Chevy has declared, "Long live the third-generation Tahoe!" - as it carries over into 2012 with very few changes for its sixth production year. Most makers follow a 6-year refresh cycle, but not Chevrolet. The Tahoe is not scheduled to be redesigned until at least 2015 - not that anyone is going to complain about that. Slow redesign cycles keep resale values high, and Tahoe owners are largely very happy all the way back to the 2007 debut of the current configuration.

So for 2012 Chevy decided to up the ante just a bit by offering a new heated steering wheel standard in the top-of-the-line LTZ, and the optional navigation system is now hard-drive based with more music storage. Major driver dreams still include a fold-flat third row, so getting all 109 available cubic feet won't require removing the third row, and the inclusion of a telescoping steering wheel comes in as a close second.

However, it's worth noting that the Tahoe has such a heavy curb weight that Chevy probably purposefully left 17 cubes in the rear with the third row intact. Bench seats weigh a lot - being able to remove them instead of just adding to their weight with cargo is a design win in the eyes of many. As for the telescoping steering wheel, the optional Convenience package available from the base LS on up offers power-adjustable pedals as a kind of apology for any inconvenience the fixed wheel may cause and makes life easier by also including remote ignition, rear parking assist and a rear-view camera system.

So if you're looking for something on the fun-and-easy side of the spectrum, the ever-ready Tahoe is overkill. Plenty of smaller SUVs do better than the Tahoe's 15 mpg city/21 highway with its 6-speed automatic, but nobody can beat its 320-hp, 335 lb-ft/torque 5.3-liter Flex-Fuel V8. This is a full-size can-do 8,500-pound hauler with go-anywhere all-wheel drive available and the ability to bring 9 people along for a remarkably smooth ride. It's not the most graceful or nimble SUV, but whatever the job, the Tahoe is built to take it on with reasonable consideration for its passengers.

Starting at a few hairs shy of $40,000, the Tahoe comes well-equipped in its LS base trim, with features like 17-inch alloy wheels, power heated mirrors, Onstar and a CD-player stereo with all the usual connectivity trimmings and separate rear controls. Moving up to the LT fetches automation for the tri-zone climate control, driver's memory, a locking rear differential, 9-speaker Bose stereo and leather upholstery. The LTZ adds heated front and second-row seats, a power-folding second row, power-folding mirrors, power rear liftgate, upgraded air suspension and a 10-speaker Bose stereo.

The Tahoe can be fitted out with anything and everything you need to get the job done - from power-retractable assist steps and a blind-spot warning system to a rear entertainment system and several trailering packages. No matter the task, the 2012 Tahoe remains an always ready and willing companion.