2013 Chevrolet Tahoe Vehicle Preview

Introduction

With the rise in demand for smaller cars, full-size SUVs are becoming a rare sight in showrooms. On top of rising costs at the pump, many car buyers are better served by more space- and fuel-efficient crossovers.

However, for those of you that need towing capabilities and a powerful off-roading vehicle, the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe makes perfect sense.

A smaller sibling to the massive Suburban, the Tahoe manages to combine power with comfort, making it perfect for those who take long road trips with their boat/trailer/etc in tow. However, even in every day use, the Tahoe offers a pleasant and comfortable ride, offering drivers a high seating position, excellent outward visibility and a quiet cabin. The 2013 Tahoe can seat up to nine passengers.

What's New for 2013

The Chevy monster SUV, The Chevrolet Tahoe, is back for 2013. Expect the Tahoe to remain mostly unchanged from the previous model year.

Under the Hood

All 2013 Chevrolet Tahoes come standard equipped with a 5.3-liter V8, capable of generating 320 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque, and that comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that transmits power through the rear wheels on 2WD models or all four wheels on 4WD models.

Those who opt to buy the 4WD Tahoe will be able to chose from either a traditional two-speed transfer case or a single-speed unit without low-range gearing (not available on LTZ).

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe is available in three trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ.

The standard seating configuration on the 2013 Tahoe seats 8 however there are two other available seating arrangements: a second-row captain's chairs drop the seating count to seven and an available 40/20/40 front bench seat increases it to nine.

The base Tahoe LS comes standard with tri-zone manual climate control, six-way power front seats with lumbar adjustment on the driver’s seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 60/40-split second-row seat and 50/50-split removable third-row seat. Other standard features include Bluetooth, OnStar, satellite radio,, a CD player with a six-speaker sound system with, rear audio controls, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio connectivity. The LS model also offers an optional Convenience package which adds on remote ignition, power-adjustable pedals, a rear view camera and rear parking assist.

Those who opt for the LT model will get  most of the above features as well as fog lamps, driver memory functions, tri-zone automatic climate control, a locking rear differential, leather upholstery and a nine-speaker Bose sound system. The LT trim also has a few available options such as a second-row captain's chairs and a Luxury package with heated front and second-row seats, power-folding mirrors and a power rear liftgate. If you want to take this bad boy to the extreme, the LT trim also offers an optional Z71 Off-Road package which adds unique front and rear fascias, specially tuned springs and shocks, skid plates and 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires.

For the 2013 model the LTZ Chevy Tahoe will include the LT Luxury package as standard equipment. Going even further the LTZ model will add an upgraded air suspension, 20-inch wheels, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated 12-way power front seats, power flip-and-fold second-row seats, a navigation system and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with digital music storage. The second-row split bench seat is still optional. LTZ options include power-retractable assist steps and a blind-spot warning system.