2014 CHEVROLET TAHOE ADDS MORE STANDARD FEATURES

07/16/2013

Chevrolet

The Chevrolet Tahoe is the best-selling full-size SUV in America, with about 28 percent of the segment - and contributes to a nearly 50-percent market share with the Chevrolet Suburban. It returns for 2014 with the spacious interior, powerful engines and modern technology that has kept it at the industry forefront, while also bringing several new standard features on some models.

With impressive cargo space of up to 108.9 cubic feet (3,084 liters) and a towing capability of up to 8,500 pounds, the Tahoe is the perfect SUV for carrying passengers and belongings.

Tahoe is available in LS, LT and LTZ models, all offered in 2WD or 4WD. Each is built on GM's full-size SUV platform featuring a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. Wide front and rear tracks enhance handling and lower the center of gravity for a more confident road feel.

All models are powered by a 5.3L V-8 that uses variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management to optimize performance and fuel efficiency. Additionally, the fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed transmission is standard on all models and contributes to a 21-mpg EPA highway fuel economy rating, because of the reduced engine speed. That lower engine speed also keeps the interior quieter.

Newly standard features on LS and LT models are included for the 2014 model year through the Convenience Package. It features power adjustable pedals, remote vehicle starter system and rear parking assist. A rearview camera system and a rearview mirror with display are standard on both the LS and the LT.

Tahoe exterior features

Tahoe's exterior design is pure Chevrolet, with a large gold bowtie centered on a twin-port horizontal grille. A streamlined finish includes a grille surround complete with an argent texture or available chrome finish. Aggressively styled fog lamps and headlamps oversee the rugged appearance of the Tahoe's lower fascia, with the front license plate holder, integrated recovery hooks and skid plate.

Other exterior features include:

Power-retractable assist steps are available on LTZ

Heated power-operated outside mirrors are standard on LTZ and available on LT. Mirror features include auto-dimming, integrated signal indicators, ground lights and a curb-tilt feature

A power-operated liftgate is available on LT and standard on LTZ

A range of 17-inch and 20-inch wheels is offered. Seventeen-inch wheels and tires are standard on LS and LT, with 20-inch wheels standard on LTZ

Dealer-installed accessory wheels include 20- and 22-inch designs

Exterior colors: Crystal Red Tintcoat, White Diamond Tricoat, Black, Silver Ice Metallic, Olympic White, Black Granite Metallic, Mocha Steel Metallic, Champagne Silver Metallic and Concord Metallic (late availability).

The Z71 Off Road appearance package is available on LT models and includes high-pressure, gas-charged monotube shocks, 18-inch aluminum wheels and all-terrain tires, automatic-locking differential, front recovery hooks, a durable skid plate and high-capacity air cleaner. Large, color-keyed wheel flares, an aggressive front fascia and satin chrome tubular assist steps, and bright chrome front grille insert provide the finishing touches to an overall rugged look.

Tahoe interior features

Inside the 2014 Tahoe, the features have been integrated into the cabin with a great attention to detail. There is almost no exposed metal hardware or latches, with all models featuring "close-outs" around the seat bottoms and door sill trim plates. Tahoe also has the segment's largest center console storage bin, a large glove box and numerous cup holders and storage compartments.

The Tahoe offers three rows of seating, standardon all models. The second row is available as a three-passenger bench with a 60/40 split or two bucket seats. The third row features a 50/50-split design and is removable. A power-assisted second-row seat release feature is available on LT and standard on LTZ. Additional interior features include:

Leather-appointed seating is standard on LT and LTZ

Heated and cooled front seats and heated second-row seats are standard on LTZ

A heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard on LTZ

Dual-zone automatic climate control on LT and LTZ; dual-zone manual-control air conditioning on LS

A rear-seat entertainment system is available on LT and LTZ, including DVD player with remote control, overhead display, two sets of wireless infrared headphones, auxiliary audio/video jacks, remote game plug-in and a mute button in overhead console

SiriusXM Satellite Radio is standard on all models

Audio system with AM/FM/CD and USB port is standard on LS and LT

Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound system is standard on LTZ and a Bose nine-speaker sound system is standard on LT. A six-speaker sound system is standard on LS

Navigation radio with touch-screen operation is standard on LTZ and available on LT

Bluetooth phone connectivity is standard on all models

Power-adjustable pedals are standard on all models

Remote vehicle starter system is standard on all models

The Convenience Package is standard on LS and LT and includes power-adjustable pedals, remote vehicle starter system, rear park assist, rear vision camera and inside mirror with camera display

The Luxury Package is available on LT and includes heated second-row seats, power-release second-row seats, power liftgate, universal home remote and outside heated power-adjustable/folding mirrors

The Sun, Entertainment and Destinations Package is available on LT and LTZ and includes an additional nine months of SiriusXM radio and XM NavTraffic service, power sunroof and rear-seat DVD entertainment system. LT also includes audio system with navigation, AM/FM/SiriusXM radio with CD, and rear vision camera.

