2013 Chevrolet Tahoe Overview

2013 Chevrolet Tahoe Overview

For those devoted SUV fans reluctant to change their daily driver from a V8 SUV to a 4-cylinder hybrid, Chevrolet has heard your plea and brings you the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe. Since the redesigned Tahoe was introduced in 2007, it has remained virtually unchanged, but it has added a hybrid version to the lineup. With the introduction of crossovers and other more car-like SUVs, families have downsized these smaller, more fuel-efficient SUV variations. Even with all the updated technology and need for better fuel efficiency, the Tahoe remains a good choice for a large amount of cargo space and room for more than the standard number of passengers, and it's a good vehicle for regular towing. The new hybrid trim offers better fuel efficiency and almost the same towing ability as non-hybrid versions. The Tahoe is available in 5 trim levels: Base, Fleet, LS, LT and LTZ, each available with rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive (4WD).

The 2013 Tahoe is as powerful as ever, with a 5.3-liter 320-hp engine combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Cylinder deactivation as well as variable valve timing keep the engine running smoothly, but also help its fuel efficiency as well. All models are equipped with the same powertrain except the hybrid version. It gets a bigger 6.0-liter 332-hp V8 in addition to the Two-Mode hybrid system and a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Tahoe's relatively low fuel economy is something SUV owners expect from a V8, with a rating of 15 mpg city/21 highway. The hybrid does a little better with a combined 23 mpg. Although fuel economy may not win the Tahoe any awards, its towing power and passenger capabilities are not something you'll find in any other vehicle. With a maximum towing capacity of 5,200 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,650 pounds, you will be hard-pressed to find any other passenger vehicle that can tow just about anything.

The 2013 Tahoe, like its predecessors, still features a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. The Tahoe handles well for a 5,600-pound vehicle, although the Base and LT trims do not feature the magnetic suspension of the LTZ. The magnetic suspension allows the vehicle to lose the top-heavy feel around corners and curves that occurs with higher-profile vehicles. Overall they all maneuver better than would be expected from a large SUV. The Base and LT trims feature 17-inch silver aluminum wheels, and upgrading to the LTZ gives you 20-inch silver aluminum wheels in addition to a heavy-duty locking differential and AutoRide load-leveling system.

The inside of the 2013 Tahoe looks somewhat dated, but remains comfortable and accommodating. The Tahoe features large bucket seats for the driver and passenger that are both comfortable and supportive. The first and second rows of seats in the rear offer plenty of headroom and legroom, but getting to the third row can sometimes be a challenge for an adult. The seating rows are removable to allow for transportation of large amounts of cargo, which allows you plenty of room, but unlike a pickup, guards your items from the elements. Upgrading to the LTZ adds heated and cooled front seats and heated second-row seats.

The sheer size of the 2013 Tahoe lends a lot to the safety of the vehicle. It has received 5-star ratings from the federal government for both frontal and side impact accidents. The Tahoe features multiple airbags, including side-curtain airbags for all three rows of passengers. The Tahoe also features both stability and traction control standard.