The new 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV
Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that offers spaciousness and a strong towing capability of up to 8,500 pound (3,855 kg). It also delivers surprising fuel economy, with 2WD models estimated at 21 mpg on the highway.
2012 Chevrolet Tahoe photo
A fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed is standard on all models, which contributes to the Tahoe’s highway fuel economy via reduced engine speed. That lower engine speed also helps make the interior quieter.
2012 Chevrolet Tahoe photo
For even greater fuel economy in a full-size SUV, customers can select the Tahoe Hybrid. It uses GM’s patented two-mode hybrid system to deliver a 33-percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving. Please see the separate Tahoe Hybrid release for complete details.
Chevrolet Tahoe is available in LS, LT, LTZ and Hybrid models, all offered in 2WD and 4WD. Each is built on GM’s full-size SUV platform that features a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. Wide front and rear tracks enhance handling and lower the center of gravity for a more confident road feel.
Changes and new features for 2012 include a new hard-drive navigation radio with a USB port, Time Shift Recording capability and more. Also new is a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel and StabiliTrak now incorporates trailer sway control and hill start assist. Three new exterior colors are offered.
Tahoe design and exterior features
Tahoe features the global face of Chevrolet, with a large Chevy gold bowtie, centered on a twin-port horizontal grille. The grille surround is inset with an argent texture or available chrome finish. Fog lamps and headlamps feature detailed optics. The lower fascia, incorporating the front license plate holder and integrated recovery hooks, is aggressively styled with a skid plate look that enhances Tahoe’s rugged, off-road appearance.
Standard assist steps with power-retractable assist steps available on LTZ.
Heated power-operated outside mirrors is standard on LTZ and available on LT. It includes auto-dimming, integrated signal indicators, ground lights and curb-tilt feature.
A power-operated liftgate is available on LT and standard on LTZ.
Chrome recovery hooks are available on LS and LT models and standard on LTZ (4WD models). Black recovery hooks are standard on LS and LT 4WD models.
A range of 17-inch and 20-inch wheels is offered. Seventeen-inch wheels and tires are standard on LS and LT, with 20-inch wheels standard on LTZ.
Dealer-installed accessory wheels include 20- and 22-inch designs.
The Z71 Off Road appearance package is available on LT models and includes high-pressure, gas-charged monotube shocks, 18-inch on/off road tires, automatic-locking differential, front recovery hooks, a durable skid plate and high-capacity air cleaner. Large, color-keyed wheel flares, an aggressive front fascia and satin chrome tubular assist steps, and bright chrome front grille insert provide a one-of-a kind appearance.
Exterior color choices include: Crystal Red Tintcoat, White Diamond Tricoat, Black, Graystone, Silver Ice Metallic, Gold Mist Metallic, Olympic White, Black Granite Metallic, Mocha Steel Metallic and Blue Topaz Metallic.
Heated power-operated outside mirrors is standard on LTZ and available on LT. It includes auto-dimming, integrated signal indicators, ground lights and curb-tilt feature.
A power-operated liftgate is available on LT and standard on LTZ.
Chrome recovery hooks are available on LS and LT models and standard on LTZ (4WD models). Black recovery hooks are standard on LS and LT 4WD models.
A range of 17-inch and 20-inch wheels is offered. Seventeen-inch wheels and tires are standard on LS and LT, with 20-inch wheels standard on LTZ.
Dealer-installed accessory wheels include 20- and 22-inch designs.
The Z71 Off Road appearance package is available on LT models and includes high-pressure, gas-charged monotube shocks, 18-inch on/off road tires, automatic-locking differential, front recovery hooks, a durable skid plate and high-capacity air cleaner. Large, color-keyed wheel flares, an aggressive front fascia and satin chrome tubular assist steps, and bright chrome front grille insert provide a one-of-a kind appearance.
Exterior color choices include: Crystal Red Tintcoat, White Diamond Tricoat, Black, Graystone, Silver Ice Metallic, Gold Mist Metallic, Olympic White, Black Granite Metallic, Mocha Steel Metallic and Blue Topaz Metallic.
Tahoe interior standard and available features
There are almost no exposed metal hardware or latches, as all models feature enclosing “close-outs” around the seat bottoms and door sill trim plates.
Tahoe has the segment’s largest center console storage bin, a large glove box and numerous storage compartments.
Three rows of seating are standard on all models. The second row is available as a three-passenger bench with a 60/40 split or two bucket seats. The third row features a 50/50-split design and is removable. A power-assisted second row seat release feature is available on LT and standard on LTZ.
Leather-appointed seating is available on LT and LTZ.
Heated front seats are standard on LT.
Heated and cooled front seats and heated second-row seats are standard on LTZ.
Heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard on LTZ.
Dual-zone automatic climate control on LT and LTZ; dual-zone manual-control air conditioning on LS.
