Test Drive: 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe

At first glance, the new Tahoe disappoints. Not that it doesn’t look good. I like it. A lot, actually. But I could barely tell the difference between it and the old one. Much like GM’s new trucks, the full-size SUVs are very evolutionary in their styling. But the longer I spent with it, the more I appreciated the subtle changes. The front end gets nifty swept-back HID headlight pods with a horizontal strip of LED driving lights and a slick grille. The fenders are squared, the glass has some new angles and looks as if it stretches further back, and the sides are gently sculpted. It’s classy and purposeful but not too fancy. The rear end is finished with a set of sweet-looking LED tail lights.

The whole package was finished off very nicely with a set of stunning 22-inch rims wearing a set of almost comically huge 285/45 tires. To say they’re dramatic is an understatement.

It’s quite a step up into the Tahoe’s cabin, but your efforts are rewarded when you sit on a set of exceptionally comfortable leather seats. There’s no shortage of ways to adjust the heated and cooled thrones. Materials are significantly upgraded over the last generation, and you’ll find soft-touch surfaces everywhere.

The LTZ trim loads things up so there are plenty of goodies like power-adjustable pedals, power-adjustable steering column, a heated steering wheel and a push-start ignition. The MyLink touchscreen system – for audio, phone, navigation, vehicle settings and OnStar – uses a straightforward, simple layout and has an easy to use interface. A cool detail – the screen is motorized and can slide up, revealing a sizable “vault” behind it where you can store your devices or small valuables. Speaking of devices and keeping them running, the Tahoe offers wireless charging capability. A tri-zone climate system makes things comfortable – thankfully the controls for the rear zone are segregated and easy to figure out.

This high-trim version bristles with driver assistance technology: forward collision alert, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, a back-up camera with front and rear parking sensors including audible and visual aids. And all the safety alerts that you’ll see visually and hear audibly are reinforced through vibrations in the driver’s seat. It’s very effective.

Of course a vehicle this big offers plenty of storage options around the cabin for your stuff, and in addition to the wireless charging pad you’ll also find a total of six USB plugs and a 12V plug – no more dead devices!

The Tahoe’s middle row has two heated bucket seats, which are also very comfortable and recline but do not slide fore or aft. I’m 5’10” and there was plenty of leg and foot room for me. I found the headroom to be decent, though less than I expected.

2015 Chevrolet Tahoe, dashboard, first and second row. Click image to enlarge

The back of the centre console houses a separate rear climate control panel, as well as a 12V and 120W regular household plug. Each of the second row seats has a set of LATCH anchors for child seats. Frankly the second row would be a lovely place to be for a road trip, regardless of your age or size. The seatbacks can be flipped down and the whole seat can be tumbled forward with the press of a button, allowing for relatively easy access to the third row, but small people can use the aisle between the second row seats too.