2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
| TEST COMPLETE |
E85 consists of 85 percent ethanol alcohol (refined from corn in the US) and 15 percent gasoline. GM says this alternative fuel is good for the environment because it produces less emissions than regular gasoline without affecting acceleration performance. However, EPA fuel economy estimates are about 25 percent lower with E85 vs. regular gasoline. E85 generally costs less than regular-grade fuel but isn't widely available outside the Midwest.
While our questions about E85 are as yet unanswered, there's little debate about our Tahoe LTZ's appeal. Redesigned for 2007, this large SUV handles well, and the interior ambience is upscale. We dislike its uncomfortable 3rd-row seat and are taken aback by our lavishly equipped tester's $53,455 price.
The 320-hp 5.3-liter V8 engine has fine power, with no noticeable difference in acceleration between using gasoline and E85. Some testers believe acceleration is actually a bit stronger on ethanol. Fuel economy is a different story, as we are averaging 14.1 mpg on gas, but just 11.6 on E85. That's a drop of nearly 20 percent. While it is difficult to quantify the "feel good" factor of using a domestically produced alternative fuel, the economic case for using E85 does not appear to be a strong one.
Editors' Comments
Rick Cotta: While some might question the merit of such a large, expensive SUV with limited 3rd-row room, Tahoe otherwise acquits itself quite well. Fuel economy on gasoline is no worse than in many smaller V8-powered utes, and the ability to run on E85 may become more valuable in time. Nits include tedious manual adjustment of the automatic climate controls and occasional slow transmission kickdowns, but those are countered by nice-looking interior appointments, a surfeit of room and comfort for four adults, and generally pleasant driving dynamics. Still, unless you want to tow heavy loads--or just surround yourself with lots of metal--any number of smaller, less-expensive SUVs would probably serve just as well.
John Biel: With $$$$ in options (above and beyond the package necessary to turn
an LTZ into an LTZ), this test vehicle's sticker easily clears $50,000.
That makes it a pricey proposition to buy and--with low-teens fuel
economy--a pricey vehicle to feed. But it is solid, powerful, and
comfortable, and an absolute must-see for anyone with legitimate need
for the capability this kind of vehicle can provide.
Ed Piotrowski: The sub 12-mpg performance of this vehicle on E85 makes
using ethanol an even more questionable proposition, given that there's
no dramatic savings in terms of cost per gallon between the two types
of fuel. Still, giving consumers the option to use one fuel or another
is never a bad thing.
Tom Appel: The ideal four-adult long-haul cruiser.
| 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe | ||
 | ||
| Bodystyle: | 4-door wagon | |
| Model: | LTZ | |
| Engine: | 320-hp 5.3-liter V8 | |
| Transmission: | 4-speed automatic | |
| Total Miles: | 11,353 |
|
| CG® Observed Fuel Economy (gas): | 14.1 mpg | |
| CG® Observed Fuel Economy (E85): | 11.6 mpg | |
| Problems During Test: | None | |
| Base Price: | $37,860 | |
| Price as Tested: | $53,455 | |
| Major Options: |
Navigation system, DVD entertainment, sunroof, power running boards, 2nd row bucket seats, rearview camera | |