Rear-seat entertainment system is available on LT and LTZ, including DVD player with remote control, overhead display, two sets of wireless infrared headphones, auxiliary audio/video jacks, remote game plug-in and mute button in overhead console.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio is standard on all models.
Audio system with AM/FM/CD and USB port is standard on LS and LT.
Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound system is standard on LTZ; Bose nine-speaker sound standard on LT and non-Bose six-speaker sound system standard on LS.
Navigation radio with touch-screen operation is standard on LTZ and available on LT.
Bluetooth phone connectivity is standard on all models.
Power-adjustable pedals are standard on LT and LTZ and available on LS.
Remote vehicle starter system standard on LT and LTZ and available on LS.
Convenience Package (PDD) is available on LS and includes power-adjustable pedals, remote vehicle starter system, rear parking assist, rear vision camera and inside mirror with camera display.
Luxury Package (PCK) is available on LT and includes heated second-row seats, power-release second-row seats, power liftgate, universal home remote, outside heated power-adjustable/folding mirrors and inside auto-dimming mirror.
Sun, Entertainment and Destinations Package (PCJ) is available on LT and LTZ and includes an additional nine months of SiriusXM radio and XM NavTraffic service, power sunroof and rear-seat DVD entertainment system. LT also includes audio system with navigation, AM/FM/SiriusXM radio with CD, rear vision camera and auto-dimming inside rearview mirror.
Tahoe has the segment’s largest center console storage bin, a large glove box and numerous storage compartments.
Three rows of seating are standard on all models. The second row is available as a three-passenger bench with a 60/40 split or two bucket seats. The third row features a 50/50-split design and is removable. A power-assisted second row seat release feature is available on LT and standard on LTZ.
Leather-appointed seating is available on LT and LTZ.
Heated front seats are standard on LT.
Heated and cooled front seats and heated second-row seats are standard on LTZ.
Heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard on LTZ.
Dual-zone automatic climate control on LT and LTZ; dual-zone manual-control air conditioning on LS.
Rear-seat entertainment system is available on LT and LTZ, including DVD player with remote control, overhead display, two sets of wireless infrared headphones, auxiliary audio/video jacks, remote game plug-in and mute button in overhead console.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio is standard on all models.
Audio system with AM/FM/CD and USB port is standard on LS and LT.
Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound system is standard on LTZ; Bose nine-speaker sound standard on LT and non-Bose six-speaker sound system standard on LS.
Navigation radio with touch-screen operation is standard on LTZ and available on LT.
Bluetooth phone connectivity is standard on all models.
Power-adjustable pedals are standard on LT and LTZ and available on LS.
Remote vehicle starter system standard on LT and LTZ and available on LS.
Convenience Package (PDD) is available on LS and includes power-adjustable pedals, remote vehicle starter system, rear parking assist, rear vision camera and inside mirror with camera display.
Luxury Package (PCK) is available on LT and includes heated second-row seats, power-release second-row seats, power liftgate, universal home remote, outside heated power-adjustable/folding mirrors and inside auto-dimming mirror.
Sun, Entertainment and Destinations Package (PCJ) is available on LT and LTZ and includes an additional nine months of SiriusXM radio and XM NavTraffic service, power sunroof and rear-seat DVD entertainment system. LT also includes audio system with navigation, AM/FM/SiriusXM radio with CD, rear vision camera and auto-dimming inside rearview mirror.
Tahoe powertrain
All models are powered by a Vortec 5.3L V-8 that balances power and efficiency. Variable valve timing helps the 5.3L optimize performance, efficiency and emissions, while GM’s Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivating technology helps improve fuel economy in certain light-load driving conditions. It is also E85-capable and matched with GM’s Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission.
Vortec 5.3L with an iron cylinder block is used on 2WD and 4WD models (engine code LMG) and rated at 320 horsepower (239 kW) and 335 lb.-ft. of torque (454 Nm).
The variable valve timing system allows linear delivery of torque, with near-peak levels over a broad rpm range, and high specific output (horsepower per liter of displacement). It also helps reduce exhaust emissions. Because it manages valve overlap at optimum levels, it eliminates the need for an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system.
GM's Active Fuel Management technology increases fuel economy approximately 6 percent under the federal government's required testing procedure and potentially more in certain real-world driving conditions. AFM temporarily deactivates four of the engine’s cylinders under light load conditions and seamlessly reactivates them when full power is required. The transition takes less than 20 milliseconds and is virtually indiscernible.
A heavy-duty timing chain delivers quiet operation and long life. It is validated for 200,000 miles (320,000 km) of operation.
E85 is a clean-burning, domestically produced alternative fuel comprising 85 percent ethanol alcohol and 15 percent gasoline. Ethanol is renewable and produces fewer greenhouse gases during the combustion process.
The variable valve timing system allows linear delivery of torque, with near-peak levels over a broad rpm range, and high specific output (horsepower per liter of displacement). It also helps reduce exhaust emissions. Because it manages valve overlap at optimum levels, it eliminates the need for an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system.
