche's goal is to reduce the SUV's fuel consumption by a third.
Toyota's New Sequoia
If Toyota's '08 Sequoia looks familiar, that's because it's essentially a Tundra from the driver seat forward, with minor trim changes to the front end and interior materials. Not only does it get Tundra's looks, it's also available with the pickup's 381hp, 5.7L V-8. The multi-mode 4WD system uses a lockable center unit for road use and 2.62:1 low-range with electronic aids for the trail; hold the button long enough and they can be turned off.
Behind the A-pillar, a fully boxed frame carries an all-steel IRS system with coils, air available. A new, top-grade Platinum model offers adjustable suspension damping for its 20-inch wheels. The new Sequoia is just an inch longer and wider than its predecessor, though it has gained 600 or so pounds, with tow ratings near 8,000 pounds for the 4.7 and 10,000 for the 5.7. We found a low-line model with air suspension and 18s to be the best performer off-pavement, but it's still better suited to towing a rig to the trail head.
Hankook Unveils New All-Terrain Tire
Don Alexander, a member of the 200-mph Club and a racing instructor, was our trail guide recently when Hankook let us sample its new Dynapro ATm RF10 all-terrain tires on several trails near Big Bear Lake, California. The tires were up to everything thrown at them, which included basic two-track roads and steep climbs over loose rock. The new tires are available in a wide range of metric and flotation sizes, with fitments for wheels from 15 to 22 inches.
More Grand Cherokee Diesels
Jeep has announced that it's expanding the availability of the 3.0L, V-6 diesel in the Grand Cherokee to include Laredo models. That means the diesel is now available in three Grand trim levels: Laredo, Limited (shown), and Overland. In addition, the cost of the diesel option in the Limited and Overland models has been reduced by $1,000.
New Hall Of Fame Members Inducted
Long-time journalist (and 4WOR contributor) Sue Mead was among several off-road industry movers and shakers recently inducted into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in Reno, Nevada. Mead was inducted along with racing pioneer Mickey Thompson; desert race promoter Walt Lott; Funco founder Gil George; four-wheeling pioneer Bill Bryan; and racers Frank "Scoop" Vessels, Dick Landfield, and Edo Ansaloni. On hand for Mead's induction were fellow off-road journalist (and former P.R. guy) Bill Baker (center) and Hall of Fame Executive Director Bob Bower.
Tread Lightly! Gives Away Gear
You read that right. The nonprofit organization dedicated to responsible off-roading is entering all its new and renewing members into contests to win gear from companies such as Goodyear, Warn, Cabela's, and Coleman. Seen here is Scott Jackson from Denver, who won a Coleman prize package in a recent membership drawing. To get in on this great deal, visit www.treadlightly.org.