2000-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

In addition to redesigning its full-size sport utility vehicles for 2000, Chevrolet added new V8 engines and standard front side airbags. The Suburban and its GMC Yukon XL equivalent were GM's largest SUVs--14.7 inches longer than the Ford Expedition, but 7.4 inches shorter than the Ford Excursion. Both the Tahoe and Suburban were 4-door wagons this year. Swing-open rear doors again were standard on both, but a liftgate with separate-opening glass replaced the drop-down tailgate as a no-cost alternative. Tahoes again came only in a half-ton series, while the Suburban was offered in both half-ton 1500 and 3/4-ton 2500 series. Available in base, LS, and LT trim, all models had V8 engines. The base Tahoe held a 275-horsepower 4.8-liter V8. Suburban 1500s and LS/LT Tahoes got a 285-hp 5.3-liter V8, while the Suburban 2500 carried a 300-hp 6.0-liter V8. No more turbodiesels were offered. An automatic transmission was standard, with GM's Tow/Haul mode designed to optimize shift patterns when carrying heavier loads. Both models could have rear- or 4-wheel drive. 4x4s used Autotrac full-time 4WD, which could be left engaged on dry surfaces. Traction control was a new option for 2WD models. Antilock braking again was standard, but 4-wheel disc brakes were new. Suspension changes included a switch from leaf springs to rear coil springs on Tahoes and Suburban 1500s, plus newly available rear leveling. Both models had 9-passenger capacity if equipped with a front bench seat. A new Suburban option replaced the second-row bench with a pair of buckets. Maximum towing capacity was 8800 pounds for the Tahoe, and 10,500 pounds for the Suburban.