The
next-generation Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban models have just been
unveiled at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan with a serious of
upgrades differentiating them from the current offerings.
Underpinning
the duo is GM’s T1 truck platform that will also be used by the next-generation
Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon. This platform also adopts GM’s Global B
electrical architecture and support over-the-air updates as well as advanced network
security for highly-automated driving technologies. One particularly
significant upgrade is the presence of new multi-link, independent rear
suspension that promises to transform how the duo ride.
Visually,
the duo take after the latest Chevrolet Silverado. Found at the front is a
heavily revised grille and small new headlights that come complete with
boomerang LED daytime running lights.
As
is currently the case, the Suburban is essentially just a stretched version of
the Tahoe so with the exception of the former’s extended cabin, both adopt
largely the same styling modifications. One particularly interesting Chevrolet
Tahoe model presented to the world is the Z71 featuring a jacked-up suspension
system and a revised front fascia with more black accents.
According
to Chevrolet, the High Country and Z71 models feature an Air Ride Adaptive
Suspension system that offers automatic load-leveling and ride-height
adjustment. Drivers are able to adjust the ride height by up to 101
mm.
When
driven on a highway, the system lowers the ride height by three-quarters of19 mm to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. Should customers
wish, the suspension can be lowered by 51 mm to aid passenger entry
and exit when the vehicle is parked. Drivers can also raise the ride height by 25 mm when driving off-road in 4WD Hi mode and an additional 1 inch at
lower speeds in 4WD LO.
While
the duo may not look any bigger than before, they are. Much bigger, in fact.
Chevrolet has stretched the Tahoe’s wheelbase by 4.9-inches, resulting in a
vehicle that is now 6.7-inches longer than the outgoing model. As for the
Suburban, its wheelbase has grown by 4.1 inches and is 1.3 inches longer
overall. What this means is that in the Tahoe, cargo space behind the third row
has increased by 66 per cent for a total storage capacity of 122.9 cubic-feet
while luggage space in the Suburban is up by 19 per cent to 144.7 cubic-feet.
The larger footprints of the vehicles also mean that third-row passengers in
the Tahoe gain 10-inches of additional legroom while those in the Suburban’s
second and third rows each have two inches of extra legroom.
In
terms of engines, the current 5.3-liter V8 and 6.2-liter V8 already in use
remain in these new models, pumping out 335 hp and 420 hp respectively. Both
engines feature Dynamic Fuel Management technology with more than 12 modes of
cylinder deactivation. A new addition to the family is an optional Duramax
3.0-liter inline-six turbo-diesel available across the range except in the Z71.
It is rated at 277 hp and 623 Nm of torque and “is expected to give
the new SUVs some of the highest fuel economy ratings in the segment.”
Buyers
of vehicles like this often find themselves needing to tow things so the new
Tahoe and Suburban borrow some of the trailering technologies of the Silverado.
For example, there is a Max Trailering package that includes a high-capacity
radiator and cooling fan, an integrated trailer brake controller, a Hitch
Guidance with Hitch View feature, and the Chevrolet trailering app. The
vehicles also offer no less than nine camera views.
On
the technology side of things, the Tahoe and Suburban have 30 safety and driver
convenience technologies, including Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency
Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Front Pedestrian Braking, Rear Park
Assist, IntelliBeam automatic headlamp control, Rear Pedestrian Alert, Lane
Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and more.
Sitting
as the centrepiece of the refreshed cabin is a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment
system using Chevrolet’s infotainment system3. This system also incorporates an
8-inch screen in the instrument cluster as standard on Premier and High Country
models while lesser models use a 4.2-inch screen. There is also a 15-inch
Head-Up Display offers as well as a rear-seat media package with dual 12.6-inch
touchscreens. Also found within the pair is a WiFi hotstop, Apple CarPlay,
Android Auto, multiple USB charging ports and a wireless charger.
Chevrolet
has yet to announce pricing details for either model. The 2020 Tahoe and
Suburban will start hitting dealership floors in mid-2020.