for those that need the towing power of a full-sized sport utility vehicle, the Chevrolet Tahoe SUV makes an excellent choice. It is just as ideal for a family as it is for a single person or to use a work vehicle. With standard equipment, the Tahoe can haul loads of up to 8,500 pounds with ease. Nine passengers fit comfortably, with adults in the first two rows, which is a primary selling point over the competition. At a full 6.5 feet wide, there is more space for broad shoulders than in the average family sedan. If the third row of seats is removed and the second row is folded down, two passengers can sit up front, leaving a remarkable 108.9 cubic feet of cargo area.
The 5.3-liter V-8 engine is E85 FlexFuel ready, providing 320 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque. This is paired up with a six-speed automatic transmission on all trims. Because of the active fuel management system, there is some fuel economy to be appreciated, as the engine transitions back and forth from four to eight cylinders whenever possible. Of course, this is done with no noticeable impact to the vehicle's operation. Despite the power and impressive towing capacity, the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV manages to return 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway, which is far better than what most would expect from a vehicle in this class.
Unlike the competition, the Chevrolet Tahoe SUV offers responsive steer, making it easy to control. Twenty-inch wheels absorb significant bumps, to provide a comfortable ride for all passengers, regardless of which row they are in. Brakes are effective and offer a gentle stop, with quick reaction to emergency conditions. In fact, when tested, the Tahoe came to a complete stop from 60 mph in 134 feet. For those that need the extra hold in unfavorable weather conditions or all-terrain activities, a four-wheel drive is available.
The Chevrolet Tahoe SUV has the best in safety features in its segment and the standard ones include side curtain airbags, dual-stage front airbags, and seat-mounted side airbags. In addition, anti-lock brakes, child seat anchors, daytime running lights, dusk sensing headlamps, electronic brakeforce distribution post-collision safety system and the tire pressure monitoring system add extra security, along with the Stabilitrak stability control system with rollover mitigation and OnStar monitoring. When tested, Tahoe scored four out of five starts on frontal-offset, but received a perfect score on side-impact.