Big improvements for all-new Tahoe

Tahoe, the best-selling full-size SUV in the country, has been completely redesigned for 2007. To say the previous generation Tahoe was past its freshness date would be charitable.

Aside from its attractive all-new sheet metal, the most notable changes include a more spacious interior with refined materials and a better fit and finish, a more powerful 5.3-liter V-8 engine, available power-folding second-row seats and added safety features.

Since the new Tahoe’s January debut, the folks at Chevrolet have been diligent in boasting about “best-in-class” fuel economy thanks to an active fuel management system that shuts down 4 cylinders when they’re not needed. My four-wheel-drive LT tester equipped with the standard 5.3-liter 320-horsepower V-8 engine was rated at 15 miles per gallon in the city and 21 on the highway. Two-wheel-drive models earn a 16/22 mpg rating. A 26-gallon gas tank is standard.

But in the real world, my tested mileage was worse, much worse, with the trip computer registering just over 17 mpg for interstate driving and 12.8 mpg around Phoenix and its suburbs.

With gas prices at about $3 a gallon and Japanese cars taking their toll on domestic brand sales, critics have questioned why GM has focused so much attention and budget on gas-guzzling big trucks and SUVs. Chevy general manager Ed Peper notes that work on the redesign began three years ago “when gas was below $2 a gallon and not considered an issue.”

Consider also that these large SUVS are the most profitable vehicles in the GM lineup. These cash cows must succeed to keep GM in business. Another consideration is that if you regularly need to carry up to nine people or tow a boat or trailer, you can’t do it with a minivan or a station wagon.

Tahoe is offered in three trim levels: base LS, LT and top-of-the-line LTZ. Even the base LS is well-equipped, including power accessories, dual-zone climate control, CD player with MP3 capabilities, luggage rack, cruise control, tilt-wheel steering column and 17-inch bright aluminum wheels. The LT actually comes in three levels: LT1, LT2 and LT3. LT1 adds steering wheel-mounted audio controls, bucket seats with console, foglamps and color-keyed exterior trim. The LT2 adds leather seating, a six-disc CD changer, power adjustable pedals, remote vehicle starting and rear parking assist. The LT3 adds side-curtain airbags, heated front seats with 12-way driver adjustment and a Bose audio system with XM satellite radio.

The LTZ adds 20-inch alloy wheels, heated second-row seats, power rear liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding second-row seats and the Autoride rear air suspension.

Base prices range from $33,900 to $46,815. Options include power sunroof ($995), rear backing camera system ($195), second-row power folding seats ($425) and rear-seat entertainment system ($1,295).

Outside, the new Tahoe has rounded sheet metal and a noticeably steeper raked windshield. Front and rear bumpers have been styled into the design rather than bolted on as in the previous generation, giving Tahoe a cleaner exterior style.
The high hood features two bulges that add to the stylish looks. The sides are slab-like and thankfully lacking any plastic cladding.

Inside, Chevy designers cleaned up the nightmarish dash of the previous generation Tahoe. It now looks more car-like with clean lines and improved fit and finish. There isn’t necessarily less plastic in the new Tahoe, rather a much better execution with accent colors, soft touches and plastic wood that looks convincing. A huge center console stores just about everything; all gauges and controls are in the right place and easy to use.

Depending on the model and trim level, the Tahoe can accommodate anywhere from five to nine passengers. The third row seats can be removed or folded (but not flat) and there isn’t a power-folding option as there is on Ford Expedition. Don’t expect much knee room in the third row. The second row does come with a power-folding option, and performs flawlessly.

On two-wheel drive Tahoe models, the standard engine is a 4.8-liter V-8 rated at 290 horsepower. The only transmission is a four-speed automatic, disappointing because five and six-speed transmissions are now the norm.

Other things that bothered me about the new Tahoe: Second row legroom, while improved, lags behind other models in this class. Tahoe is bulky and difficult to park. Look for wide spaces or go farther out in the parking lot.

Behind the wheel I found the 5.3-Liter 320-horsepower Tahoe to be quick from the light, when passing on I-10 and when negotiating steep inclines on mountain roads.

Thanks to the new aero design, wind noise is minimal and the cabin is exceptionally quiet even at highway speeds. The ride is smooth and the suspension absorbs most road surface imperfections. Cornering is what you’d expect from a big SUV, with noticeable body lean. Overall visibility is excellent even for shorter drivers.

The safety gear includes all the expected belts and airbags, plus an anti-skid anti-rollover system. Optional safety features include three-row head-curtain airbags that stay inflated in rollovers and are triggered in violent front impacts.

The new Tahoe has earned the highest possible five-star rating for front crash impacts and a three-star rating for rollover accidents from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

Overall, the new Tahoe has a lot going for it and is a remarkable improvement over the previous generation. When it comes to full-sized SUVs, the Tahoe is still a compelling choice although not significantly ahead of competition in this class of vehicle.

 

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