2012 Chevrolet Tahoe

The Chevrolet Tahoe is offered with three trims namely LS, LT, and LTZ trim. All the three trims get the same 5.3L V8 engine but add on to its features list as it moves up to the higher end. The base trim priced at $38,755 comes equipped with features we see in a luxury model and gains, translating features like 17-inch alloy wheels Tri-zone manual climate control A/C. The LTZ trim which is priced at $52,970, comes with Heated and ventilated front seats, Navigation System, and 20-inch wheels along with many in addition to the base features.

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The 2012 Tahoe is offered in three trims with the same engine and gets plenty of features even in the base model. Priced at $43,905, the LT trim is the one we would recommend. Along with the base features, the LT trim comes equipped with a 9-speaker Bose Sound System, Leather upholstery, Rear-locking differential, and much more, making this trim more appealing to buyers.

The 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe features a 5.3L V8 engine which gives out a total power output of 320 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of total torque. The SUV comes standard with an RWD system with AWD available as an option. The engine comes mated with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The AWD model comes with a single-speed unit without low-range gearing or a traditional two-speed transfer case. 

The engine offered is more than capable and can pull the fully-loaded vehicle flawlessly. Along with the steady acceleration, it comes with a typical V8 sound. The ride quality of the Tahoe feels refined along with decent handling. It feels more responsive as compared to other SUVs in the segment.

The 5.3L V-8 engine offered in the Tahoe gives out better output figures than its competitors. In the 0-60MPH dash, the Ford Expedition is the slowest clocking 8.5 seconds. The Nissan Armada comes with a 5.6L V8 engine, the largest among the lot, and offers performance figures on par with the Tahoe as it comes with the highest torque of 385 lb-ft.

In the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe, the V8 engine gets claimed fuel efficiency of 15mpg on city roads, 21mpg on the highway, and 17mpg on combined usage. Along with decent fuel economy figures, it features a large 26-gallon fuel tank thus it gets an impressive range of 546 miles on the highway.  

The Tahoe features the Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation that efficiently switches among 4-, 6- or 8-cylinder modes according to the need thus improving the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. All the models of the Tahoe are available with E85 compatibility but return a low estimated EPA- 11 mpg for the city and 16mpg for the highway.

The fuel efficiency of the Chevrolet Tahoe is impressive and is among the best in the segment. The Ford Expedition returns an EPA of 14MPG in the city and 20MPG on the highway while the Nissan Armada is the one with the lowest EPA figures in the segment. Even with a larger 28-gallon fuel tank the Armada still stands at the bottom in terms of overall range too. The range offered by Ford with a similar tank size as to Armada is on par with the Tahoe.

The interior of the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe feels luxurious and seats a total of nine passengers when equipped with bench seats. It features an attractive design along with high-quality material and decent finishing. The first row is pretty wide and also offers plenty of headroom. Along with this, the bucket seats offered are partitioned by a wide console. The Tahoe is also offered with a front bench as an option. 

It offers plenty of space to the passengers in the front but space in the third row is still an issue as the second-row seats don’t move forward. Along with this, it offers less cargo capacity due to its short length. The seats in the third row of the vehicle don’t flat fold and are difficult to remove due to their heavyweight. The cargo capacity without the third row features 60.3 cu ft of space and 16.9 with the seats on.

The dimensions of the Chevrolet Tahoe offer a spacious cabin compared to its rivals with space for an extra passenger. The third row on the Chevy offers the least headroom after the Nissan Armada and the least legroom after the GMC Yukon. The Nissan Armada is the one with the largest cargo capacity along with a foldable third-row thus more convenient in carrying more cargo. Standout interior features:

• Dual-zone A/C
• Cloth Upholstery
• Driver Lumbar Support
• Heated front seats(optional)
• Second-row heated seats (optional)
• Power release fold and tumble second-row seats (optional)

How intuitive is the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe’s infotainment unit?

It gets a long list of features as standard with intuitive controls. The dashboard layout seems pretty straightforward and the navigation system which is offered as an option is also easy to use. Along with these, it gets various features like satellite radio, a USB port, and Bluetooth as standard. It also gets various additional features like navigation, rear-seat audio controls, and a nine-speaker Bose stereo system. Standout infotainment features:

• 6-speaker sound system
• CD Player
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• Satellite Radio
• USB/iPod interface
• Rear-seat entertainment system(optional)
• 9-speaker Bose Stereo System (optional)

The 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe doesn’t get any exterior updates for this year and features a conservative and stylish design. The vehicle boasts a bold and plain design but somewhere feels a bit aged. It gets 17-inch alloy wheels and a 20-inch set in the LTZ trim. The body looks mildly round at the corners and looks decent along with the well-sculpted lines it gets. 

In the front, the broad grille is divided by a horizontal band on which sits the Chevy logo, and on the sides of the grille, it features big boxy-shaped headlamps. This distinctive big SUV-like design might not appeal to some people but it sure looks handsome with a bold road presence. Moreover, it is among the most compact vehicles which gives it better handling and less body roll when compared to its rivals.

As to the dimensions, the Armada is the lengthiest and the widest SUV. It also gets a 9.8-inch ground clearance; 0.6 inches less than the Tahoe. The GMC Yukon and the Expedition get the shortest wheelbase while the Armada gets the largest which translates to better interior space. Among the rivals, despite being the largest SUV, weighs only 5251 lbs. Some of the Standout exterior features:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Roof rails
• Fog lamps
• 20-inch Alloy Wheels(optional)
• Rear intermittent wiper with washer
• Solar-Ray deep-tinted glass

The Chevrolet Tahoe gets several safety features as standard like the dual front, side, and curtain airbags that cover all rows of seats, traction and stability control, OnStar, and tire pressure monitors. Due to its height and wide pillars the outward visibility is hampered. As an option, it gets a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and a side blind-spot warning system. 

The vehicle has been tested by the NHTSA where it earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. It has not been crash-tested by the IIHS. In the test conducted by NHTSA, it earned an overall score of four stars with a five-star rating in both frontal and side-impact, and because of its height, it’s more vulnerable to roll over. Standout safety features:

• Traction Control and Stability Control
• Tire Pressure Monitoring system
• On-star emergency telematics
• Rear parking sensors
• Side Blind-spot monitor

The Chevrolet Tahoe is a good SUV with an impressive performance along with elegant styling. The cabin offered is pretty spacious and pretty luxurious and top-notch quality interior. The performance is decent and is among the best as compared to its key competitors. The handling of the vehicle is good, offering a composed driving experience. The SUV is very spacious but the third row seems cramped up a bit. To sum it up, the Chevrolet Tahoe with its impressive performance and spacious cabin is suitable for daily use and appealing to many.