GM's Active Fuel Management technology increases fuel economy approximately 6 percent under the federal government's required testing procedure and potentially more in certain real-world driving conditions. AFM temporarily deactivates four of the engine’s cylinders under light load conditions and seamlessly reactivates them when full power is required. The transition takes less than 20 milliseconds and is virtually indiscernible.
A heavy-duty timing chain delivers quiet operation and long life. It is validated for 200,000 miles (320,000 km) of operation.
E85 is a clean-burning, domestically produced alternative fuel comprising 85 percent ethanol alcohol and 15 percent gasoline. Ethanol is renewable and produces fewer greenhouse gases during the combustion process.
Tahoe chassis and suspension
The Tahoe is built on GM’s full-size SUV platform, incorporating a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension, leaf-spring rear suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.
Wide front and rear tracks – 68.2 inches (1,732 mm) front/67 inches (1,702 mm) rear – enhance handling and vehicle stability for a more confident road feel.
A stiff frame reduces vibrations transmitted to the passenger cabin, while the strength and accuracy of the fully boxed frame also enable precise mounting and tuning of chassis and suspension components.
The Autoride suspension system is standard on LTZ and features a segment-exclusive bi-state, real-time damping system that provides a refined ride with greatly reduced body motion. The system consists of a semi-active, two-position damping control system that responds in real time to road and driving conditions, based on body and wheel motion sensors.
A single-speed transfer case is standard on LS and LT 4WD models.
A two-speed transfer case is standard on LTZ 4WD and available on LS and LT 4WD models.
A trailering package with a 3.42 axle ratio, external transmission cooler and engine oil cooler is available on LS, LT and LTZ models.
The standard axle ratio on all models is 3.08.
A locking rear differential is standard on LT and LTZ models and available on LS.
A stiff frame reduces vibrations transmitted to the passenger cabin, while the strength and accuracy of the fully boxed frame also enable precise mounting and tuning of chassis and suspension components.
The Autoride suspension system is standard on LTZ and features a segment-exclusive bi-state, real-time damping system that provides a refined ride with greatly reduced body motion. The system consists of a semi-active, two-position damping control system that responds in real time to road and driving conditions, based on body and wheel motion sensors.
A single-speed transfer case is standard on LS and LT 4WD models.
A two-speed transfer case is standard on LTZ 4WD and available on LS and LT 4WD models.
A trailering package with a 3.42 axle ratio, external transmission cooler and engine oil cooler is available on LS, LT and LTZ models.
The standard axle ratio on all models is 3.08.
A locking rear differential is standard on LT and LTZ models and available on LS.
Tahoe safety and crash-avoidance features
Standard head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for both seating rows. The roof-mounted head curtain air bags include design features that provide increased rollover protection and occupant containment.
Standard seat-mounted side-impact air bags for driver and right-front passenger provide thorax and pelvic protection.
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system helps reduce the risk of rollover crashes by keeping the vehicle in the driver’s intended path by applying throttle, braking or a combination of both.
Available Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist that can detect certain stationary objects in the rearward path of the vehicle and send an audible warning sound and display via three LEDs near the rear window
Available rearview camera system designed to provide the driver with
a view of people or objects in the rearward path of the vehicle.
Side blind zone alert is standard on LTZ.
Standard four-wheel-disc brake system with ABS featuring smooth, quiet operation, longer pad life and more resistance to brake pulsation.
Pretensioners minimize forward movement during a collision, and are standard on the front safety belts. Load-limiting retractors cinch the belt more tightly.
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat attachment system, which is included in two of the second-row seating positions.
Tire pressure monitoring system, standard on all models.
Standard remote keyless entry (RKE) system provides a second function for the red panic button. Drivers can use it to locate their cars without sounding the panic alarm.
Strong body structure to absorb crash energy and provide a protective “safety cage” around occupants.
Standard seat-mounted side-impact air bags for driver and right-front passenger provide thorax and pelvic protection.
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system helps reduce the risk of rollover crashes by keeping the vehicle in the driver’s intended path by applying throttle, braking or a combination of both.
Available Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist that can detect certain stationary objects in the rearward path of the vehicle and send an audible warning sound and display via three LEDs near the rear window
Available rearview camera system designed to provide the driver with
a view of people or objects in the rearward path of the vehicle.
Side blind zone alert is standard on LTZ.
Standard four-wheel-disc brake system with ABS featuring smooth, quiet operation, longer pad life and more resistance to brake pulsation.
Pretensioners minimize forward movement during a collision, and are standard on the front safety belts. Load-limiting retractors cinch the belt more tightly.
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat attachment system, which is included in two of the second-row seating positions.
Tire pressure monitoring system, standard on all models.
Standard remote keyless entry (RKE) system provides a second function for the red panic button. Drivers can use it to locate their cars without sounding the panic alarm.
Strong body structure to absorb crash energy and provide a protective “safety cage” around occupants.
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