2002 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Tahoe and Suburban come standard with a host of previously optional equipment for 2002, triggering base-price increases of up to $9177. Most features of last year's LS package are now standard, including air conditioning, power windows, power front seats, heated power mirrors, rear climate controls, CD player, and alloy wheels. Leather upholstery is optional as part of the LS package. Base-price increases range from $7423 for the 2WD Tahoe to $9177 for the 2WD Suburban 1500.

Tahoe shares its design with the GMC Denali and Yukon and the Cadillac Escalade. The longer Suburban is kin to XL versions of Denali and Yukon. Tahoe comes in the half-ton 1500 series, Suburban in 1500 and three-quarter-ton 2500 models. Both offer swing-open rear cargo doors or a liftgate with separate-opening glass. All have V8s, ranging from a 275-hp 4.8-liter to the 340-hp 8.1 optional on 2500 Suburbans. Standard are automatic transmission with Tow/Haul mode, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and front side airbags. Available are rear load-leveling and General Motors' OnStar assistance system. Tahoe and Suburban offer rear-wheel drive or GM's Autotrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. Traction control is optional for 2WD models. Third-row bench seats (standard on Suburban, optional on Tahoe) create 9-passenger seating. The 4WD Z71 package adds special wheel flares, body trim, and shock absorbers, plus 17-inch wheels in place of 16s.

COMPETITION

Though this segment has cooled somewhat with the rise in fuel prices, it's still one of the hottest. Our Best Buys are the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.

Recommended are the Ford Expedition and GMC Yukon. For a few more bucks you can get the Toyota Land Cruiser. Its high price is the only thing holding back this refined and drivable SUV. We love the size, comfort, and power of these big SUVs but wish they got a few more miles per gallon.