2017 CHEVROLET TAHOE
The 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe is the best incarnation of the full-size SUV yet. With so many brands switching over to the SUV auto market, their competition just got a lot tougher. Chevrolet Tahoe is the top of the line, seating up to nine passengers, besting any minivan out there when it comes to seating space. All of its features come down to a price you’d expect from a vehicle built so well.
PERFORMANCE
Engine
Available in rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, the features on the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe change a bit depending on which drivetrain chosen. Regardless of that though, one engine powers all three trims – a 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine. An EcoTec3 engine is specially designed to make use of three systems: Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), a Multi-Displacement system (MDS), and Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT).
GDI is a fuel injection system where the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber of each cylinder. MDS is designed to deactivate half of the cylinders on a V6 or V8 engine when maintaining a steady speed to conserve fuel. CVVT is a variable valve technology that has an infinite adjustment of valve timing to suit all speeds and conditions efficiently.
Driving and Handling
Also unaffected by drivetrain is the 6-speed automatic transmission standard on all trims. The real change has to do with an Autotrac 4WD active transfer case and an Autotrac 2-speed active transfer case. Each belongs to its respective drivetrain.
The Autotrac 4WD active transfer case allows drivers to chose two-wheel drive (2WD), automatic, or four-wheel drive (4WD). Different than a 4×4 system designed for off-roading, a 4WD system is designed to handle adverse road conditions. In automatic, this trac system will transfer torque to the front wheels if slippage is detected, and then return to 2WD once road conditions permit. Like 2WD, 4WD can be locked in if the driver desires. The Autotrac 2-speed active transfer case reacts the same way, but has a 4th mode, 4WD low, for flat-towing behind another vehicle.
STYLE
Exterior Features
Being the giant that it is, the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe comes standard with black assist steps to get in and out of the vehicle easily. On the Tahoe Premier, the option to have the assist steps retract when not-in use is available. All exterior mirrors are heated and power-adjustable; the Premier trim comes with integrated turn signal indicators, an option on the LT trim.
For some breathing room, the option to install a sunroof is on the Tahoe LT and Premier trims. To open up the cargo space, although already able to hold 94.7 cubic-feet of equipment, luggage-rack side rails come standard on all trims. A wide selection of wheels are available, varying from 18-inch aluminum to 22-inch 7-spoke silver. Add on some body paint, and make a statement with the Tahoe on sight.
Interior Features
As noted earlier, this beast can seat up to nine passengers. For convenience, automatic climate control is standard on all trims. Seating arrangements can be reconfigured to make room for cargo with 60/40 split-folding second-row benches in the Tahoe LS and LT trims. The Premier comes with a power release variation, and heated second row seats – both options on the LT. There is also a third-row 60/40 split-fold bench with the same configurations and options on the respective trims. Many more features such as a 4.2-inch driver information center and steering wheel mounted audio controls can be found on all trims.
TECHNOLOGY
Entertainment
To keep everyone entertained, there is a 6-speaker audio system, the option of a Bose 9-speaker system, or a Bose surround sound 10-speaker system. The Tahoe has Chevrolet MyLink integrated, an 8.0-inch color touch screen with Bluetooth voice command, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Tahoe Premier comes with navigation, and it is optional on the Tahoe LT. An option on the Tahoe LT and Premier trims is installation of rear seat Blu-Ray/DVD players to keep passengers occupied.
Safety and Warranty
When it comes to safety, all trims of the Tahoe get a good selection of features. They all have four-wheel anti-lock brakes, front and side-impact airbags for the driver and front passenger, side-curtain airbags for passengers in all the other rows, the LATCH child seat tethering system, a rear vision camera, stability and traction systems, an electrical theft-deterrent system, teen driver mode, Keyless entry, and many OnStar services. Some of the advanced safety features consist of front and/or rear park assist, rear cross traffic alert, side blind zone alert with lane change alert, forward collision alert, and low-speed forward automatic braking, all standard or optional on select trims.
All 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe trims are covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 3-year/36,000-mile corrosion warranty, a 6-year/100,000-mile rust-through warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 2-year scheduled maintenance plan, and roadside assistance with courtesy transportation for 5 years or 60,000 miles.