Introduction
The 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe is completely redesigned, able to hold up to 9 passengers in 3 rows of seats.
Chevy's full-size SUV competes directly against the Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada, and Toyota Sequoia, but reductions in the Tahoe's cargo volume for 2015 also puts models such as the Dodge Durango and Honda Pilot on that list, as well as the automaker's own Chevrolet Traverse.
Exterior Features
The redesigned 2015 Tahoe shares no exterior parts with the new 2014 Chevy Silverado full-size truck, but it does feature a similar inlaid door design that improves aerodynamics and helps reduce wind noise inside the cabin, Chevy says. The new Tahoe is equipped with an aluminum hood and rear liftgate, which helps reduce curb weight, and comes standard with 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Tahoe LTZ has larger wheels as well as HID headlights and LED running lights.
Interior Features
Chevrolet says the new 2015 Tahoe's cabin is constructed of "premium materials" and is designed with "enhanced ergonomics." A front bench seat is standard, giving the Tahoe 9-passenger seating capacity, and a conversation mirror is included to give the driver a view of every member of the crew.
Choose a Tahoe with front bucket seats, and the SUV is equipped with a new front-center air bag in addition to a center console designed to hold a laptop or tablet computer. The second-row seat offers greater leg ro
om and easier entry and exit than before. The third-row seat folds flat to expand cargo capacity, which means it no longer requires removal to create a flat load floor. A covered storage well is available behind the third-row seat.
Cargo volume shrinks compared to the previous-generation Tahoe. Space behind the third-row seat measures 15.3 cu. ft., and with the third-row seat folded down the Tahoe holds 60.3 cu. ft. of cargo. Fold both the second- and third-row seats, and the Tahoe swallows a maximum of 94.7 cu. ft. of cargo. The previous Tahoe could haul as much as 108.9 cu. ft. of cargo.
Optional Features
Depending on the trim level selected, the new 2015 Tahoe offers numerous upgrades including leather seats, a premium audio system, navigation system, rear-seat entertainment system, power sunroof, power-folding third-row seat, individual second-row bucket seats, and more. Larger 20- and 22-inch aluminum wheels are also available, as well as new theft-prevention and safety systems. A Magnetic Ride Control suspension is available only on the Tahoe LTZ.
Under the Hood
The new 2015 Tahoe is equipped with a 5.3-liter V-8 engine featuring variable valve timing, direct fuel injection, and Active Fuel Management techn
ology. It generates an estimated 355 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 383 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,100 rpm, and is rated to tow up to 8,500 pounds.
The Tahoe's Active Fuel Management system shuts off half of the engine's cylinders under certain low-load driving conditions in order to conserve fuel. Gas mileage estimates are not available as this article is written.
A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard on the new Tahoe, driving the SUV's rear wheels. A 4-wheel-drive system is optional. The automatic transmission includes TapShift manual gear selection, powertrain grade braking, and a tow/haul driving mode.
Safety
A free 6-month subscription to OnStar telematics service is included with the purchase of a 2015 Tahoe, and among the numerous features are Automatic Crash Response, Crisis Assist, and Emergency Services programs. Each is designed to help the Tahoe's driver and/or occupants in an emergency. Every new 2015 Tahoe that has front bucket seats also gets a new front-center air bag that is designed to protect the driver and/or front passenger from injury due to a collision occurring on the opposite side of the vehicle from where they are sitting.
Additionally, the Tahoe is offered with a reversing camera, front and rear park-assist sensors, and new sensors designed to detect, deter, and prevent potential thefts and threats. An adaptive cruise control system with forward-collision alert is new, as are lane-departure warning, Lane Change Assist, rear cross-traffic alert,
and Safety Alert Seat technologies.
Technology
In addition to these safety-related features, the new Tahoe offers Keyless Access passive entry with push-button starting, and a next-generation Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with an 8-inch color touch screen. A hidden, locking storage compartment is located behind the screen. Up to 6 USB ports and 6 power outlets are offered throughout the interior, including a 110-volt 3-prong outlet. Buyers can also upgrade the Tahoe with a rear-seat entertainment system including a Blu-Ray DVD player.
