2007
GMC Yukon 4WD and Chevrolet Tahoe K1500 4WD LT
All-New Stablemates Debut
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| SPECS:
Chevy Tahoe |
|
| MSRP | $37,665; total vehicle price $51,545; destination $875 |
| Engine | 5.3-liter Vortec V8, 320 hp., 340 foot lbs. torque Active fuel management |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 116 in. |
| Height | 76.7 in. (4WD) |
| Weight | 5,050 lbs. (4WD) |
| Length | 196.9 in. |
| Width | 78.9 in. |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 15/21 mpg. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 gal. |
| Tires | 17-in. all-season; P265/70R17 |
| Wheels | 17-in. aluminum |
If one can believe the statistics, the all-new Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon have been flying off the showroom floor. In 2005, Chevrolet sold 152,305 Tahoes, the top-selling full-size SUV. Now completely redesigned for 2007, these stablemates are mirror images, both out of GM.
As with most press fleet vehicles, our test Yukon and Tahoe came fully equipped; the Yukon with over $11,000 worth of options, and Tahoe over $13,000. Added to a full list of standard equipment, these large sport-utility-vehicles want for nothing.
Tahoe is available in LS, LT and LTZ versions, the 2007 Tahoe is 2 inches taller and 5 inches longer. Next up in the showroom will be the next generation Suburban , Yukon XL and Yukon Denali. Cadillac's offering in this same body style will be Escalade, Escalade EXT and Escalade ESV. No lack of options from which to choose.
Chevy Tahoe has long been one of our favorite large sport-utes, having driven a 1999 Tahoe across Route 66 several years ago, it's been at the top of our list ever since. The 2007 version is no exception and offers even more, including upgraded interior, new features such as power pedals to accommodate all sizes of drivers.
More rounded than its predecessor, Tahoe is a nice looking SUV. Larger 17-inch tires have been added (replacing 16-inch), and 20-inch radials are optional. A new 5.3-liter V8 engine at 320 horsepower replaces the 5.3-liter with 295 horsepower, yet is quieter and smoother. You won't want for power in the new Tahoe as this energetic V8 and 340 foot lbs. of torque pulls all 5,000-some pounds. And towing a camper or boat? Easier said than done especially with Tahoe's tow/haul mode feature.
There is some body lean in the Tahoe but that is expected in a vehicle this size. It feels fairly stable when cornering and offers unmatched comfort on the highway. We especially like the idea of GM's Active Fuel Management technology which allows for seamless transition from an 8-cylinder to 4-cylinders when needed.
Our test Tahoe LT had no shortage of goodies, including the LTZ equipment group (front leather appointed bucket seats, driver and passenger side seat with 12-way power, heat, memory, 2nd row leather appointed, heated and power release seats, 2-passenger and 3rd row seat, power adjustable pedals, remote vehicle starter, AM/FM stereo with MP3 compatible 6-disc CD changer, head curtain side air bags, all seating rows, Bose premium speaker system, XM Satellite radio free for first 3 months, universal Home Remote, Tri-zone Automatic air condition, rear park assist, heater washer fluid system, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, locking rear differential, power liftgate with liftglass, outside power folding mirrors with auto dimming and turn signals, $8,275); navigation radio with CD/DVD/MP3, $2,145; rear seat entertainment system, $1,295; power sliding sunroof, $995; rear view camera system, $195; 3-passenger, 3rd seat, $100. All totaled $13,005 worth of extras.
Standard equipment on the new Tahoe is also generous and includes the usual safety features, StabiliTrak stability control, ABS, OnStar service with one year of service included, remote keyless entry, driver lockout prevention, power windows, door locks, mirrors, driver information center and tow/haul mode feature. Tilt steering wheel, floor mats front and 2nd row, a 60/40-split bench 2nd row seat, cruise and manual tri-zone air conditioning.
We especially like Tahoe's easily operated controls, namely, the "manual" A/C system. So much friendlier than the fully electronic ones. We found the knobs on the audio system to be too small, especially for larger hands. The navigation system was fairly easy to operate and as always, the XM Satellite feature is appreciated.
