There is nothing as satisfying as having the right tool for the job. Full-size SUVs such as the Tahoe are more than capable of tackling demanding off-road terrain during an exciting 1,400-mile trip to enjoy the splendor of Lake Tahoe itself!
Motor Trend couldn’t think of a vehicle that would have performed better than the Chevy Tahoe during the demanding trip. The steering was well-weighted, and the overall size and stature of the body did a fantastic job of ironing out the many imperfections of the trail. The Z71’s magnetic ride control dampers and air springs do a phenomenal job of zeroing out body roll effects and made for an SUV that fares well in the high country of beautiful Northern California.
The engine option is the trusty 5.3-liter V8 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the sound of which can’t be matched by the Ford Expedition’s twin-turbo V6. The transmission was hailed by the Motor Trend team as “wonderfully tuned for this specific application,” and optimal for getting up steep mountain inclines like Tioga Pass east of Yosemite.
When the group embarked on a stretch of narrow, winding, and steep road ending at the firewatch tower on legendary Buck Rock, they encountered hikers and mountain bikers that had needed to turn back due to the tough and demanding terrain. However, the Tahoe pressed on!
The crew got the Z71 into off-road drive mode, then engaged 4WD low, and elevated up to maximum 10 inches ground clearance. The 9 different onboard camera angles were a massive help getting up this challenging incline, and even though they had to slowly traverse over boulders, they made it all of the way up the trail. Large-sized SUVs are not necessarily the vehicles you think of when it comes to going off-road, but all of the added elements on the Tahoe really make a solid case for conquering the trail.
After feeling accomplished and that the Lake Tahoe trip was a total hit, the group took the Tahoe to a bachelor party that was happening that weekend. They were surprised to learn that no one’s knees were uncomfortable in the third row. The rear entertainment system offered up two twin 12.6-inch screens courtesy of the Rear Media and Nav package. The screens worked beautifully in conjunction with the Bose 9-speaker sound system to get the group amped up for the event. After six days and 1,400 miles, the staff claimed that the Z71 Tahoe is “in all ways worth it.”
