​​The Car Connection Finds the Tahoe a Refined and Capable Family Ride​

For some active families, the bottom line in an SUV is space and capability. They want the ability to carry full-size people in all three rows and enough cargo space for their things. They want to take their big toys, like a boat, dirt bikes, jet skis, or even horses, with them. And they would like it to be reasonably comfortable. They want, in a word, a Tahoe. Twin Falls Chevrolet knows that because we sell them regularly. The Car Connection knows that because they just tested one. 

The Car Connection describes the Tahoe’s core strengths as “space, refinement, and towing muscle.” Given its size, space, and muscle, it may be considered a given, but its refinement should not be overlooked. For The Car Connection, that starts with the Tahoe’s independent rear suspension. It is the primary mechanical distinction between its chassis and that of the Silverado, with which it shares. “Ride comfort stands out in everyday driving. The Tahoe soaks up broken pavement and expansion joints with a relaxed, almost plush character that suits its full-size proportions.” 

They have even more praise for the Magnetic Ride Control, which is standard on Premier and High Country trims and optional on the RST and Z71. Magnetic Ride Control uses dampers filled with magnetorheological fluid (containing iron particles) that thickens when exposed to a magnetic field. The change is variable with the strength of the field and almost instantaneous, enabling the damping rates to adjust every millisecond. Thus, it adapts instantly to road conditions, providing high-performance stability when needed, yet defaulting to an exceptionally smooth ride with reduced body roll. “For long hauls with kids and cargo, that added composure is worth seeking out,” they add. 

The Car Connection also found that quiet operation is another aspect of the Tahoe’s refinement. “Cabin quietness approaches luxury levels. Road and wind noise are well hushed, and the V-8 settles into a muted thrum at a cruise, only raising its voice with a satisfying growl when pushed.” 

The Tahoe is available in six trim levels, with prices ranging from a starting MSRP of $60,700 for the LS to $80,700 for the range-topping High Country. That $20K range brings a variety of interior materials and features. All models feature a handsome dashboard with a 17.7-inch touchscreen and a configurable 11-inch driver information display, backed by the Google Built-In operating system, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, standard Google Maps navigation, the easy-to-use Google Assistant voice command system, and 5G Wi-Fi connectivity. Adaptive Cruise Control and HD Surround Vision are also standard across the model line. 

The Tahoe they tested had the standard 5.3-liter V8 connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission. “Acceleration is confident, with enough reserve thrust for merging with traffic while pulling a trailer or climbing a long grade.” Size and V8 power can come at a cost to fuel efficiency, but the transmission helps keep things in check, with an EPA city/highway/combined estimate of 15/20/17 with RWD. Curiously, the 6.2-liter V8 with RWD gets the same numbers. For the 5.3-liter engine, AWD only drops the highway by a single MPG. The numbers improve noticeably with the 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel I-6, with 22/26/24 with RWD. 

In their summary, The Car Connection finds the Tahoe well-suited for family duty: “It provides genuine three-row adult space, a quiet and relaxed ride, and meaningful towing strength that crossovers simply cannot match.” And if you plan on some very long drives, they recommend the Duramax and/or Magnetic Ride Control.  

We invite you to visit Twin Falls Chevrolet to test-drive the Tahoes in our inventory and find which of its many trim levels and drivetrains is right for you.