2007 Chevrolet Tahoe Preview

Soccer moms and boat-hauling dads everywhere rejoice – the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe offers a sportier look, more power, and a promise of increased efficiency. Let’s face it - just because gas prices are higher, that doesn’t mean that a Toyota Prius will carry a bunch of kids and their gear to practice, or that a Ford Escape Hybrid will haul your 7,000-lb. Sea Ray to the local launch. People still need room, both the passenger and cargo kind, and brute power. And should Chevy’s promise of a combined fuel rating of 20.5 mpg in two-wheel-drive trim and 20.1 mpg in four-wheel-drive guise prove true, well, all the better. Be cautious about those numbers, though, as they’re of the EPA variety, meaning that they’re likely grossly optimistic. Rather, consider the redesigned 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe for its refreshingly precise appearance, supposed improved build and materials quality, improved ride thanks to a stiffer frame, new coil-over-shock suspension, and added engine power. Plus, Chevy promises to offer it all at a very competitive price.

What it is

As the sister vehicle to the more expensive GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade models, the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe exists as the large GM SUV for budget-conscious shoppers. But under the skin and behind the leather upholstery there’s the same two- or four-wheel-drive capability and up to nine-passenger seating. A stretched version of the Tahoe is sold as the Chevrolet Suburban.

Why it matters

GM executives are quick to point out that their large suvs, including the Chevrolet Tahoe, have ranked number one in initial quality tests over the past several years, which coincides with the manufacturer’s dominant 62-percent share of this market. Large SUV sales once amounted to one million units, but rising gas prices are expected to push that number down to 700-800,000 trucks annually. Despite this downsizing, GM is intent on using its redesigned SUVs, including the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe, to maintain its current number of sales by capturing more of the large SUV market.

When you can buy it

Shoppers anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe will get their fix in the early months of 2006, as the Chevy – and its GMC and Cadillac counterparts – start to show up on local dealers’ lots. Following in the second quarter of 2006 will be the Chevy Suburban and Avalanche, Cadillac Escalade ESV and EXT models, and the GMC Yukon XL.

How much it costs

GM suggests that prices for its 2007 full-size SUVs will be similar to those of 2006 models. That equates to a starting price of about $34,000 for a base two-wheel-drive Chevy Tahoe and about $40,000 for a four-wheel-drive LT model. The company’s new value pricing program, which promises to set sticker prices closer to actual transaction prices, should also prevent any dramatic increases to the bottom line.

How quick it is

Power for the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe comes from one of two more powerful engines. The smaller of the two is a 4.8-liter V8 with 290 horsepower, representing a five horsepower gain over the 2006 model. For more power, buyers will want to opt for the 5.3-liter V8 with 320 horsepower, which amounts to 25 ponies more than last year. That small-block V8 continues to feature GM’s Displacement-on-Demand cylinder deactivation system, and with the redesigned Tahoe’s improved drag coefficient, EPA combined fuel economy is expected to rate 20.5 mpg on two-wheel-drive trucks and 20.1 mpg on four-wheel-drive units. That’s up from combined ratings of 16-17 mpg for 2006 models.

What it looks like

From a distance, the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe looks largely unchanged, but the wheel track has been widened (three inches in front, one inch in the rear) for a more aggressive stance and better stability. The new Tahoe’s front end features a bold new fascia that demonstrates the designers’ attempt at cleaner lines and smaller gap tolerances, body sides free of cladding, lower door sills that now overlay the rocker panels for a cleaner profile, and tailgate handles that have been replaced with hidden release buttons. Standard wheel sizes have increased to 17 inches with optional rims as large as 20 inches, and smoked, horizontally-stacked headlights add a sporty appearance. Inside is a completely redesigned dash, now featuring smoother shapes, tighter gap tolerances, and none of the 1980’s-era radio and climate controls that have historically plagued GM interiors.

What it does best

With a 62-percent share of the market in its back pocket, GM obviously knows how to build and sell large SUVs. It may be true that gas prices are rising and plenty of people are at least considering smaller cars. But the fact remains that neither Americans nor their families are getting any smaller, which will continue to fuel the demand for spacious, powerful suvs, at least to some degree. For those folks, or anyone who requires an impressive towing capacity or commanding view of the road, the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe fits the bill perfectly. Plus, Chevy has added features like a power tumble-and-fold second-row seat for easier third-row access and a power liftgate with controls on the door, the overhead console, and the key fob.

What we think

It seems ironic that just as the light appears to be dimming on the large SUV segment, GM unveils its best looking lineup to date. The lines of the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe are much crisper, and the promise of tighter gap tolerances and a stronger focus on build quality address two of the main complaints with the existing vehicle. Add in the extra power and improved efficiency, and Chevy makes a good case for why you should buy its Tahoe, should you be in the market for such a ride.

Photos courtesy of General Motors