Add traction-heavy on-demand 4-wheel drive (4WD) to the top-shelf 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ to behold the LTZ 4WD. This midsize SUV continues the tradition of toting 108.9 cubic feet of total cargo space, with 3 rows of seating accommodating 7 to 8 passengers in 3-zone climate-controlled comfort. The road- and load-leveling Autoride suspension, meantime, keeps things silky smooth when hauling up to 8,500 pounds of trailer. Finally the 2-speed-transaxle 4WD system boasts auto-locking hubs and electronic hi-lo gear selection, with a rear locking differential also thrown in for good measure.
Outside, look for standard goodies like 20-inch polished alloy wheels, a trailer hitch and wiring, a rear power liftgate, step running boards, heated reverse-tilting outside mirrors and a roof rack. Inside, behold premium leather upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats with power lumbar support, reclining second-row captain’s chairs, heated steering wheel and full power accessories, all embraced by wood grain and simulated alloy cabin accents. For conveniences this top-shelf ute packs cruise control, tilt-wheel steering, a universal remote garage door opener, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with integrated rear-view camera, and rear parking sensors.
Entertainment, meantime, consists of an MP3-capable single-CD player with 10 Bose premium speakers, satellite radio, separate rear audio, real-time traffic and a USB port. Standard Bluetooth hands-free calling is backed by OnStar Directions and Connections and bolstered by a hard-drive-based navigation system.
As for options aboard the trail-busting Tahoe LTZ 4WD, look into a heavy-duty trailer towing package with integrated trailer brake controller, upgraded 20- or 22-inch wheels, rear-seat DVD entertainment and/or a power sunroof. Power-retractable side steps are additionally available to this princely ute, as well as a leather-upholstered second-row bench seat for the aforementioned 8-passenger capacity.
Expect the traditional Flex-Fuel (FFV) 5.3-liter V8 powerplant in the high-end 2012 Tahoe LTZ 4WD, which, when mated with the standard 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission puts out 320 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque. A rear locking differential, cylinder deactivation and variable valve timing (VVT) also come standard. Towing capacity is maxed out at 8,200 pounds, but only when this behemoth is properly equipped. Gas mileage, meanwhile, is estimated at a tepid 15 mpg city/21 highway. Finally, the on-demand 4WD system boasts electronic hi-lo gear selection and auto-locking hubs.
Though its substantial presence fairly dominates the road, the 2012 Tahoe LTZ 4WD nonetheless comes with standard antilock braking (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags and 3-row head airbags. It also sports daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, a post-collision safety system, blind-spot warning, OnStar emergency communications and alerts, and a remote antitheft alarm. Turn-signal-integrated mirrors are also standard.
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