2019 Chevy Tahoe

THE AUTO PAGE

by

John Heilig

• MODEL: 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD Premier
• ENGINE:6.2-liter Ecotec3 V8 
• TRANSMISSION:10-speed automatic 
• HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 420 hp @ 5,600 rpm/460 lb.-ft. @ 4,100 rpm 
• WHEELBASE: 116.0 in. 
• LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 203.9 x 80.5 x 74.4 in. 
• TIRES: P285/45R22 
• CARGO CAPACITY: 15.3/51.7/94.7 cu. ft. (all seats up/third row seats down/second and third row seats down) 
• ECONOMY: 14 mpg city/22 mpg highway/13.9 mpg test 
• FUEL TANK: 26 gal.
• CURB WEIGHT: 5,602 lbs. 
• TOWING CAPACITY: 8,100 lbs.
• COMPETITIVE CLASS: Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada, Infiniti QX80
• STICKER: $78,070 (includes $1,295 delivery, $11,675 options) 
• BOTTOM LINE: The Chevy Tahoe is a large, luxurious SUV with the comfort of a large sedan and the utility of a major cargo carrier.

            I get a kick out of vehicle classifications. The Chevrolet Tahoe is classified as a “standard SUV,” yet it really is large, although not as large as a Chevy Suburban.

            We spent many miles a few years ago in the previous generation Tahoe traveling from Salt Lake City to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park. There are few other vehicles I can say I’d be willing to have for that trek. It handled all the paved roads, as well as the assortment of non-paved surfaces we encountered. 

            The Tahoe hit our driveway after a week with the Silverado pickup. The Tahoe is comfortably smaller, if only a bit. I found it much more maneuverable but with a slightly more firm ride.

            We had very good power under the hood. With GM’s largest V8 gasoline engine, there’s no need for more. Acceleration is good, surprisingly so for a 5,600-pound vehicle. The engine is responsive, even in automatic mode, although there is a manual mode if you feel you need more response.

            Parking is easier than the Silverado (check out my review), but not that easy! Rear view mirrors and back up cameras help. For example, we backed into a small space with a small wall at the end. When we neared the wall, my butt vibrated thanks to the rear park assist. I had a similar “thrill” when I deviated from the lane I was in, thanks to the lane change alert. We also had a blind spot monitor that didn’t alert me sensually, although the rear cross traffic alert did.

            Switches for 4-wheel drive are located on the dash and I found it easy to switch into 4WD High. We had a surprise snowstorm mid-week of the time we had the Tahoe and I switched quickly into 4WD and had no weather issues. 

            Entering the Tahoe is eased by running boards that slide out. In addition, front and rear passengers have assist handles mounted on the A- and B-pillars. The driver has to make do with grabbing the wheel. 

            Front and second row seats are comfortable and heated. Second row seats have excellent legroom. Legroom in the third row is decent, although the seat back there is flat. 

            Front passengers have a large center console/arm rest with a Qi charger on top for recharging your so-equipped phone. 

            Sound and heating/cooling are very good. The audio system has Apple Play and Android Auto compatibility's. We had one of our frigid winter spells with the Tahoe and the HVAC and heated seats kept us comfortable, almost too comfortable. We were soon turning everything down. 

            Tahoe has a power lift gate that is convenient. You can lift it using the key fob, the button on the dash, or by gently starting it off after you have unlocked it. Once inside, there are switches to lower the third and second row seat backs to increase cargo capacity.

            It’s bigger than a small or mid-sized SUV, but the Chevrolet Tahoe essentially has it all, for a price. It’s a perfect vehicle for a family that needs the room but is reluctant to go all out for the much larger Suburban.

(c) 2019 The Auto Page Syndicate