Taking a spin in Chevrolet's all-new 2007 Tahoe *Now With Video*
My first thought when I got behind the wheel of the new 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe was “Does anyone even remember the Blazer?” because after taking one look at the latest Tahoe, I couldn’t. The reason that I even thought about the Blazer is the fact that the Tahoe is a direct descendant of Chevrolet’s first short wheelbase SUV known as the Blazer. For those of you who don’t remember the first generation Blazer, most people saw it one of two ways. They either looked at it like a uni-body version of a pickup truck with a back seat, a camper shell and a removable top, or a short wheelbase version of a Suburban with a removable top. Both descriptions are accurate and this size SUV proved to be very popular and the first generation Blazer actually pre-date the term Sport Utility Vehicle by more than two decades.
The new Tahoe isn’t as closely related to its half-ton pickup cousin as it used to be. In fact the suspension on the Tahoe has been a carbon copy of the components found on the Suburban up until 2007. Now, the Tahoe’s chassis and suspension systems have been redesigned for improved ride, handling and quietness over previous models. The vehicle rides on a 116-inch wheelbase and features a fully boxed perimeter-type frame, which provides an extremely solid foundation. The 2007 Tahoe has wider front and rear tracks with a front track of 68.2 inches vs. 65 inches previously. The rear track is 67 inches vs. 65.98 inches of the previous model. A wider track enhances smoothness and promotes overall vehicle stability, which can be felt through Tahoe’s secure ride and handling, as well as flatter, more controlled cornering.
Another factor that contributes to the improved ride and handling of the new Tahoe is the redesigned coil-over front suspension on both the 2WD and 4WD models. The coil-over configuration offers smoother ride and precise handling, especially with larger wheel-and-tire combinations. Vibration and harshness is greatly reduced compared to the previous-generation torsion bar front suspension. The new suspension system uses specially Tuned coil springs and 46-mm mono-tube shock absorbers, along with steel Upper Control Arms and forged aluminum lower control arms. The aluminum lower arms reduce un-sprung mass by approximately 20 pounds.
Out back, a five-link rear suspension is used for all Tahoe models. Although similar in design to previous models, the 2007 Tahoe rear suspension features a heavier rear axle design that offers increased payload capacity. Like the front suspension, the rear suspension uses new, stiffer frame mounts for suspension component attachment, along with variable-rate springs and mono-tube shock absorbers.
The 2007 Tahoe features larger, four-wheel disc brakes and an all-new ABS system from Bosch to help Tahoe deliver improved braking performance over previous models. Larger, vented rotors (13 inches front/13.5 inches rear), 50-percent stiffer dual-piston calipers, longer-life brake pads and a new apply system design result in enhanced pedal feel, reduced brake noise, predictable, linear brake response and shorter braking distances.
The new Tahoe is also fit with GM’s sophisticated StabiliTrak electronic stability control system as standard equipment. Partnered with the new brake system and four-channel, four-sensor electronic brake controls, the system provides more precise, controlled ABS stops, as well as enhanced traction/yaw stability. StabiliTrak uses brake control on 4WD models to precisely control the speed of each wheel and manage torque across front and rear axles. On 2WD models, the system precisely controls the speed at each wheel and manages rear differential side-to-side torque. StabiliTrak is always on for optimal control.
In an attempt to make the 2007 Tahoe safer, they have added rollover mitigation software to the sophisticated Stabilitrak system. This technology adds software algorithms that use Stabilitrak sensors to proactively predict vehicle “tip up” on a flat road surface, and applies brake force to the outside front and rear Wheels in order to reduce lateral force in the vehicle. This brake force intervention can help reduce the likelihood of a rollover in certain circumstances.
The new generation Tahoe LS and LT models offer standard 17-inch aluminum Wheels with a bright finish, with different styling for the LS and LT wheels. Standard on LTZ and available on LT models are 20-inch polished aluminum Wheels and touring tires. The Tires for the new Tahoe’s large Wheels provide excellent comfort and were developed to produce low road noise. The Z71 off road package includes 18-inch polished Wheels and all-terrain tires.
The 2007 Tahoe’s optional power plant lets you go green with the Gen IV small-block Vortec V-8 engine family is standard in all Tahoe models, with the 5.3L version standard at start of production. It is rated at 320 horsepower and 340 lb.-ft. of torque, an 8 percent horsepower increase compared to the previous 5.3L engine. A Flex-Fuel E85 version, which is capable of running on E85 ethanol fuel or a mixture of E85 and gasoline, is standard on 4WD models and available on 2WD models. E85 is comprised of 85 percent ethanol, which is a renewable resource fuel produced in the United States.
The body has obviously been totally redesigned for 2007 as well. The new styling isn’t a huge departure from what we’ve already seen from the American auto makers. A change in the basic overall shape of the new Tahoe makes it slipperier in the wind along with appearance changes like the one-piece bumper and Grille assembly push the look of the Tahoe into the future. While additions like the new larger (36.1 inches wide by 24.6 inches long) power sliding sunroof as a free flow option on LT and LTZ models bring those exterior advancements right into the passenger compartment. The new sunroof is wider, has new express open/close and auto close features and includes a hard composite wind deflector that reduces wind noise and interior buffeting.
The roomy interior of the ’07 Tahoe is airy, thanks to a lower instrument panel and deeper windshield that improve outward visibility. Passenger space is increased, too, including more shoulder space for rear passengers, which is packaged with the available roof-mounted head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for all seating rows. Tahoe is offered with the choice of a sporty interior (LS models), with a single-tone, brushed metal look on the upper IP, center stack and door switch plates, or a more traditional appearance (LT and LTZ models) with burl wood-look accents. An added feature is the power-release fold-and-tumble feature for the second row of seats. Simply pushing an overhead console button or a rear-door pillar button automatically un-latches the seat(s) and sends it into its folded and tumbled position. Available third-row seats are easily removed using two convenient levers on the back of the seat and stored with Wheels at the front of the seat.
The fit and finish is what we’ve come to expect from GM’s most popular SUV and the choice of materials make for easy clean up which is important for a family vehicle. Further evidence that they designed the new Tahoe with families in mind is the new Rear Seat Entertainment system.
This enhanced DVD entertainment system for the rear passengers includes a larger, 8-inch screen and the DVD loads in the front seat area, so the driver can easily load the system for children in car seats without having to take eyes off the road. A new touch-screen navigation radio also incorporates the view monitor for the available rear-camera system. The new Generation 6 OnStar system is standard and XM Satellite radio is available.
And after driving the redesigned Tahoe it is easy to see how people could forget all about its predecessor, the Blazer. The Blazer’s truck-like ride and crude interior accoutrements make it seem like a gutted cargo van in comparison to the new Tahoe and its smooth quiet ride and generously appointed interior. In fact this new Tahoe rates higher than the previous generation of Tahoe in ride quality, comfort as well as storage capacity. In fact this new Tahoe might just be the shot in the arm that GM needs to get people into the showrooms and behind the wheel of their popular SUV.
Check out our video review and additional photos below.
