From a bulky pickup truck with a shoddy plastic roof to the dependable, versatile pickup truck that is the 2018 Chevy Tahoe, this vehicle has come a long way. It has evolved into an ever-improving revolutionary. Throwing away its old skin to rebuild itself into a unique and versatile people-carrier. The Tahoe is a go-almost-anywhere, do-almost-anything sport-utility vehicle you will never stop fighting for you.
Generations
Let’s take a look at the generations leading up to the making of the impressive 2018 Chevy Tahoe.
First Generations (1995-1999)
Time for a bit of a history lesson, because this was the beginning of a revolution. At first, the Chevy Tahoe was just a part of the Blazer automobiles line up. It was large (in an unappealing way), and only had two bulky doors. Although, it actually did fit in well for many situations at the time. That was only until 1995 though since soon after a mind-blowing remodel would be revealed. With only the addition of two more doors, everything about this vehicle transformed, including its name. It was now reborn as the Chevy Tahoe that would live on for generations to come.
It all goes back to the world practically pleading for a car that would finally be just the right size. The Tahoe was determined to be that saving grace. The best part of this story is that no other company at the start had anything similar to this vehicle; leaving the Tahoe to take the size-crazed world by storm. Competitors soon arrived from Ford and other well-known dealers, but none offer the refined full serving size of interior space from the 2016 upgrade, or the roughness to contain its trailer-pulling capacity.
In 1997, Chevy also introduced the Power Plant upgrade and new drivetrain variants. They intended to do everything possible to be a standout option, no matter what direct competitors popped up.
These were the starting years of a revolution for the birth of the Chevy Tahoe. That was what this generation was all about.
Second Generation (2000–2006)
In its second generation, the Chevy Tahoe was redesigned and given new birth for its year 2000 model. It became even more powerful and efficient than any past model due to a lighter, more trim design. It remained conservative on the outside but was filled with the technology of the best grade of the time. It also did an excellent job of remembering its roots by keeping all of its amazing towing and cargo features.
By this generation, everyone knew the Chevy Tahoe as the perfect-size sport-utility. It carries a weight unlike before but always kept it’s resolutions to remain compact and maneuverable. It also improved to be more smooth and stable, a rock of the road you may say. Power and control were always in perfect control through steering and well-made brakes. It also was a great terrain vehicle now. Gravel, mud, and snow never stood up to the Chevy Tahoe even back in this generation.
In 2003, another big shift for the generation was made. Some were flashy, others were understated, and some of the best were all technical. It added a little bit of everything. For safety, it introduced StabiliTrak which was an electronic stabilizing system for those slippery road days. It also improved airbags, breaks, and certain features that aided those of smarter size to feel safer. As for the techy side, XM Satellite Radio was added to the entertainment system along with Bose audio, and a DVD set up. It also didn’t dream of forgetting an upgraded interior, with a whole new steering wheel and radio control design. Although it’s probably the power that’s most important, so they also decided to up the horsepower by 10. How is that for a mid-season reboot?
Third Generation (2007-2014)
Finally, the Chevy Tahoe moves into its third generation. In these years the LS and LT trims are added, along with two different V8 engines and rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel drive. The standard engine though is a 4.8-liter V8 with 290 hp, and every Tahoe comes with four-speed automatic transmission. If you choose to go for the four-wheel drive models, it comes standard with a 320-hp 5.3-liter V8 engine. It also features GM’s Active Fuel Management technology. When it came to fuel though, there was an option that allowed the Chevy Tahoe to run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel.
On the safe side, the third generation Tahoe’s included hydro boost and four-wheel anti-lock brakes, a tire monitor, dual airbags, and many more optional features including the popular StabiliTrak.
Eventually, the standard features for this generation became dual-zone air conditioning, cloth seating, 17-inch wheels, a tire-pressure monitoring system, StabiliTrak stability control with rollover mitigation, and an eight-speaker audio system with CD player and a year of OnStar service.
The 2010 model added a new audio system that had with a USB port for all trims. The LT1 trim added standard leather seats, and the LTZ offered a standard navigation system and rear camera display.
In 2011, the exterior paint changed for every model. In addition, the body-color was added to door handles and exterior mirrors but only by upgrading to the LS trim. That upgrade also changed to allow for power front bucket seats with a center console and rear audio controls, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and center roof rails.
2012 introduced new paint colors to the line up along with a few additions to the LTZ trim. Now it included a heated steering wheel, a new standard radio, and a standard side blind zone alert.
Now about under the hood for this generation. From 2006 to 2014, the Tahoe offered the Vortec 5.3 V8 with 320 hp. From 2009 to 2011, there was the 6.2 L Vortec 6200 V8 with 405 hp. Finally, from 2011 to 2014, the 6.2 L Vortec 6200 V8 was produced and has 405 hp.
Fourth Generation (2015-present)
Finally, we reach modern day, leading up to the 2018 Chevy Tahoe that you know and love, or if you didn’t before you do now or will after this section. Since the end is soon, let us break this down by years.
In 2015, the big improvements were the gain of 4G WiFi and Siri capability. There was also a new color called Brownstone Metallic. On the LTZ or optional on the LT luxury trim, hands-free power liftgate was standard. Also standard on the LTZ trim was Mylink Navigation. Sadly, the ethanol fuel engine was removed from retail at this time as well.
2016 offered even more substantial modifications while competing with Subaru. More safety alerts, capless fuel, and a more inclusive infotainment system were the highlights.
In 2017, four colors were removed and replaced with two new ones named Blue Velvet and Pepperdust Metallic. Technology got a boost as well with the introduction of the teen driver feature, an App Store feature, a rear seat reminder, and low speed forward automatic braking.
Today brings us to the 2018 Chevy Tahoe, and it remains the product of years of intensive upgrading and improvement. The greatest change of the 2018 year model is the 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine that should thrill all fans of this line.
The best feature the Chevy Tahoe will ever provide its loyal customers is the ability to grow with them as the years go by and never stop fighting to revolutionize the world with each passing generation.
