Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid: 22.8 CG mpg

2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

What seats seven passengers, has power to spare, tows up to 6,200 pounds, and goes 22.8 miles on a gallon of gas?

A true marvel of hybrid technology, the Tahoe Hybrid actually returns the same real-world fuel economy in our testing as a 4-cylinder Mazda 6.

Compared to a conventional Tahoe with the 5.3-liter V8, the Hybrid actually enjoys a little extra power as well, all the while sipping 50-percent less gas.

What's the downside? While stout enough for most folks, Tahoe Hybrid's 6,200-pound towing capacity is down substantially from the conventional truck's 8,200-pound rating.

Cost is an issue, too. Chevrolet was cautious to price the Hybrid below fully equipped LTZ models, but with a starting price of $50,490, this miserly rig doesn't come cheap. But based on $4.00-per-gallon gas, the average owner could save $1,500 a year (assuming an annual 12,000 miles) by choosing the Hybrid over a conventional 5.3-liter V8 model.

For folks who need this much mass and muscle, going the hybrid route may make perfect sense.