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Chevrolet Tahoe Gas Mileage

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Introduced in 1995, the full-size Chevrolet Tahoe is a true American SUV. Granted, the Tahoe’s gas mileage ratings, have never been something to write home about … until now. 2008 might just mark the dawn of a new era, with the Tahoe Hybrid offering a remarkable 50% improvement in city gas mileage ratings over the standard models. It isn’t just a case of bolting in an electric motor and a bank of batteries. Chevy dropped the Tahoe hybrid’s suspension, made aerodynamic tweaks to the hood and front end, and put some components on a diet to ease the load on the two-mode hybrid system. (Both the hood and tailgate are lightweight aluminum.)

The estimated gas mileage for the Tahoe Hybrid (shown above) is 21 city / 22 highway in 2WD trim, and 20 city / 20 highway for the 4WD model. The Tahoe Hybrid is slated to ship in early 2008.

The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe is available with four engine choices, dependent on model. The two-wheel-drive LS comes standard with the 4.8 liter Vortec V-8, while the LT1, LT2, LT3 and LTZ are equipped with one of two versions of Chevy’s 5.3 liter Vortec V-8. The Chevy Tahoe Hybrid is fitted with a hefty 6.0 liter Vortec V-8 along with the two-mode hybrid electric propulsion system. (And you were expecting a wimpy little engine?)

Twenty miles per gallon in the city is be a good start for the Tahoe Hybrid but there’s plenty of ground to make up. An equivalent boost in highway mileage would be more than welcome. Continuing the effort to lighten the big SUV and dropping the 6.0 liter gasoline-burning V-8 in favor of a more economical turbo-diesel would be likely next steps.

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Saturn Vue Gas Mileage

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The Saturn Vue, first introduced in 2002, is one of America’s most economical compact SUVs. Good gas mileage has long been a hallmark of the Vue. From its inception through the 2007 model year, city gas mileage ratings hovered around or above 20 miles per gallon (MPG), with highway ratings in the mid-to-high twenties. The 2008 model year marks a substantial redesign for the Vue. While the quality of the Vue has risen dramatically with the new European-inspired design, gas mileage ratings have fallen from previous years.

The 2008 Vue is available with three engine choices, based on trim level. The Vue XE FWD and Green Line (hybrid) models are fitted with a 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 169 horsepower. AWD Vue XE models are equipped with a 3.5 liter V-6 engine, rated at 222 horsepower, while the Vue XR and Vue Red Line are fitted with a DOHC 3.6 liter V-6 that pumps out 257 horsepower, topping the charts for the range. Gas mileage ratings for the Vue Green Line hybrid top the 2WD SUV highway charts.

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Toyota Highlander Gas Mileage

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The Toyota Highlander was introduced to America as a 2002 model and was redesigned for the 2008 model year. The Highlander Hybrid (pictured at right) produces solid gas mileage figures for a seven passenger SUV at 27 city and 25 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

The non-hybrid Highlander is equipped with a 3.5 liter double overhead cam (DOHC) V-6 engine that produces 270 horsepower, while the Highlander Hybrid mates a slightly smaller 209 horsepower 3.3 liter V-6 with its electric motors and is classified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV).

We spent a week with the seven-seat MPG champ this last summer. Check out our Toyota Highlander Hybrid review:

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Nissan Altima Gas Mileage

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The highly popular mid-sized Nissan Altima is positioned between the Sentra and Maxima in Nissan’s line up. The Altima was introduced in 1993 as a compact car and evolved into a mid-sized car in 2002. When equipped with a manual transmission and standard engine, the Altima’s highway gas mileage ratings have largely hovered around 30 miles per gallon (MPG).

The Altima Hybrid is the most fuel efficient model in the current range, pairing a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine with electric propulsion, to deliver gas mileage ratings of 35 city and 35 highway MPG. The non-hybrid Altima is available with either the 2.5 liter four cylinder or the more powerful (and premium-fuel thirsty) 3.5 liter six.

Nissan Altima Hybrid Review:

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Chevrolet Malibu Gas Mileage

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Dig out your Beach Boys CDs and find your favorite flip flops. The Chevrolet Malibu is an iconic American car, dating back to the 1960s. The Malibu originally sprung to life as an offshoot of the classic Chevy Chevelle muscle car, evoking rays of California sunshine.

While the sun set on the Malibu in the mid-1980s, it rose again in the 1997 model year. It’s clear that Chevrolet is seeking to regain those glory days with the latest redesign, and fuel efficiency is part and parcel in the effort. While the 2008 Malibu delivers acceptable gas mileage figures for a family sedan – with the highest ratings produced by the Malibu Hybrid at 24 city / 32 highway – there’s still plenty of room for improvement in the MPG category.

Chevy Malibu Hybrid review:

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