Teresa’s View

Sat., March 25, 2006

Teresa Mccallion Marketing Department Correspondent

When buying a house, the conventional wisdom is “Location. Location. Location.” When buying an SUV, the new mantra is, “Fuel economy. Fuel economy. Fuel economy.”

So, when Chevy set about updating the Tahoe, they worked hard to give their best-selling sport-ute every gas-saving advantage.

First, they made the Tahoe’s stocky exterior more aerodynamic. Then, gave the 320-horsepower 5.3-liter V-8 engine a fuel-saving Active Fuel Management displacement system that provides improved fuel economy by automatically switching off unneeded cylinders when coasting at highway speeds. Fuel economy is improved without reducing the brute sport-ute capability owners have come to know and love. The new Tahoe can still tow a boat without batting a headlamp – up to 7,700-pounds in the four-wheel drive version. With the system, two-wheel drive models are EPA-rated at 16 mpg city and 22 highway.

The updated sport-ute is built on General Motor’s new full-size SUV platform, which features technological advancements that improve the vehicle’s comfort, quality and capability. On the road, the Tahoe feels solid and well planted.

Although it’s hard to tell by looking at it, the Tahoe is nearly 300 pounds heavier than last year’s model and approximately three inches longer and two inches taller. Nearly all of that height is reflected in the ground clearance needed for the larger standard tires, so practice that sport-ute hop up and into the seats.

The biggest difference I noticed in the redesign was how blissfully quiet the new Tahoe is – until you add the kids. But once you’ve dropped them off at the soccer field, the interior is a little slice of heaven.

Some automotive journalists have complained of excessive tire squeal during aggressive driving, but unless you are planning to taunt the police, I wouldn’t worry about it.

What Is It?: The Tahoe has been the best-selling full-size SUV since 2001. With optional seating for up to nine, the Tahoe is a big hit with moms and dads who have scads of kids to squire. It’s available in three trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ – each in either two- or four-wheel drive. Prices start at $30K.

Gadget Rating: 8.4 out of 10 Chevy offers loads of fancy optional features including a remote vehicle starting system, first- and second-row heated seats, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, power-release fold-and-tumble second-row seat, a rearview camera system, XM satellite radio, touch-screen navigation system and my nephew’s favorite – a DVD rear-seat entertainment system with an eight-inch screen.

Safety: A flurry of airbags, including front and side sets for the driver and front-seat passenger, are standard fare on the Tahoe, as are anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability and traction control.

The Cheat Sheet: Chevy is a longtime member of the GM family.

Wait For It: A smaller 4.8-liter V-8 is coming for two-wheel drive models.

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