DriveTech

2007 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ has space and decent gas mileage

Have you ever driven somewhere wishing you could haul seven other buddies? Or pick up three or four sacks of plant fertilizer, but you're driving a four-seater with minimal trunk space because you felt gas mileage was more important?

You might want to consider the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe. It's smaller than the Chevy Suburban and just as equipped to do almost as much as the Suburban - but still has decent fuel mileage. My test Tahoe came from the good folks at Poway Chevrolet. Internet and Fleet Manager Mike Lawson was nice enough to hook me up. I also found out if you deal with him, you can do it all over the internet and he will even deliver the vehicle to you. Talk about customer service.

I test drove the LTZ model, which meant it came loaded with tons of features. A two-wheel drive model, it has the 5.3-liter V8 that runs on gasoline and E-85 if needed. This is the only engine available on the '07 Tahoe but it gets 16 miles per gallon in the city and 21 miles per gallon on the open road. That's not bad for a vehicle that can haul up to eight passengers including the driver.

All this is backed by a four-speed, computer-controlled automatic transmission and has a tow/haul feature that shifts like butter. The four doors are big enough to allow everyone inside with ease, thanks to Chevrolet's flip-and-fold second row seating. There are large windows all around for maximum viewing plus limo tinting. I found no blind spots. You can opt for a back up camera, especially if you do a lot of towing or you need to see where you're backing up (my tester didn't have this feature).

The 2007 Tahoe is a new design as Chevrolet took some cues from the re-designed Silverado. There's a different look on the outside, better feeling behind the steering wheel, more power and the interior is quieter than in years past thanks to some revolutionary design. The frame is boxed and the front and rear track are widened for a better ride and handling. Coil over shocks and rack and pinion steering provide a feel of full control.

Cruising down the highway is a dream thanks to the massive captain chairs lined in leather, plus a fat steering wheel with controls to command your Tahoe. You also get a center console that accommodates a large purse, which may be an important feature for female drivers. There's space in the console and nice cup holders with a 12-volt receptacle within easy reach. All the controls are easy to reach and operate, from the dual climate controls to the top-of-the line sound system. And don't forget the XMRadio on all General Motors products. There is nothing better than laughing down the road listening to the comedy channel.

My Tahoe was painted "Summit White" along with a light gray "Titanium" interior. The interior also has touches of wood grain but what I like most is minimal chrome. The grill, badges and 20-inch alloy wheels are chrome and that's it.

The LTZ model has more than $8,000 worth of options that would make any driver giggle with glee. I would like to list them all, but the limited space will not allow it. You will just have to take a ride over to Poway Chevrolet. But I can tell you the sound system has been upgraded to a Bose system, complete with remote vehicle start, power adjustable pedals, head curtain side airbags in all rows of seating and rain sensing wipers, just to name a few.

Got your interest up? I thought so. This is one nice truck. Plus, rear passengers get a complete entertainment center with four wireless headphones and a flip-down screen.

If you need a vehicle of this size, you might as well spoil yourself. Check out the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe. Whether it's the two-wheel or four-wheel drive, I'm sure you will love the truck. In case you want to drive my tester, the stock number is 170159. Have fun!

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