2017 Chevy Tahoe LT Midnight Edition 4WD

Highlight: The optional rear entertainment system includes a new video voiceover feature to benefit the visually and hearing impaired.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $62,700 (base LS $48,510)

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; and OnStar safety system

Standard Equipment (LS Trim): 18-inch wheels; a 6-speed automatic transmission; a 4.2-inch driver information center; 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; a tire pressure monitoring system; active gas saving aero shutters; assist side steps; a roof rack with luggage side rails; and a deep tinted glass window

Standard Equipment (LT Trim): Chevy’s MyLink system with 8-inch infotainment screen; Apple CarPlay/Android capability; side airbags; a 9-speaker Bose Audio system; a single slot MP3/CD player; front center console with storage and cup holders; a conversation  mirror (front seat); a forward collision alert sensor indicator; a lane keep assist system; leather seats;  memory controlled driver’s seat; power passenger seat; a rearview auto dimming mirror; power adjustable pedals/brakes; side air bags; a manually operated tilt and telescopic steering wheel; a safety alert driver’s seat; a heads up display system; heated adjustable power side mirrors; a low speed forward automatic braking system; automatic high beam headlights; and a power lift gate

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: a rear seat entertainment system (deletes single cd); Midnight edition package, which includes 20-inch aluminum wheels, all-season tires, front and rear black bowtie emblems, and black roof rack cross rails; a rear seat entertainment system with Blu-Ray/DVD; a power tilt-sliding sunroof; second row power fold down seats;  Luxury package includes power folding third-row seats, a passive entry system, a push button ignition starter system, heated second row seats, a wireless charging device system, a memory operated tilt/telescopic steering system, front and rear rear parking assist system, a rear cross traffic alert system, a side blind zone alert system, a heated steering wheel; Sun Entertainment and Destination Package includes a power sunroof, a rear seat DVD system and a navigation system; and all-weather floor mats

Other Trims:

LS
Premier (replaces LTZ trim)

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an AM/FM/HD/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: With the exception of offering such features as a low-speed forward collision braking system, 22-inch wheels, a standard teen monitoring driving system and a rear entertainment system suitable for the physically-challenged, the Tahoe is literally a carryover for the 2017 model year.

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.

In fact, we found that the Night Edition that we reviewed added a unique flair to the vehicle. It seemed as though our Tahoe was ready for night time combat. This trim package seems to be quite popular with a number of automakers this model year.

Lastly, Chevy’s full frame SUV 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. Lastly, with the third seat in use, the cargo room is virtually eliminated.

The Tahoe can be somewhat pricey these days, as buyers load the SUV with the latest high tech features. For the 2018 model year, Chevy is adding a new bare bone trim to aid price sensitive buyers.

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.

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