Standard features for the LS include 18-inch alloy wheels, active grille shutters for improved aerodynamics, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, cruise control, remote keyless entry, remote ignition, rear parking sensors, a trailer hitch receiver with wiring harness, side assist steps and roof rails.
On the inside, you get tri-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat (six-way front passenger seat), 60/40-split folding second- and third-row bench seats, a tilt-only, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a teen-driver monitoring system, a convex mirror to monitor rear seat passengers, OnStar emergency telematics with navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a household power outlet, the MyLink infotainment system, an 8-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, a six-speaker CD player with mobile apps, HD radio, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, five USB ports and auxiliary audio input.
The optional Enhanced Driver Alert package adds forward collision warning with low-speed automatic braking, a vibrating safety-alert driver seat, automatic high beams, lane keeping assist and power-adjustable pedals.
The LT trim includes all of the above, along with a power liftgate, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, a telescoping steering wheel, driver-seat memory functions, an auto-dimming rearview camera, a universal garage door opener and a nine-speaker Bose audio system.
The optional Luxury package adds a hands-free tailgate opener, power-folding mirrors, an auto-dimming driver-side mirror, foglights, front parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, keyless entry and ignition, heated second-row seats, power-folding second- and third-row seats, a heated, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a wireless charging pad. The Texas Edition package is equipped identically but adds unique badging and crossbars to the roof rails.
The Premier trim includes the Luxury package and adds 20-inch wheels, xenon headlights, an adaptive Magnetic Ride Control suspension, ventilated front seats, second-row bucket seats (reducing seating capacity to seven), a navigation system with real-time traffic, 12-way power front seats and a 10-speaker Bose premium surround-sound upgrade.
The LT and Premier trims are eligible for the Sun, Entertainment and Destinations package that includes a sunroof, navigation for the LT trim, extended satellite radio and traffic service, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Adaptive cruise control, power-retractable side steps and a head-up display are also available on the Premier trim.
Offered on all trims are 22-inch wheels as well as the Max Trailering package that includes a different rear axle ratio, an electronic two-speed transfer case (on 4WD models), a trailer brake controller and an auto-leveling suspension for non-magnetic suspension vehicles. The Z71 Off-Road package is available only on the LT trim and adds all-terrain tires, unique cosmetic elements, tubular side steps, underbody skid plates, an off-road suspension, an electronic two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, front parking sensors and rubber floor mats.
Many features offered on higher-trim models are available on supporting trims as options.
Powering the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe is a 5.3-liter V8 engine that produces 355 hp and 383 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only available transmission. Rear-wheel drive with a locking rear differential is standard, and four-wheel drive with a single-speed transfer case is available as an option. A two-speed transfer case comes with the Max Trailering and Z71 Off-Road packages.
Properly equipped, a rear-wheel-drive Tahoe can tow up to 8,600 pounds. Four-wheel-drive models top out at 8,400 pounds.
In Edmunds testing, a four-wheel-drive Tahoe in Premier trim accelerated to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, and a two-wheel-drive LT reached 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. These times are strong, but other SUVs in the class are even quicker. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 19 mpg combined (16 city/23 highway) for two-wheel-drive models and 18 mpg combined (16 city/22 highway) for four-wheel drive. These estimates are better than its primary competitors.
