GMC Tahoe
August 20th, 2008
The Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon currently serve as General Motors' full-size SUVs. Lengthened wheelbase models are available for both as the Suburban for the Tahoe and Yukon XL for the Yukon. A luxury Denali model joined the Yukon lineup in 1998. As of 2002, a Denali version of the Yukon XL was also available as the Yukon XL Denali. For 2002 to now (and probably in the future), the Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon Denali serve as luxurious versions of the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon. The Cadillac Escalade ESV and GMC Yukon XL Denali (or GMC Yukon Denali XL, more commonly called the GMC Yukon XL Denali) are the luxurious versions of the Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon XL. Difference in price between the GM luxury full-size SUV's (GMC Yukon Denali, GMC Yukon XL Denali, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV) and the GM full-size SUV's (GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Chevy Tahoe, and Chevy Suburban) is about $15,000 less. However, these SUV's have many of the same features offered as options such as a rearview camera, Keyless entry, heated front seats, DVD based navigation system, power rear liftgate, oversized, polished, aluminum 20 inch wheels( as opposed to the Escalades' prominent 22 inchers),power retractable running boards, remote start, power flip and fold second row seats, leather, flex fuel, rear parking sensors, heated headlamps, voice activation, and a (must pay for) DVD-based Entertainment System. In fact, all GM full-size SUV's, even the Escalade line and Yukon Denali line , have an OPTIONAL / ADDITIONAL / EXTRA option of DVD-based Entertainment, which costs around $2000.
In North America, the Tahoe is a popular alternative to the Ford Crown Victoria for police car use, especially in rural areas where four-wheel drive and more ground clearance are necessary.
There have been 2 model lines, starting from 1992. It was a typical all-american SUV, nothing more nothing less.
For 2007 the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe received different front fascias and hood. The GMC Yukon features a monolithic grille and headlights, while the Chevrolet Tahoe's grille is divided by a body colored bar similar to the chrome bar found on most of the GMT800 Tahoes. While the Tahoe's hood now features a design attribute obtruding from its otherwise smooth contour, the Yukon features a smooth hood with two slight curves on both sides of the hood. Both the new Yukon and Tahoe feature a more angular design that supposedly gives the vehicles a more upscale appearance. The interior was significantly redesigned as well. It features a new wooded trim dashboard with new chrome accented instrument controls. New door panels as well as new seats were also added to the interior.
Short wheelbase and police Tahoe production began at Arlington Assembly on December 1, 2005. SWB Yukon production began in early 2006, with Janesville Assembly coming on line as well. Long wheelbase versions began at Janesville and Silao Assembly in March.
GM plans to heavily tout improvements in fuel economy for the new-generation Tahoe and Yukon. Highway mileage has improved from 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 21-22 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) with the addition of Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. Both the old and new versions get 15-16 mpg (15.7 L/100 km) in town.
The 2007 Tahoe was featured on, and promoted through Donald Trump's The Apprentice, where the two teams put together a show for the top General Motors employees to learn about the new Tahoe. Also, The Apprentice sponsored an online contest where you can create your own commercial for the new Tahoe, and the winner's ad would air on national television. The vehicle will still continue to have a maximum capacity of 9 passengers.
Tahoe made its hybrid electric debut in fall, 2007. In January, 2008, starting price was USD$50,540.
Black 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrids have replaced the GMC Yukon Denalis on CBS's hit-series CSI. However the GMC Yukon Denali XL is still being used as the CSI's mobile lab/command vehicle.
