Capability Meets Luxury in the 2019 Chevy Tahoe Z71
The first Chevy Tahoe rolled off the line in 1994 for the ‘95 model year, making it a quarter of a century old. We crunched the numbers, and do you know what that means? It means that the Tahoe has been around for over ten percent of our national history.
Ten Percent! Now that’s impressive. Quite a lot can happen in a quarter century. The Clintons. The Bushes. Y2K. N’Sync. Tiger Woods. The Gangnam Style dance. Facebook. The iPhone. Julian Assange. Furby. Tim Tebow. Uber. Dabbing. That’s a lot of stuff, you guys. And the Chevy Tahoe has been here for all of it. And when the dust settles and it’s time to etch the national history of another generation in stone, the Chevy Tahoe will still be a part of it.
Ever heard the line, Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie, and Chevrolet? Of course you have. And sure, it’s from a Chevy commercial. But there’s a reason it stuck in our collective consciousness: because we know that no matter what another birthday brings, Chevy’s gonna be right here for it.
A Little Background on the Chevy Tahoe
The Chevy Tahoe has been a perennial bestseller in the United States since its release in the mid-90s. This isn’t some tween crossover that barely qualifies as an SUV. Nor is it a wimpy minivan with those silly, sliding track doors that’s afraid to leave the driveway.
The Tahoe is big—and capable. At 204 inches long and 81 inches wide, it dwarfs today’s middling crossover crowd. It also remains as one of the most popular American vehicles on the road, all while maintaining close ties with its bigger-yet Suburban sibling. (Whose own history dates back to 1935, making it the longest running nameplate in the entire industry.)
With a truck chassis at its core and plenty of firepower beneath the hood, the Chevy Tahoe can plow a driveway with ease or haul some serious payload. All while looking really, really good, and offering the kind of luxury one doesn’t always associate with a vehicle of it’s size, price range, or capability.
And if getting away from the beaten path in a bruiser of an American SUV is your thing, then the 2019 Chevy Tahoe Z71 is the right truck with the right package for the things you have in mind.
First things first…
If you want to get your hands on a 2019 Chevy Tahoe Z71, it’s important to note that the only trim level currently accommodating the off-road-ready package is the LT—the mid-tier trim that slots above the base-level LS models and below the Premier trim.
LT Tahoe models sport only one engine option: a popular 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, making 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Existing fans will be happy to know that with a full redesign on the horizon, Chevy has decided to leave well enough alone in the lead-up year. Save for a few paint color changes, the fourth-gen 2019 Chevy Tahoe remains identical to the 2018 offering.
The Tahoe LT comes with a nice package of upgrades from the nicely-appointed-but-still-base LS model, even before the Z71 package comes into play. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and an upgraded Bose sound system are just a few of the many perks. Every model includes a WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a full-feature touchscreen infotainment system that’s hailed for its responsiveness and ease of use. Not to mention, five USB ports and five 12-volt outlets throughout every cabin make staying connected a breeze.
Owners love the quiet ride in the airtight cabin, as well as the endless storage solutions (a whopping 51.7 cubic feet of space when the third row seats are folded down) that a ride of the Tahoe’s proportions allows.
Let’s Meet the 2019 Chevy Tahoe Z71
For starters, the 2019 Chevy Tahoe Z71 sits atop sturdy 18” painted aluminum wheels and Goodyear Duratrac all-terrain tires, which bring more ground clearance with their increased height. The Z71 suspension uses the same shocks and spring rates as other Tahoes, but is specifically tuned to be softer at low-speed inputs. This provides more cushioning when its time to drive over obstacles. Rebound dampening has also been tuned to avoid the dreaded bottom-out that every off-roader fears.
Also present are Z71-specific skid plates and front sill plates, black tubular side steps and recovery hooks, front fog lamps, and a two-speed transfer case for low-range action. The grille is specific to Z71 Tahoes, but if that’s not enough identification, Z71 decals are on the cluster, pillar, and liftgate, and the rubber floor mats bear the logo as well.
As far as extra tech, Z71 models are equipped with such goodies as Front and Rear Park Assist and Hill Descent Control. And the high capacity air cleaner and 3.42 rear axle ratio (compared to the standard 3.08) help to get even more production out of an already-productive engine.
Want your 2019 Chevy Tahoe Z71 to stand out among its own kind even further?
Maybe you should opt for the Z71 Midnight Edition. Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like. This murdered-out Z71 packs all the same power and specs, while blacking out everything it can, from the aluminum wheels to the grille to the iconic bowtie badges. And, of course, black is the only available exterior paint color. (But we suspect you already gathered that much.)
2020 is a big year for the Chevy Tahoe, with a full redesign on the way. Similarly, 2020 looks like it’ll be quite the year for America, too. But if there’s one thing history has taught us about both of ‘em, they’ll still be on their feet when the dust settles. They always are. So, for now, let’s just enjoy the Fourth of July and the 2019 Chevy Tahoe Z71, and leave the future for the future.
