Chevrolet's Tahoe appears at times the perfect size. It can carry a lot more cargo than a compact or mid-size sport-utility, with or without four passengers. And it more easily handles a trailer. Yet it's far more maneuverable than a Suburban, important in crowded parking lots, underground garages, or when parallel parking.
On the road, it's smooth and stable, a rock. There's plenty of power and the brakes work well. Its cabin is comfortable and familiar, friendly and functional. Turn off the highway and the Tahoe handles gravel, rugged two-tracks, mud, and snow.
Three models are available: base, LS, and LT.
The base model is a stripped-down vinyl-seat work truck sold in small quantities. Base 4X2 retails for $24,941, while 4X4 goes for $27,857. Custom cloth front seatsThese base models come equipped with the Vortec 4800 V8.
Most people opt for the LS and LT models, which come with the Vortec 5300 V8. Sold as packages, LS adds $6,164 to the base model prices, while LT adds $10,638 to the bottom line.
Tahoe 2WD LS ($31,105) and 4WD LS ($34,021) come with a comfortable cloth interior and most of the features most of us want.
Tahoe 2WD LT ($35,579) and LT 4X4 ($38,495) come loaded with leather upholstery, power seats, premium ride suspension, OnStar driver assistance, automatic climate control, and other features.
Also available is a Z71 model with a specially tuned off-road suspension with special shocks and jounce bumpers, skid plates, a locking rear differential, and a roof rack with lights.
Other options include a power sliding sunroof package ($1095) with HomeLink and the Autoride suspension ($700) with variable shock dampening.
Conservative styling means the Tahoe does not stand out, but it is an attractive truck. It shares much in common with the Suburban and the Silverado pickup. Pull door handles are easy to use.
At the rear, There is a choice of a traditional hatch with a flip-up window or panel doors, also known as barn doors or cargo doors. Choosing between them is a matter of lifestyle and personal preference. Cargo doors are standard on the base Tahoe and optional on the LS and LT models; cargo doors are more convenient when towing and for other truck chores, and they make it easier to control a dog. The traditional hatch is made of aluminum for light weight; being able to open just the glass is often more convenient when loading groceries or outdoor gear, especially since it can be operated with the keyless remote. Once annoyance on our Tahoe: The doors were programmed to lock every time we shifted into Drive; when we'd stop, get out, walk to the back and open the hatch, the alarm would sound. The automatic locking feature can be turned off by the dealer.
