Overview

What's New for 2012:
- Hard-drive-based navigation system
- Heated steering wheel now standard on LTZ trim

Exterior Features
The 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe is a large SUV built on a truck-based platform, similar to the Chevrolet Silverado pickup, and is available in three trims: LS, LT and LTZ. The Tahoe is available with a gasoline engine or as a hybrid, with a towing capacity of  8,500 pounds.

Interior Features
Features on the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe LS trim include 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, cruise control, OnStar, and a 6-speaker stereo. The Interior Plus package features automatic tri-zone climate control, 6-way power front bucket seats, Bluetooth connectivity, and premium trim. The Convenience package includes rear-parking sensors, rearview camera, power-adjustable pedals, and remote start. The LT trim includes leather upholstery plus both the Interior Plus and Convenience packages as standard, except for the rearview camera. The LT also offers the Luxury package, which upgrades the mirrors and adds captain's seats, while the Off-Road package includes 18-inch wheels, skid plates, distinctive front and rear fascias, and upgraded springs and shocks. The LTZ trim includes the Luxury package as standard and adds 20-inch wheels, hard-drive-based navigation system, perforated leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, second-row bucket seats, and a 10-speaker Bose sound system.

Optional Features
Air suspension is available as an option on the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ, as are power-retractable assist steps and a blind-spot monitoring system. The Sun, Entertainment and Destinations package is available with the upper trim levels, which includes a sunroof and rear-seat entertainment system, plus the navigation system when part of the LT trim. The Trailering package and 22-inch wheels are also available.

Under the Hood
The 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe is fitted with a 5.3-liter V-8 engine rated at 320 horsepower that is coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission to deliver 335 lb.-ft. of torque. Both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive are available.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy figures for all trims of the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe are 15/21/17 mpg (city/highway/combined).

Safety
Standard safety features on the Chevrolet Tahoe include anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, front-seat side air bags, side curtain air bags, and a driver knee air bag. A blind-spot monitoring system, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera are available.

In government tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Tahoe received 5 (out of 5) stars for frontal-offset and side-impact crash protection and 4 stars overall. To date, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not conducted tests on the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe.