The 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon have finally been unveiled.
Considering the importance of full-size SUVs to Chevrolet and GMC, General Motors chose to span the entire country when introducing the all-new 2015 models. In simultaneous events, the new Chevy Tahoe and Suburban were unveiled in New York, while the 2015 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL were shown in Los Angeles. GM is aiming to further differentiate the new vehicles, as it has with the Silverado and Sierra pickups. Significant improvements in refinement, technology and efficiency should help to catapult the Tahoe and Yukon to the top in this very competitive market.
Though in the past the full-size SUVs have been based on the full-size pickups, the new Tahoe and Yukon share no sheet metal with the pickups. The Chevy and GMC family faces are very much in evidence: Chevrolet with its dual-port grille, chrome brightwork and projector-beam headlamps on the Tahoe and Suburban, and GMC’s C-shaped LED lighting and simpler, blockier design on the Yukon. Both vehicles feature doors that fit flush into the body rather than wrapping over the roof, cutting wind noise. An aluminum hood and tailgate reduce weight, and the interiors have been upgraded as well to reflect GM’s current level of attention to detail. In addition to improved quietness, the new SUVs feature upgraded materials, large consoles big enough to store laptops or iPads and standard Bose sound systems in Yukon models.
GMC’s Yukon Denali is also back, with its signature unique chrome grille and twenty-inch wheels. It’s also got active noise cancellation and retractable running boards.
The Tahoe and Yukon have been upgraded underneath as well. The fully boxed frame incorporates a wider rear track. Stability is further improved by standard StabiliTrak and a locking rear differential. Electronic power steering and a tow-haul mode are also standard. The Yukon Denali adds Magnetic Ride Control for a fully active suspension. Four-wheel disc brakes are offered on both Chevrolet and GMC models.
The 5.3 liter V8 that’s the standard powerplant for Tahoe, Suburban and Yukon models has been updated with direct fuel injection, variable valve timing and fuel-saving cylinder deactivation systems. The Yukon Denali continues to go above and beyond with its 6.2 liter V8. The engines have been tuned to operate in four-cylinder mode for longer periods, improving fuel economy. Six-speed automatic transmissions help on that front as well GM will release horsepower and EPA ratings closer to the vehicles’ launch in early 2014.