A balanced powertrain

All Tahoe models are powered by a 5.3L V-8 that effecitively balances power and efficiency. Variable valve timing helps the 5.3L optimize performance, efficiency and emissions, while GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivating technology helps improve fuel economy in certain light-load driving conditions. It is also E85-capable.

The variable valve timing system allows linear delivery of torque, with near-peak levels over a broad rpm range, and high specific output (horsepower per liter of displacement). It also helps reduce exhaust emissions. It manages valve overlap at optimum levels, eliminating the need for an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system.

Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology increases fuel economy approximately 6 percent under the federal government's required testing procedure, and potentially more in certain real-world driving conditions. AFM temporarily deactivates four of the engine's cylinders under light load conditions and seamlessly reactivates them when full power is required. The transition takes less than 20 milliseconds and is virtually indiscernible.

The 5.3L engine is backed by GM's Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission.

Chassis and suspension

Built on GM's full-size SUV platform, the Tahoe incorporates a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension, multilink rear suspension with coil springs and rack-and-pinion steering. Its stiff frame design reduces vibrations transmitted to the passenger cabin, while the strength and accuracy of the fully boxed frame enables precise mounting and tuning of chassis and suspension components.

Other features include:

Wide front and rear tracks - 68.2 inches front/67 inches rear - enhance handling and vehicle stability for a more confident road feel

The Autoride suspension system is standard on LTZ and features a segment-exclusive bi-state, real-time damping system that provides a refined ride with greatly reduced body motion. The system consists of a semi-active, two-position damping control system that responds in real time to road and driving conditions, based on body and wheel motion sensors

Standard four-wheel-disc brake system with ABS featuring smooth, quiet operation, longer pad life and more resistance to brake pulsation

A single-speed transfer case is standard on LS and LT 4WD models.A two-speed transfer case is standard on LTZ 4WD and available on LS and LT 4WD models

A trailering package with a 3.42 axle ratio, external transmission cooler and engine oil cooler is available on LS, LT and LTZ models; and a two-speed transfer case on 4WD models

The standard axle ratio on all models is 3.08

A locking rear differential is standard on LT and LTZ models and available on LS.

Tahoe safety and crash-avoidance features

Safety is a top priority in the design of the Chevrolet Tahoe. Engineered with a strong body structure, the vehicle absorbs crash energy and provides a protective "safety cage" around occupants. Standard head curtain side air bags provide rollover protection for both seating rows, while seat-mounted side-impact air bags for the driver and right-front passenger, also standard, provide thorax and pelvic protection. The roof-mounted head curtain air bags provide increased rollover protection and occupant containment.

Additional safety features include:

StabiliTrak electronic stability control system helps reduce the risk of rollover crashes by keeping the vehicle in the driver's intended path by applying throttle, braking or a combination of both

Standard Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist that can detect certain stationary objects in the rearward path of the vehicle and send an audible warning sound

Standard rear view camera system designed to provide the driver with

a view of people or objects in the rearward path of the vehicle

Side Blind Zone Alert is standard on LTZ

Pretensioners minimize forward movement during a collision, and are standard on the front safety belts. Load-limiting retractors cinch the belt more tightly

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat attachment system is included in two of the second-row seating positions

Tire pressure monitoring system is standard on all models

Standard remote keyless entry system provides a second function for the red panic button; drivers can use it to locate their cars without sounding the panic alarm.

OnStar benefits

Six months of OnStar Directions and Connections service comes standard on Tahoe. OnStar is the global leading provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology.

OnStar's RemoteLink Mobile App allows smartphone users to control vehicle functions, access vehicle information and send directions directly to the vehicle. An opt-in service called FamilyLink allows subscribers to stay connected to loved ones by checking the location of their vehicle online or by signing up for vehicle location alerts.

More information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.