2007 Chevrolet Tahoe Test Drive

A Charming Brute of the Road

Chevrolet's new big kid on the block is bruising for a fight with the competition.

2007 Chevrolet Tahoe + click to enlarge | view gallery >

The 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe, introduced Jan. 12, is General Motors' inaugural model of its all-new GMT900 big truck platform. Right behind the Tahoe, the standard wheelbase Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon sport utility vehicles, which are now trickling into dealerships, while the Chevrolet Suburban and other longer wheelbase models come in the second quarter of 2006. Later in the year, GM will roll out brand new big pickups that also share the same underpinnings.

While GM's outgoing big SUVs had as much charm and ambiance as an airport shuttle vehicle, the new Tahoe represents a quantum jump in ride, handling and amenities. If General Motors ever has any hope of shaking its addiction to rebates, vehicles like the new Tahoe are part of the cure.

Big brutes like the Tahoe, which weighs in at 5,500 pounds and can tow as much as 7,700 pounds in four-wheel-drive mode, are not for everyone. Then again, if you need this much hauling and towing capacity, the Tahoe belongs on your short list.

The Tahoe lineup starts at about $34,000, including delivery, for the LS model, but this offering isn't a bait and switch stripper truck. The LS comes with dual-zone air conditioning, heated outside review mirrors, power driver's seat, stability control, GM's OnStar emergency communications system and a tire pressure monitor. Things just get better from there, as the next-up LT model is available with three increasing levels of option packages. Buyers can further embellish the LT with a $8,275 LTZ equipment package. For now, the only engine available in the Chevy big SUV lineup is a 5.3 liter V-8, which in some models can drink an 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline mixture or just straight gasoline. Later in the year, a 4.8 liter V-8 becomes standard on two-wheel-drive Tahoes.

2007 Chevrolet Tahoe + click to enlarge | view gallery >

Two suspensions are available: the base suspension on LS and LT models, while the LTZ gets GM's Autoride system, a self-leveling, depending on payload, semi-active suspension that responds to road and driving conditions. Before the end of 2006, GM promises a more rugged Z71 off road suspension and trim package for the Tahoe.

Our LTZ tester carried a sticker of $50,450, including an $875 destination charge. That's a lot of money, but our tester came with almost every conceivable option and luxury to justify this price, including a power lift gate, 20 inch wheels, tri-zone automatic climate control, removable third-row seats and options such as a navigation system, rear-view camera and passenger audio/video entertainment system. When configured with similar options, the Tahoe closely matches the Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada in price.