Both vehicles ride on GM's brand-new T1 truck
platform, which also currently rests under the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado
trucks. Both of these new SUVs are larger than their predecessors on the
outside and offer more room and comfort on the inside as well. The Tahoe and
Yukon are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission across the board, with
three choices of engines. The base variant is a 5.3-liter V8 that cranks out
355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, and there's also a 6.2-liter V8
cranking out 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
Both carry over from the last generation of Yukon
and Tahoe, but the new versions feature smarter cylinder deactivation systems
and start/stop systems. The third available engine is the turbo-diesel
3.0-liter inline-six that was first seen on the Sierra and Silverado pickups.
It generates 277 horsepower and also nails down a 30 mpg highway EPA fuel
economy stat. The Yukon now also features the advanced Active Response 4WD
system, using a limited-slip differential that manages the distribution of
power and traction. The poised and always track-ready Camaro and Corvette also
used Active Response, and it is one quality that can tend to make the Yukon a
better choice for off-road adventures.
On both new models, the only strong similarities
in the exterior design are the nearly identical top-down and side views. Aside
from that, the Tahoe now has a wider grille, and the headlights are much higher
up and narrow in comparison to the Yukon. In the rear, the SUVs now have
different liftgates and taillights, as opposed to the ones on the outbound
models that were the same. Now on the Yukon, every trim except for the
top-of-the-line Denali does have the same climate control panel, screen setup,
and switchgear on both SUVs.
The Denali has a completely different dashboard
setup, where the screen sits lower on the dash with two larger HVAC vents above
it. You'll also find a most definite step up in the form of nicer leather and
wood materials in the Denali trim. During your January test drive here at Jim Butler Chevy,
you'll also notice that both SUV models come with 15-inch head-up displays,
active grille shutters, optional air suspensions, and a long list of safety and
driver-assist features!