Chevrolet Tahoe: Room to carry half the team in style

Posted Thursday, January 17, 2008

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If the Buick Enclave is on the cutting edge of GM’s luxury crossover fleet, then the Chevy Tahole may be the SUV that the consumer in that price range is crossing from. Or, for the family that wants to cross back — to even more room, power and (in the Z71 LT off-road package) more capability — it offers similar comforts and amenities writ large.

The pricetag is heftier and the fuel mileage lower, of course, but if a midsize SUV can take the kids to soccer practice in style, Tahoe will carry half the team. And, no one will mind going to away games.

Though it’s up to the driver to resist the impressive acceleration, Chevy is actually scrambling to do better on fuel mileage. The Tahoe Z71 LT is a reasonably good global citizen. Its Flex Fuel System will accommodate ethanol if desired. The muscular V-8 (5.3L, 320 hp) employs an Active Fuel Management module that shuts down half the cylinders at cruising speed. A hybrid version is also expected soon.

StabiliTrak governs a silent, vibration-free ride on extra-wide-tracking 18-inch wheels (in LT models) while Protective Rollover Avoidance adjusts to reduce lateral force if you get into a curve too strong. High capacity air cleaner, skid plates, recovery hooks, and locking rear differential seal the deal if you insist on taking this beauty off-road. The assist step has a rugged black tread surface to match the soles of your work boots. And, unlike the Enclave, you might actually need it to climb into this big boy.

The interior appointments and high-tech accoutrements include the most advanced GM has to offer, and everything you’d expect in the category. The ease begins with remote start, and then everything is “power,” from seat tilt and warming (including programmable seat “memory”) to adjustable pedal height.

The stereo deck includes XM satellite radio, MP3 and DVD player for the rear-seat flip-down screen (Sorry. Only one!) Eight Bose speakers and one sub-woofer let everyone know you’re coming. OnStar Turn-by-Turn navigation and the 18-function Driver Information monitor are standard equipment, and “old hat” in GM’s upscale line. The buckets up front were done in black leather. Second-row passengers also sit in heated leather buckets, while the removable 3-passenger third row bench is Happy Meal-resistant vinyl.

Dave Rigdon and Jean Oskey of Victor George Chevrolet were my guides during the test-drive.

Afterward, they couldn’t think of a single negative aspect or inconvenience associated with Tahoe’s performance or equipment. Nor could they recall any negative feedback from anyone who owns one. They are paid to think that way, of course, but they also related stories of local lease customers who find it impossible to stay under their mileage limits. Tahoe users simply don’t want to drive anything else.

So, okay, here’s a downside: I had difficulty activating and adjusting the driver’s-side power mirror. There are a lot of controls on that left armrest, and familiarity with the process and the layout can’t be accomplished in a 20-minute visit. Wouldn’t it be fun, then, to live there? — Chris Dungey