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Overall: The new Tahoe is vastly improved over its
predecessor, but still falls short in an important way and
isn't cheap.
Overall Rating: 6/10
Recommended: No
Except for the inevitable
price increase over the previous Tahoe (found in the elimination of
rebates, the new model's MSRP is actually lower than its predecessor's) the new-for-2007 redesign is an improvement in every way over the
2006. The seats now have shape and support, the dash is now constructed of
quality befitting the vehicle's price, and ride, handling, acceleration, and
refinement, while never shortcomings with the previous version, have all
improved.
But for all the Tahoe's improvements, it will
not be recommended here. One critical flaw with the previous version has
carried over, the low, cramped, and uncomfortable third row seat that is
eclipsed by every full-size competitor and many much smaller SUVs. Without a
roomy third row, the only draws that the Tahoe would have over either a
less-expensive mainstream-brand midsize SUV or a similarly-priced one from a
premium brand would be the towing capacity and the cargo space with the third
seat removed (there is virtually none behind it, and it doesn't fold away like
its competitors').
For this reason, the Tahoe's strengths compared
to other large SUVs are diminished in value, as the lack of a roomy third row
seat and cargo space behind it leave it with the benefits of an oversized
midsize SUV with additional towing and maximum cargo capacity. So while the
Tahoe handles well compared to jumbo-utes, it does not stand out against
smaller but equally roomy competitors. Same with fuel economy. Interior
quality is very good for a mainstream large SUV, but compared to a like-priced
entry-lux midsize, it is nothing special. And the Tahoe isn't inexpensive even
compared to large SUVs, much less to midsize ones.
In conclusion, unless you need a very high
towing capacity and don't need a third row seat, there is no reason to even
consider the Tahoe. If you don't need a roomy third row seat and high towing
capacity, buy a nimbler, more fuel-efficient, and less-expensive midsize SUV.
And if you do, buy a different large one. If you can part with
maneuverability, Chevrolet's own Suburban offers most of the Tahoe's many
other strengths along with a roomy and comfortable third row seat, and if not,
there are still other choices.
Over the next year, two formidable competitors
to the Tahoe will be redesigned, another introduced, and another updated. It
is likely that at least one can be able to match the latest Tahoe's strong
points without sacrificing what make a large SUV.
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