General Motors had a bit of a dilemma at the end of the 2010s. Their patented badge engineering, which was used to create some of the most memorable American cars in history was starting to massively backfire. The biggest indicator of this was the steady decline in quality out of their most popular SUV, the Chevy Tahoe. over the last ten years
The latest fifth-generation Tahoe which launched this year sought to change perceptions by introducing the latest and best technology GM had to offer. It was a profound change from previous Tahoes.
Where older Tahoes felt cheap, plasticky, and not well put together, this new one was lean, well equipped, and well built. We expect Chevrolet to come into 2022 with a full head of steam for their flagship full-size SUV. Let's take a look at what we know so far.
The latest Chevy Tahoe is the new king of the full-sized family SUV. GM plans to bring their A-game to the all-important second model year to make sure it stays that way.
Improving The Little Details On The Inside
Being one year removed from such a dramatic and profound redesign means subsequent model years must strive to improve on the few minor imperfections present on the 2020 launch model. The 2020 Tahoe's interior was a stunning turnaround from the drab and poorly put together interior we've come to expect from Chevy trucks.
The ability to carry up to nine people as opposed to the standard seven opens up possibilities for even the largest American families. The new Tahoe can carry these people around with features like wireless charging, powerful climate control, and enough USB ports for the entire family.
Some areas are in need of more improvement than others of course. But one area GM knocked it out of the park was with the new Tahoes 12.6-inch multitouch infotainment and navigation screen.
The Android Auto and Apple Car Play that comes integrated with the system is known to be buggy on occasion. Expect the latest and greatest firmware from either choice to be present not just on the 2022 Tahoe but updated for all fifth-generation Tahoes.
Not Messing Up The Outside
Chevrolet had been known in the past to take a perfectly fine-looking production car and needlessly facelifting it to to the point it looks even worse than it did to begin with. (we're looking at you, 2020 Camaro). If the new Tahoe is to succeed, Chevy needs to not tamper with its handsome, good looks it derives mostly from the new Silverado.
Chevrolet really knocked it out of the park with the styling of their latest generation full-sized SUVs and trucks. The only thing that can stop that would be Chevrolet themselves. Hopefully, GM doesn't shoot themselves in the foot by trying to fix something that isn't broken.
A Hybrid And A Diesel Perhaps, Not Likely Though
In a perfect world, we'd be able to have whatever engine we wanted in any car we desired. But in the real world, that's generally up to the manufacturer's discretion. That said, there are rumors swirling currently about a gas-electric hybrid coming to compliment the recently announced diesel option borrowed from the latest Cadillac Escalade.
The three-liter six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine will likely perform extremely well in the comparatively lighter Tahoe. A combined fuel economy rating of 27 miles per gallon in the Escalade suggests the figure could be even better on the Tahoe.
If fuel economy is first and foremost in your mind, a hybrid option would probably do much to entice you over to Chevrolet. It wouldn't be the first time Chevrolet's offered the Tahoe in a hybrid model. They paired a 6.2 liter V8 with two electric motors back In 2007 with the third-generation Tahoe.
With battery technology advancing so much in the last 15 years, the benefits the Tahoe could reap from a potential hybrid setup could make it the absolute perfect family grocery getter. Expect the standard 3.6 liter V6, and pair of 5.3 and 6.2 liter V8s to be back and present as well for the 2022 model year
A Firm But Fair Price
With all this significant improvement over the previous generation Tahoe, it makes sense that there would be a substantial price increase to compensate for all that tireless R&D work. That may be sad if you remember a time when the Tahoe cost 30 grand brand new, but those trucks were spartan and boring compared to this new one.
Expect to pay at least fifty thousand dollars for a nicely optioned V6 Tahoe. Adding extras like a powerful V8 engine could easilly send that figure up into the high sixties and perhaps even the low seventies when all said and done.
It's a brave new world for the Chevy Tahoe, GM is holding it to a new standard of quality we're not used to seeing from the brand. Therefore, we'll hold it to a very similar high standard. Time will tell if it lives up to it or not.
Sources: Chevrolet, GM Authority
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