The outsize center console in Tahoe is plenty large for all your 'stuff.' It holds a laptop, CD/DVD's, notebooks, cameras, etc. The rear-park assist has grown to be one of our favorite features beeping and providing a panoramic view on the monitor to warn the driver of objects lying in its path.
We didn't get a chance to enjoy the rear sear entertainment system, a luxury for road trips. For 2008, Tahoe plans to offer power articulating running boards (think Mercury Mountaineer).
GM's Active Fuel Management system helps the gas mileage somewhat. In 2008, GM will offer a gas/electric version that starts and runs in electric mode until 20-25 mph, For 2007 though, Tahoe is E85 alternative fuel capable.
Rather than folding flat, Tahoe's third row seating folds or folds and flips to be removed. Not an easy thing to do. Think of Tahoe as more of a people hauler than cargo toter.
When asked why GM continues to offer large SUV's such as Tahoe and Yukon, their answer centers around demand. However, these vehicles are huge money makers for GM and giving them up isn't an option at this time. The new 2007 Tahoe/Yukon were in the works some three years ago, when gas prices weren't so painful.
GMC Yukon
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| SPECS:
GMC Yukon K1500 |
|
| MSRP | $38,365; total vehicle price $50,620 (with $400 select package discount); destination $875 |
| Engine | 5.3 liter V8, 320 hp. |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic catalyst, feedback fuel system |
| Tires | 17-inch aluminum |
| Wheels | 20-inch polished aluminum upgrade |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 15/21 mpg. |
| Wheelbase | 116 in. |
| Height | 76.5 in. (4WD) |
| Length | 198.8 in. |
| Width | 78.8 in. |
| GVWR | 6,800/3084 (4WD) |
| Trailer tow capacity | 7,800 lbs. |
Our test GMC Yukon was also a well-equipped version, with 4WD and the standard 5.3-liter V8 engine. Favoring the Tahoe, still it's hard to tell much difference in the two vehicles that are replicas of one another.
With $11,780 worth of options, the 2007 GMC Yukon 4-wheel-drive test vehicle included SLT-2 Décor package (front leather appointed bucket seats, driver and passenger side power seat with 12-way memory and heat, 2nd row leather seats, 2-passenger, 3rd row seat, tri-zone automatic air condition, power adjustable pedals, head curtain side air bags, all-seating rows, remote vehicle starter, AM/FM stereo with MP3 compatible 6-disc CD changer, XM Satellite Radio, Bose premium speaker system, universal home remote, outside power folding mirrors with auto dimming and turn signals, rear parking assist, luggage rack-cross bars, $4,495); Navigation radio with CD/DVD/MP3 ($2,145); 20-inch polished aluminum wheels ($1,795); rear seat entertainment system ($1,295); power sliding sunroof ($995); 2nd row seat power release $425); power liftgate with liftglass ($350); rearview camera system ($195); heated windshield washer fluid system $85).
Standard equipment is much the same as the Tahoe and includes dual, front airbags, tow/haul mode feature, StabiliTrak stability control, theft deterrent system, driver lockout prevention, tire pressure monitor, power windows, mirrors, door locks, inside rearview mirror with auto dimming, compass, temperature, lighted visor mirrors, solar-ray tinted glass, auto headlamps, front fog lamps, cruise, tilt steering wheel, etc.
Yukon's interior, an almost exact replica of the Tahoe is also comfortable and convenient. All controls and features match Tahoe's, are easily operated and not overwhelming. The adjustable pedals are a needed feature for drivers of all sizes allowing for a much more relaxed position and control of the vehicle.
Three inches longer, Yukon adds more horsepower, an improvement in 1-2 mpg in fuel economy and the offer of three different engines: 4.8-liter V8 (2WD), 290 horsepower (16/22 mpg.); 5.3-liter V8, 320 hp. (15/21 mpg.) and 6.2-liter V8 (Denali), 380 hp. (13/19 mpg.) Weighing in at over 5,000 pounds, Yukon is not for the faint of heart. If you're pulling a boat or RV, you'll love the haul/tow mode feature. Yukon, like Tahoe is a Flex/Fuel model with the 5.3-liter engine (E85 capable). OnStar is also included, with a one-year free service.