Confidence
Chevy Tahoe takes a stand

Chevrolet Tahoe continues to offer great spaciousness and towing capability with a precise driving feel, robust performance and impeccable interior refinement and quietness. All Tahoe models are built on GM’s full-size SUV platform that incorporates features such as a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and a premium interior that bolsters the vehicle’s comfort, quality and capability. Wide front and rear tracks enhance handling and lower the center of gravity for a more confident road feel. Tahoe’s design is lean and agile looking with large wheels and a wide track enhancing Tahoe’s powerful, capable stance. Sleek aerodynamics contribute to the look with a steeply raked windshield and smooth roofline that enhances aerodynamics. A new 20-inch chrome-clad wheel design is available on the LTZ model, which we test drove. The larger wheels give the vehicle a more confident stance. Tahoe also offers power articulated running boards on LTZ models. They blend smoothly with the vehicle’s design but automatically move downward and outward when the doors are opened, providing a lower step-in height. Optional on LTZ is a side blind zone alert safety system that uses radar sensors located in the corners of the rear fascia to signal a visual alert in the outside mirrors when objects are detected in “blind zones.” Refinement throughout Tahoe’s spacious interior creates an environment that exudes quality and precision, as well as comfort. A two-tone color scheme offers softer and low-gloss materials for the instrument panel and other trim pieces. Tahoe features a stiff, fully boxed frame, which reduces vibrations transmitted to the passenger cabin. The strength and accuracy of the frame also enable more precise mounting and tuning of chassis and suspension components, which also help reduce vibration. Noise-reducing components and materials are used throughout the body structure, including the headliner material, door seals and front-of-dash area. The engine also features a quiet-tuned alternator and an acoustically tuned engine cover that dramatically reduces engine noise heard inside the vehicle. Specific door seals help reduce seal “pull away” at highway speeds, which can cause wind noise. Also, Tahoe’s slippery shape, including streamlined exterior mirrors and roof rack and tighter body gap tolerances makes Tahoe quieter as it slices through the air. Tahoe’s quietness and smoothness are complemented by the Autoride suspension system, which is standard on LTZ. This segment-exclusive bi-state, real-time damping system provides an extremely refined ride with greatly reduced body motion. The system consists of a semi-active, two-position damping control system that responds in real time to road and driving conditions based on body and wheel motion sensors.

Published December 2009