Chrysler Aspen Hybrid vs. Chevy Tahoe Hybrid

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid featuring a two-mode hybrid gas-electric system designed to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. The type of system that is used is a new electrically continuously variable transmission (ECVT) paired with Chrysler's 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Within the ECVT there are two electric motors and four fixed gears. The purpose of the two motors is that one is used at high speeds, and one is used at lower speeds. Another way that this hybrid conserves fuel on this Hemi V-8 is by using Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System, which shuts down four cylinders under light load conditions to conserve fuel. The Aspen can run fossil fuel free up to thirty miles per hour. The speed gets higher than this, the gasoline engine starts. Like other hybrid designs, the gasoline engine turns off at stoplights and restarts when needed. The hybrid version of the Aspen has a city fuel economy forty percent better than a conventional Aspen. Overall fuel economy will increase by more than twenty five percent. The estimated fuel economy is 19 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg in the city. The battery pack, which is required for the electric power is a 300 volt system that is stored under the second row seats. The battery pack powers the electric motors, and it is recharged with regenerative braking. A mechanism is included under the hood that converts the battery pack's AC power to DC to power for things such as interior lighting, the climate control system, and the radio.

The exterior of the Aspen Hybrid looks exactly like its gas powered relative. In the interior the big difference is an alternate gauge that shows when the electric motors are aiding power or being charged. The power gauge will also have a green Economy zone that drivers can use to aim for optimal fuel economy. The Aspen Hybrid is only available in all-wheel drive and will have the Limited trim. This includes front bucket seats, a second-row 60/40 split bench seat, and a three-passenger split-folding third-row bench seat for eight-passenger capacity. The Hybrid has leather upholstery, a rear back-up camera, and Chrysler's hard-drive-based MyGIG Multi-Media Infotainment System. The MyGIG system has an eight-inch touch screen and a navigation system with voice activation and real-time traffic. The MSRP for the Aspen Hybrid is $45,270. The invoice price is $41,110. It comes with a basic warranty of 36 months/36,000 miles, and it seats eight passengers. Safety features include
front and side curtain airbags, stability and traction control.

The 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid was the first of two vehicles outfitted with an advanced two-mode hybrid power train when it was released in 2008. IT has significantly better fuel economy than its conventional version, yet it is still a full-size SUVs that carries seven or eight passengers plus cargo. It can tow up to 6,000 pounds. Two mode hybrid systems have been used in buses since 2003, but before the Tahoe it had never been applied to a passenger vehicle. It is a complex all in one system, with the integration of electric motors, high-performance electronics, wiring, energy management and hybrid-system control units. The Tahoe uses a version of GM's 6.0-liter Vortec V8. The battery that is used for electric power rests underneath the second row seats.

 Like a conventional hybrid, there are two electric motors, but they are very compact and are packaged within the transmission. The transmission for this type of hybrid is similar to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), but there are added controls that carefully balancing the amount of power that comes from both the gasoline V8 and the electric motors. When in city driving mode, the electric motors operate approximately 75 percent of the time. During highway travel the electric motors are engaged around 25 percent of the time. For the Chevy Tahoe, each of its two modes has a specific duty in order to deliver the best fuel economy for the situation. During low-speed, light-duty driving, the system works like a conventional single-mode hybrid, stopping the V8 whenever it can and relying on one or both electric motors. During higher speeds the system uses electric motors to provide a power boost when necessary. Even without the electric power that is included on the hybrid, this V8 would be considered very fuel efficient for its size; to do this a range of fuel-saving technologies, including variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation. Like other hybrids, the Tahoe’s battery is recharged with regenerative brakes. A new air-conditioning technology is used and it requires less power which equals the use of less fuel. Another way to make this SUV get better mileage is with the use of low rolling resistance tires. The exterior of the hybrid version of the Tahoe has been modified. The front grille and front air dam look different and the running boards and rear spoiler have been reconfigured for a more aerodynamic profile. The Tahoe Hybrid actually gets better aerodynamic values because of this. The hybrid’s new power train adds about 400 pounds to the Tahoe's curb weight. To offset other parts have become lighter: the hood and rear lift gate are now aluminum and the front bucket seats are thinner though they are just as comfortable. The transitions between electric and gas power were quiet and smooth, almost imperceptible. The Tahoe Hybrid has exceptional braking performance. GM engineers claim the Hybrid comes to a halt in a shorter distance than the conventional Tahoe.

Two hybrids. Two different technologies. While the Tahoe uses a brand new for passenger vehicle mode, the Chrysler Aspen uses a more traditional approach. The Aspen is less expensive to purchase and both include many amenities. Something to not though: although traditional SUVs are considered to be decent in the towing department, both the Tahoe and the Aspen Hybrids can only tow 6000 lbs. (compared to a normal 8700 lbs.) Both vehicles get excellent gas mileage and are very useable and well performing vehicles.