By Mauricio Lezcano / carsNtravel.com
Chevrolet Tahoe is a full size SUV that offers spaciousness, including cargo space of up to 108.9 cubic feet and a strong towing capability of up to 8,500 pounds.
The 2013 Tahoe LTZ is offered in 2WD and 4WD. Each is built on GM’s full size SUV platform that features a fully boxed frame, coil-over shock front suspension and rack and pinion steering. Wide front and rear tracks enhance handling and lower the center of gravity for a more confident road feel.
Tahoe features the global face of Chevrolet, with a large Chevy gold bowtie centered on a twin-port horizontal grille; fog lamps and headlamps feature detailed optics. The lower fascia, incorporating the front license plate holder and integrated recovery hooks, is aggressively styled with a skid plate look that enhances Tahoe’s rugged, off-road appearance.
Attention to detail is a hallmark of the Tahoe’s cabin. There is almost no exposed metal hardware or latches; it also has the segment’s largest center console storage bin, a large glove box and numerous storage compartments.
Three rows of seating are standard. The second row is available as a three passenger bench with a 60/40 split or two bucket seat. The third row features a 50/50 split design and is removable. A power assisted second row seat release feature is standard on the LTZ.
Additional standard features include leather appointed seating, heated and cooled front seats, dual zone automatic climate control, Bose Centerpoint Surround system, navigation radio with touch screen operation and power adjustable pedals. A rear seat entertainment system is available, including a DVD player with remote control, overhead display and two sets of wireless infrared headphones.
Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ is powered by a 5.3L V8 that balances power and efficiency. Variable valve timing helps the engine optimize performance, efficiency and emissions, while GM’s Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivating technology helps improve fuel economy in certain light load driving conditions.
The variable valve timing system allows linear delivery of torque, with near peak levels over a broad rpm range and high specific output. It also helps reduce exhaust emissions because it manages valve overlap at optimum levels; it eliminates the need for an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system.
Tahoe is built on GM’s full size SUV platform, incorporating a fully boxed frame, coil over shock front suspension, leaf spring rear suspension and rack and pinion steering. A stiff frame reduces vibrations transmitted to the passenger cabin, while the strength and accuracy of the fully boxed frame also enable precise mounting and tuning of chassis and suspension components.
The Autoride suspension system is standard on the LTZ and features a segment exclusive bi-state, real-time damping system that provides a refined ride with greatly reduced body motion. The system consists of a semi-active, two positions damping control that responds in real time to road and driving conditions, based on body and wheel motion sensors.
Chevrolet Tahoe has a strong body structure designed to adsorb crash energy and provide a protective safety cage around its occupants. Head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for both seating rows are standard, and seat mounted side impact air bags for driver and right front passenger provides thorax and pelvic protection. The roof mounted head curtain air bags include designs features that provide increased rollover protection and occupant containment.
StabiliTrak electronic control system helps reduce the risk of rollover crashes by keeping the vehicle in the driver’s intended path by applying throttle, braking or a combination of both.
Six months of OnStar Directions and Connections service is standard, a Remotelink Mobile app allows smartphone users to control the vehicle functions, access vehicle information and send direction directly to the vehicle.
2013 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ will have a starting price of $53,295.00. The EPA fuel economy estimates 15 MPG city and 21 MPG highway; Key competitors Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com