In terms of sales, the Tahoe/Yukon and its larger cousins are the beyond-dominant leaders in the full-size SUV category. Blame (or thank) a robust fleet program that places these brutes in the hands of most security forces across our nation. If you spy a black Tahoe or Suburban parked outside your home … well .. you’ve seen the movies.
This is, in this author’s opinion, part of the cosplay when private individuals buy them for schlepping their family back and forth to school or the soccer game. For the 2021 model year, GM imbued these machines with a dose of new style and more efficient packaging; for 2022, they’ve upped the availability of certain powertrain combinations. It’s the latter that has made Tahoe a great candidate for today’s post.
It’s no secret your author is a fan of the 6.2-liter V8 found in GM’s truck family. The engine has been around for years and, while others have since caught or surpassed it in terms of outright power numbers, the bellow of a NASCAR stocker never gets old. I understand and appreciate the existence of Ford’s PowerBoost hybrid mill – especially with the dandy 7.2kW generator – but an octet of angry cylinders is sound that cannot be replaced.
Fortunately, the crew at Chevy (and GMC) have seen fit to offer the 6.2-liter on a wider number of trims in its full-size SUV lineup. Whereas it was once only available in the bucks-deluxe High Country model, access has been extended to the less-expensive Premier, sporty RST, and – joy of joys – off-road-focused Z71. Similar changes have been made over on the GMC side of the showroom, should one prefer their styling choices.
Four-wheel drive Z71 and RST trims are roughly the same price, within a hair of each other in terms of MSRP at just over 60 large. I’ll choose the off-road variant every day of the week and twice on Sunday, but the color-keyed look of an RST does have appeal if you’re into that type of thing. Selecting the 6.2-liter V8 in either trim also brings Magnetic Ride Control which seeks to smooth out the tarmac and react a bit more appropriately to infernal potholes. In a +1 for the off-roader, Z71 models also get an air suspension and electronic limited-slip diff when the big V8 is installed between the front fenders.
Equipping one’s Tahoe with the $465 Max Trailering Package is one of the easiest decisions you’ll ever make save for choosing to have a second helping of Sunday dinner. It includes an integrated trailer brake controller, better engine cooling, and banzai camera views. Even if you only plan to haul the scattered item, it’s worth the case. I’ve selected the Greywood Metallic which has a slightly greenish tint since you guys are weird and I figured you’d like it.
Expanding the availability of the 6.2-liter to more trims is a smart move by Chevy and yet another vote for not buying a redesigned rig the first year out of its gate. When the world’s supply chain begins to sort itself out and the possibility again exists to order a Tahoe as described above, every security company in the country – plus a few private buyers – should do exactly that.
Please note the prices listed here are in American shekels and currently accurate for base prices exclusive of any fees, taxes, or rebates. Your dealer may (and should) sell for less, obscene market conditions notwithstanding. Keep your foot down, bone up on available rebates, and bargain hard.
[Images: Chevrolet]
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