"More power, fresh styling, and new features highlight Chevrolet's redesigned large 2007 SUVs. This report covers the Tahoe, which began sale in early 2006. Redesigned versions of Tahoe's larger siblings, the Suburban wagon and Avalanche pickup, are due later in 2006. All have more cargo space and rear passenger room than their 2000-2006 predecessors, despite little-changed exterior dimensions.
Tahoe has a rear liftgate with separate-opening glass. It comes in LS, LT, and luxury LTZ models. Each offers rear-wheel drive or General Motors' Autotrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. All have antilock 4-wheel disc brakes--enlarged for '07--plus GM's Stabilitrak antiskid/traction control.
A 5.3-liter V8 repeats, but now with 320 hp, a gain of 25. Chevy says 2WD versions will eventually have a 290-hp 4.8 V8 as standard. The only transmission is a 4-speed automatic. The 5.3 employs GM's Active Fuel Management system that deactivates four cylinders in gentle driving to conserve fuel. So are 20-inch wheels vs. the standard 17s. Standard for LTZ, optional on LT is GM's Autoride suspension that automatically adjusts firmness based on road and driving conditions; it includes self-leveling suspension and 20-inch wheels. A Z71 package with off-road suspension, 18-inch wheels, and specific styling touches is also due later in the model year, as are optional power in/out running boards.
Passenger capacity ranges from five to nine, with 2- and 3-place seating available for all three rows. Standard on LTZ and available for LS and LT are curtain side airbags covering all seating rows. The 2nd and 3rd rows fold flat, but do not stow in the floor, and 3rd-row seats are removable. In an industry first shared with the other '07 GM large SUVs, Tahoe offers 2nd-row seats that power-fold to provide 3rd-row access. Other new features include a revised navigation system with touch screen and rearview TV camera, power liftgate, and rear-obstacle detection. Also available are leather upholstery, power-adjustable pedals, heated 1st- and 2nd-row seats, rear DVD entertainment, and satellite radio. OnStar assistance is standard.
The 2007 GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade share Tahoe's basic design, but differ in styling, options, and price. This evaluation is based on preview test drives. "