2012 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe is an SUV powered by a Vortec 5.3L V8, engine which produces 320 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque. The performance is further improved by the inclusion of a 6-speed automatic transmission.

When this is combined with the Active Fuel Management technology, the Tahoe’s performance gets even better. This SUV gets up to 21 mpg on highway. The Tahoe performs better compared to the likes of the Ford Expedition which only gets 18 mpg on a highway.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: SUV Base Price: $38,755.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 26 gallons (98l) MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 202 in. (513 cm) Wheel Base: 116 in. (294.6 cm)
Height: 76.9 in. (195.3 cm) Width: 79 in. (200.6 cm)
Curb Weight: 5448 lbs (2471 kg) Ground Clearance: 9.1 in. (23.1 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 49.4 cu ft Maximum Seating: 9 people
Performance
Engine: Vortec V8 OHV FlexFuel 2WD Displacement: 5.3 Liter
Horsepower: 320 HP Max RPM: 5400 RPM
Torque: 335 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Max Towing Capacity: 5500 lbs (2495 kgs) Maximum Speed: NA
Available Trims & Engine
Option:LS AWD MSRP: $42,815; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy
Option:LT FWD MSRP: $43,905; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy
Option:LT AWD MSRP: $46,755; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy
Option:LTZ FWD MSRP: $52,970; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy
Option:LTZ AWD MSRP: $56,075; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy

Exterior

The overall look of this SUV will definitely catch the eyes of many. For easier heavy lifting of cargo, the inclusion of the power lift-gate comes in handy. This SUV comes with a standard 20 inch, five spoke design wheels. Six and twelve spoke designs are available on request.

In addition, you can opt to go for the 22 inch chrome wheels. To keep your SUV from debris, a Skid Plate Package has been made available, which is an aluminum front underbody to act as a shield.

Interior

The interior design and features of the Tahoe complement the exterior. To start with, the lower-set instrument panel with rounded edges look very stylish than in some brands like the Nissan Armada or Toyota Sequoia.

Depending on the model that you choose, you can have heated and cooled leather front seats and heated second row seats. There is also an option of power-release fold and tumble second row seats.

Passengers at the rear seats get entertained with the overhead back-seat DVD entertainment system. This system is composed of an overhead flat screen display, a remote control and two sets of wireless headphone.

The driver is fed with information on functions like tire pressure, life of engine oil, mileage and fuel range from the Driver Information Center.

Safety & Reliability

The safety of the driver and the passengers of the 2012 Tahoe has been enhanced through the inclusion of safety features that include: three row side curtain airbags, Onstar automatic car response from GM, traction control and four wheel anti-lock brakes. Other key safety features include: rear parking sensors and blind spot warning system which are optional, and tire pressure monitors.

This large SUV is also reliable, especially due to the five year or 100,000 miles warranty for powertrain coverage and the three year or 36,000 miles bumper to bumper warranty that comes with every purchase. Other warranties include: 6 year/ 100, 000 miles rust-through corrosion protection warranty and a 5 year/ 100,000 miles of 24/7 roadside aid.

Pros

  • Supple ride
  • Good finish and fit
  • Stout towing capacity
  • Smooth V8 engine
  • Can accommodate up to 9 passengers

Cons

  • No telescoping steering wheel
  • Cramped third row and difficult to remove

The 2012 Tahoe is suitable for big families. It is also very tough on the road than most large SUVs making it to be preferred by many people.

It also has a stylish interior look than most SUVs including Nissan Armada (MSRP $39,870; 13 city / 19 hwy) and Toyota Sequoia (MSRP $40,930; 14 city / 20 hwy). Perhaps only another American car manufacturer meets up to the standard the Tahoe has managed to monopolize, that would be the Ford Expedition (MSRP $36,530; 14 city / 20 hwy).

When at full speed, the Tahoe proves to be very stable, quiet as well as very comfortable to ride in. This car can maneuver in towns easily making it to be an effective large SUV to town dwellers.

Overall Rating
72 out of 100

What others say:

“The Tahoe’s big interior room doesn’t translate into an easily-accessed third-row seat, but in other positions, most passengers will find good comfort.”Car Connection

“Alert reactions to steering. These are tall, heavy vehicles, so they never feel nimble. But there’s no excessive body lean in turns with the base suspension, and even less with Autoride. Low-speed maneuverability is aided by a relatively tight turning circle. The brakes feel strong, but some testers want better pedal modulation.”Consumer Guide

“The Tahoe has a compliant ride, good interior quality, and comfortable seats. Towing capability is impressive, but the 5.3-liter V8 is unrefined.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Chevrolet has pushed the 2012 Tahoe SUV’s full-size body-on-frame platform to limits of what such a design can do, and the results are quite impressive.”KBB

“The 2012 Chevy Tahoe deserves strong consideration when shopping for a large, traditional SUV, thanks to its comfortable cabin, road manners and impressive towing capacity. But for pure passenger use, a large crossover might work out better.”Edmunds

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