The 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe clearly stands out among all the full-size SUVs currently available in the market, for its fuel efficiency of 15 MPG in the city and 21 on the highway – on the XFE (FlexFuel) version of the vehicle.
The 2009 Tahoe is available in four trims – LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ, with all of them having the option of either a 2WD or a 4×4.To build your own Chevy Tahoe, with customized elements and features, click here.
The engine is a Vortec 4.8L V8 (2WD only) as Standard on the LS trim while it is a Vortec 5.3L V8 with Active Fuel Management (again 2WD only) in all the other trims. In addition, FlexFuel (standard on 4×4) and XFE are Standard on both the LT trims and Optional on the LTZ. Meanwhile, you also have an Optional Vortec 6.2L V8 engine on the LTZ trim. [Get the full specs here.]
The Suspension options on the Tahoe – key element of any SUV, include specially tuned springs and monotube shocks, high capacity air cleaner, Skid Plate package with aluminum front underbody shield, automatic locking rear differential, 18 inch aluminum wheels with on/off road blackwall tires, recovery hooks, tubular assist steps, specially designed front fascia with chrome grill insert, and Z71 specific gauge cluster. The Transmission is Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic with overdrive and Tow/Haul mode (2WD with 4.8L V8 only) as Standard on the LS trim, and Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic with overdrive and Tow/Haul mode, as Standard on both the LT trims as well as the LTZ one. It is Optional on the LS trim.
There are ample safety and security features in the Tahoe, including:
- Air bags: driver and right-front passenger, dual-stage, frontal; with Passenger Sensing System; head-curtain, side-impact for all outboard seating positions with rollover sensor (Standard on all trims)
- Brakes: four-wheel antilock disc with Dynamic Rear Proportioning (Standard on all trims)
- OnStar: one-year Safe & Sound Plan (Standard only on the LS trim)
- OnStar: one-year Directions & Connections Plan including Turn-by-Turn Navigation (Standard on both the LT trims as well as the LTZ trim)
- StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Proactive Roll Avoidance
Looking inside the Tahoe, you will be bedazzled by features such as:
- Bluetooth wireless technology for select compatible phones (Standard on all trims)
- Convenience Package: power-adjustable pedals, remote vehicle starter system, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, rearview camera system and rear camera display in mirror (Optional on the LS and 1LT trims)
- Entertainment system: rear-seat, includes DVD player with remote (Optional on both the LT trims as well as the LTZ trim)
- Luxury Package: heated front bucket seats, heated second-row seats with power-release function, Bose sound system, full-feature outside rearview mirror, power-remote liftgate and auto-dimming inside rearview mirror (Optional on only the 2LT trim)
The Interior of the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
Other entertainment avenues inside the Tahoe, which are mostly Optional and Standard only on select trims include an AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player or with an in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 changer; Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound system; Navigation radio which includes voice recognition, AM/FM stereo and touch-screen navigation radio with alternate CD/MP3 player functionality; XM Radio with three-months trial; and XM NavTraffic.
The seats inside the 2009 Chevy Tahoe are either premium cloth or custom leather, with options such as six-way power-adjustable seats and floor console, as well as heated/cooled seats, which are all available as Standard features on each of the trims.
Exterior colors on the Tahoe include Deep Ruby Metallic, Black, Blue Granite Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, Graystone Metallic, Summit White, Gold Mist Metallic, and Silver Birch Metallic. Two other extra-cost colors are Red Jewel Tintcoat and White Diamond Tricoat.
Pair of Majestic, Black Chevrolet Tahoes at an MTV Video Music Awards function
Additional accessories for the Tahoe which are available at the dealer end include:
- 20- and 22-Inch Chrome Wheels
- Chrome Grill
- Ground Effects Package
- Head Restraint DVD System
- Molded Splash Guards
- Portable Overhead DVD System
Summing up, the Tahoe offers the delight of a full-size SUV, with the fuel efficiency of a mid sizer. Assembled at both the Janesville, Wisconsin, and Arlington, Texas plants in the United States, the Tahoe is sold in numerous other countries, including Brazil, where the police force has also been seen to be using it, akin to North American police officials. Although sales have dipped significantly this year, especially in comparison to last year (130,000 Tahoe and GMC Yukon models sold in 2008 versus 59,683 units of the same sold till August 2009], that has been more because customers have been lapping up the Hybrid version of the Tahoe[covered in another post here on WorldofChevy]…once a Chevy lover, always a Chevy lover!