Just as Chevy's Suburban was the founder of its segment, so too was the closely related Tahoe. Born in 1995 as Suburban Jr., the Tahoe had all the same hardware pulling around much less real estate. Both were redesigned for 2000 (again based on the Silverado pickup), and both will charge on with the current design for a few more years.
Like their similarities, their differences carry over. Compared to the Suburban, the Tahoe contracts by 14 inches in wheelbase, 20 in length, and one in width. Its fuel tank holds 26 gallons instead of 31. One major hardware difference is the engine: the Tahoe LS ($35,540) starts off with a 4.8-liter V8 possessing horsepower and torque ratings of 285 and 295. Getting a hold of the Suburban's 5.3 (295/330) requires a step up to the Tahoe LT or Tahoe Z71. As the upscale Tahoe, the LT adds a standard third-row seat, automatic climate control, heated power front captain's chairs, leather, center console, rear audio controls, CD changer with Bose speakers, heated side mirrors with ground lights and turn signals (an idea borrowed from Ford), adjustable pedals, steering wheel controls, OnStar, and a trailer package. An exclusive option to LT models is the AutoRide suspension, which continuously varies the amount of shock damping to suit conditions and can pump up the rear shocks under heavy loads to keep the body level. The Z71 is the off-road Tahoe, set apart by high-pressure shocks, a locking rear differential, and 17-inch wheels. Z71s can be spotted as the ones with tubular assist steps, round fog lamps, a protective skid plate underneath, and the least chrome showing.
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes stop every Tahoe. All models have truck-style recirculating ball steering; 4WD models feature a faster ratio of 12.7:1 instead of 14.1:1. Either is faster than the Suburban's 15.8:1, and combined with two fewer feet separating the front and rear axles, the Tahoe should feel agile in comparison. Even an entry-level 2WD Tahoe LS can tow 5,700 pounds, while a model with 4WD, the bigger engine, and optional 4.1 axle ratio can pull 7,800 pounds. Payload never strays far from 1,500 pounds (roughly 150 less than Suburban), ensuring an easy swallowing of a full load of passengers.
Tahoes are known for their punchy acceleration (at least with the 5.3 engine), a happy marriage between engine and transmission, and a cushy on-road ride. That should do it for most people. On the other hand, Tahoes aren't known for their interior quality or for putting any fun in the driving. Steering is widely criticized as being vague, and, in spite of those ratio numbers, some call it slow as well. No surprise, really, since at this point, the Tahoe is the only remaining one with a recirculating-ball system. Accompanying the steering is plenty of body roll and "spongy" brakes. The Tahoe is also the only one besides the Expedition with a mere 4-speed automatic. Partly as the result of being the most mini of the max-sized SUVs, its third seat is known to be nearly useless to adults. Finally, as the oldest design, its monopoly on speed has vanished in light of 2004's new Nissan Armada and Dodge Durango. It would seem that four years is too long a time to sit still in today's market.
|