Lake Tahoe, CA -- As I hopped from the Tahoe/Suburban's upscale sibling, the 2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali, under the warm Californian sun I couldn't help but take a moment and pause to take in the absolute size of the vehicle I was about to pilot. These vehicles truly are massive, but I love them.
Why? Because they are proud to be so, and General Motors has built a history and longevity with their Tahoe and Suburban vehicles by being just that; big people carriers that offer comfortable, spacious capabilities on the road.
With a brand new look and a new EcoTec3 engine the bowtie twins are sure to impress those in the market for a large SUV.
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What is the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban?
Well, for starters, the Suburban is the longest-running nameplate in the industry. The first Suburban Carryall was introduced in 1935. Since then its evolved into the 12th generation version we see on the road today, however, it's always remained a larger-than-life vehicle, and has offered four-wheel drive since 1957.
With room for up to nine, the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban twins are popular with an affluent crowd who are well aware of their status and their needs, also 45% of Tahoe/Suburban drivers are female...
2015 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Price and Specs
With a wide range of models, as well as a few drivetrains and wheelbases to choose from, let's keep it simple and just focus on the top and bottom of each. In the 2015 Chevy Tahoe realm, pricing for the base 2WD model starts at $49,155; while the top-trim Tahoe 4WD LTZ sits at $67,795. The Tahoe is the shorter wheelbase of the twins, sitting just 20.4” shy of the Suburban's length.
The 2015 Chevrolet Suburban starts the pricing game at $52,145 for the 2WD version, and jumps to $70,785 for the 4WD LTZ model.
No matter which wheelbase or trim level you choose, you will have Chevy's new and improved 5.3L V8 engine good for 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel efficiency numbers range from the high 12L/100km range to 14L/100km (combined) across the board depending on whether or not you opt for a 2WD or 4WD configuration. Not too shabby for a vehicle that weighs nearly 6,000lbs (4WD Suburban with 20” wheels).
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Driving the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban
I started my drive day in the 2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali, and was expecting to feel like I'd taken a huge step down once I got behind the wheel of the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe, if only because the Denalis is so “luxurious.” However, such was not the case.
True, the Chevy Tahoe drives “smaller” than the Yukon, but then that's because it is. Also, the 5.3L V8 is a little less peppy than the Yukon's 6.2L. However, the big SUV isn't sluggish, nor is it slow. Both the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban feel weighty under throttle pressure, but in a good, solid SUV way.
I was also quite impressed with the turning radius on both models. And while the Magnetic Ride Control suspension of the Yukon Denali was missing (at least on the non-LTZ models), the ride is far from uncomfortable and actually very pleasant in both models.
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Inside and Out of the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban
Without the fancy curb appeal of the Yukon Denali, the Chevy twins still manage a robust, modern look that's sure to attract even the most discerning SUV buyer. With a new front fascia and an updated profile, regardless of its boxy silhouette, the Tahoe/Suburban still manages to look “sleek” somehow.
Inside, that utilitarian yet modern look continues with a set-up that's pretty much identical to the GMC Yukon, if but a bit less sophisticated. All means of high-tech gadgetry are found including an 8” colour touchscreen (on LT and LTZ models), as well as six USB ports and 12 charging locations.
If nothing else, your Chevy Tahoe/Suburban will become the next best thing to Starbucks for charging your iPhone and getting online, especially with Chevy's brand new OnStar 4G LTE Connectivity Wi-Fi hotspot also available.
Of course, space abounds in both with a max cargo space of 94.7 cu ft in the Tahoe, and 121.1 cu ft in the Suburban. You will be comfortable no matter where you sit, and yes, almost anything will fit in the trunk. I promise you that.
Comparing the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban
Just like the GMC Denali, the big Chevy behemoths compete with a number of other large SUVs. Ford offers up its revised Expedition while Chrysler doles out the Durango. The Japanese are not to be ignored with the Toyota Sequoia and the Nissan Armada. However, neither of the latter two can seriously tango with the Americans on this front or on the pickup front for that matter.
The GM trucks are seriously impressive for all the right and large reasons. Not having evaluated the new Expedition, I can't pass judgment on it although I can state that the Durango, with the V8, is a remarkable SUV.
