2015 Chevy Tahoe Concept

"Damn, it's huge!" were the words uttered by all who came into contact with my 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ tester. And only a few weeks ago, when I babysat a 2015 Suburban it generated the same kind of reaction.

Obviously, the Suburban is larger than the Tahoe, which is already quite statuesque. The fact that these two road hogs still roam our streets in 2014 is no small wonder. I mean, who the hell needs a vehicle this large given the vast inventory of three-rowed CUVs that can pull a relatively hefty load if needed?

The answer to the question is many people, in fact. The number of new 2015 GM full-size SUVs on the road surprises me every day. It's no runaway competitor to volume-selling CUVs like the CX-5, but given the price point and footprint of these trucks, they're quite popular. And I understand why.

What is a Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ?
It is the top dog in a dwindling full-size Sport Utility Vehicle segment. Its manliness and monstrous capabilities are what keep buyers walking into Chevy and GMC showrooms and leaving with one of the four big boys. Of those capabilities, we find seating for up to nine and a max towing capacity of 3,856kg or 8,500lbs.

The Tahoe is the "small" version of the Suburban, while the Yukon is dwarfed by its Yukon XL sibling.

2015 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ Price and Specs
The new 2015 Tahoe is lots of truck, so a base price of $49,565 should surprise no one. All Tahoes are powered by a 355-horsepower 5.3L V8 that also puts out 382 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission is a 6-speed automatic.

The entry level LS and LT are RWD, while all others are 4WD. My tested top-line LTZ tips the price scale at $67,795 and it only goes up from there. With options such as 22" wheels, sunroof, rear entertainment system, adaptive cruise control, and much more the grand total jumps to a whopping $78,575.

Driving the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ
I'd purposefully booked the Tahoe for my weeklong vacation in the country as I'd intended to carry four people and crap-load of gear. Said strategy went beautifully to plan, but I'd forgotten that the road leading to the cottage was tight, twisty and featured loads of delicious blind corners.

Being an Olympian-caliber trunk packer, I knew that our groceries, board games, and luggage were snuggly set up in the cavernous trunk so gear sliding about in the rear was not going to be an issue. With a brief warning, I instructed my passengers that the ride was about to get interesting and that all drinks were to be capped and eyes riveted to the road.

True story: My 2,515kg/5,545lbs 2015 Chevy Tahoe managed to carve a brilliant path along a road ideally suited for a Mazda MX-5 or Volkswagen GTI. The excellent driver behind the wheel (me) was thoroughly impressed with the chassis' ability to manage the truck's mass. The suspension would permissibly load up the massive 285-section 22" tires at the apex's approach without kicking back.

The 5.3L V8 is far less taxed in the Tahoe than it was in the briefly tested Suburban. It feels more at home dragging less real estate (far quicker even), however, the 6-speed autobox is often times reluctant to drop a gear for acceleration's sake. If more power in these vehicles is what you crave, your only option is a Yukon Denali with the 6.2L V8.

This all may sound extreme, and you would expect to read that the Tahoe is a smooth operating behemoth that is comfortable and poised; that the cabin is quiet and luxuriously isolated from exterior noise; and that road imperfections are soaked up with little effort. The new Chevrolet Tahoe is these things but now you know that some level of fun can be had…

I found steering to be surprisingly precise, backed with a well judged amount of assistance and the brakes never faltered despite more abuse than they should ever be put through.

Yes, you are reading a review on a Chevy Tahoe, the full-size SUV.

Inside and Out of the Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ
The complete exterior redesign for 2015 is a complete hit. If your old SUV wasn't manly enough, then you'll totally be pleased with the monster-truck-meets-the-Shredder front fascia. Squared off and blocky, it stands tall perched atop its giant wheels.

The Tahoe is the lesser of the GM full-size SUVs (Yukon and Escalade), but in my opinion (and in LTZ trim) is the most handsome. I'm also a huge fan of the power-retractable running boards, as long as they work…

The cabin is an equally huge hit. The third row is no more comfortable or accessible than it is in many large CUVs, and when up, creates a laughable amount of trunk space. When the third row is down, well, the Tahoe is all about room and comfort.

The 2nd row captain seats are almost as plush as the front perches thanks to being cooled, heated, and adjustable in a million ways. Leg, head, and shoulder room is more than adequate for an above-average size adult.

The dashboard looks powerful, and firmly seated at the helm of the truck's bridge. Fit and finish are proper and ergonomics are good.

Comparing the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ
There isn't much to compare the Tahoe to other than its Yukon sibling and the Ford Expedition. The Ford now sports an EcoBoost V6, which could impact fuel consumption that was decent at 13L/100km with the Tahoe.

The Dodge Durango is an interesting alternative, more so than the Toyota Sequoia or Nissan Armada.

I may prefer the Ford pickups, but at the moment I'd spring for the GM full-size SUV.