Car Review: 2018 Chevy Tahoe Premier 4WD

Highlight: The Premier replaced the old LTZ trim.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $78,450 (Base LS $48,795)

Seating Capacity: 7 to 9

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; Daytime running lights; a teen monitoring safety system; a rear camera; a rear park assist system with audible warning; a fullsize spare tire; a hill start assist system; a trailer sway control system; a tire pressure monitoring system and OnStar safety system

Standard Equipment (LS Trim): 18-inch wheels; a 6-speed automatic transmission; a 4.2-inch driver information center; an 8-inch infotainment screen; a conversation mirror (to stay connected with rear occupants); a cargo net; a cargo management system; a remote keyless entry system; a remote vehicle start system; power driver’s seat; cloth seats; a manually operated tilt steering wheel; a leather wrapped steering wheel; active gas saving aero shutters; assist side steps; a roof rack with luggage side rails;a deep tinted glass window; and a premium smooth ride suspension system
  
Standard Equipment (Premier Trim): 20-inch wheels; a forward collision alert system; an automatic highbeam headlight system; a low speed forward automatic braking system; a lane keep assist system with a lane departure warning system; a lane change alert system with blind spot; a rear cross traffic alert system; and a safety alert driving system; a push button ignition starter system; a floor console with storage area, cup holders and auxiliary jack; automatic rearview dimming mirror; power adjustable pedals (gas and brakes); a universal home remote garage system; a navigation system; SiriusXM navigation with traffic; a Bose 10-speaker audio system; memory settings for power driver’s seat; leather heated/ventilated front seats; second row heated bucket seats; a power folding third row; a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a wireless charging sytem;  a remote keyless entry system; HID (high intensity discharge) headlights; heated power adjustable power folding mirror; and a magnetic controlled suspension system

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: a 6.2-liter performance edition, which includes a rear axle. 3.23 ratio, a trailer brake controller, a high capacity air cleaner, a 170-AMP generator, a 6.2-liter V8 ecotech engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, active noise cancellation and a 2-speed transfer case; a power sunroof; a rear seat entertainment system; a front brake performance kit; an 8-inch diagonal reconfigurable cluster with heads up display; a heads up display system; and an all-weather floor liner

Other Trims:

LS
LT

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD with satellite

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes

                                                                                                        

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Towing Capacity: 8,400 lbs

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 5.3-liter turbo, 8-cylinder/355-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage:
16-city/23-hwy (4x2)

What’s New: There is a new RST package for the 2018 model year, which can be added to both the LT and Premier trims.

Why: The stylish body on truck frame fullsize utility vehicle, with its powerful 8-cylinder engine, is available in a rear wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration. The body-on-frame SUV is great for hauling adults, serving as the neighborhood school shuttle service or towing a boat to the lake house.

The Tahoe provides the ability to tow a minimum of 6,600 lbs, a maximum of 112 cu ft of cargo space and three rows of the seats. The second and third rows of seats can be folded flat in order to maximize utility space.

Chevy’s large SUV is also available in a variety of trim levels. Depending on the trim, buyers can opt for leather, heated and/or ventilated seats and a standard size power sunroof. For additional conveniences, power folding rear seats and power tailgate are available.

Moreover, for those seeking some of the latest safety driving advancements,  one can opt for a safety alert driver’s seat, automatic high beam headlights, a forward collision alert system, a lane changing alert system and a blind zone alert system, which could be standard or optional, depending on the trim selected.

Lastly, Chevy’s full frame SUV, which is available with bench or second row bucket seats, is rated as one of the highest quality vehicles in the segment, according to the folks over at J. D. Power. And for those seeking additional cargo and leg room, from this Chevy, the Suburban is available.

But: While the vehicle rides on a truck chassis, we found it to be firmer than that of its segment competitors, the Nissan Armada and the Ford Explorer.

And, for those riding in the third-row seat, they’ll find that it is not a place one wants to remained parked in for an extended time period due to limited legroom. Moreover, this is a lot of vehicle to maneuver, especially on narrow city streets or attempting to park. And, with the third seat in use, the cargo room is virtually eliminated.

Lastly, with the new Premier trim, the vehicle, this Chevy can easily approach $80,000, which is in the range of the all-new luxury SUVs like the Lincoln Navigator.

Verdict: For buyers seeking a king of the road SUV, with a mix of basic and luxury touches, depending upon ones household budget, the Tahoe could definitely fit the bill. It offers plenty of seating, the ability to tow along with the latest safety and convenience features.

Buyers should think twice, before loading up the vehicle with a number of options, since they could be entering into luxury SUV territory.

Competition: Ford Expedition; GMC Yukon; Nissan Pathfinder; and Toyota Sequoia