2003 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Front side airbags are optional instead of standard for 2003, but these full-size SUVs gain new entertainment options along with an available antiskid system, 4-wheel steering, and adjustable pedals.

Tahoes are similar to GMC's Yukon/Yukon Denali. The longer Suburbans are kin to Yukon XL/Yukon Denali XL. Tahoes come in half-ton 1500 form, Suburbans in 1500 and heavy-duty 2500 models. All offer LS and upscale LT trim and swing-out rear cargo doors or a liftgate with opening glass. A 3rd-row bench seat is standard on Suburbans, optional on Tahoes for up to 9-passenger capacity. With leather upholstery, 2nd-row buckets are a new option. Front side airbags are now a $350 option.

Standard on all are antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, automatic transmission with Tow/Haul mode, and a V8 engine. Tahoes come with a 4.8 liter and offer a 5.3 that's standard on Suburban 1500s. Suburban 2500s use a 6.0- or optional 8.1-liter V8. Available is rear-wheel drive or GM's Autotrac 4WD, which can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing.

GM's Stabilitrak antiskid system is a new option for all 5.3-liter models. GM Quadrasteer 4-wheel steering is newly available for 6.0-liter Suburban 2500s. Quadrasteer reduces the turning circle at low speeds and is designed to enhance stability at higher speeds and when towing. Newly available for all models as part of the LT option package are power-adjustable pedals. A DVD rear-seat entertainment system and XM satellite radio also are new options, and LT trim includes turn-signal lights for the power door mirrors. Rear load-leveling suspension and OnStar service are also offered. The Z71 package for 4WD models delivers special wheel flares, body trim, and shock absorbers, plus 17-inch wheels in place of 16s.

COMPETITION

Our Best Buys, Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, are improved for 2003 with optional four-wheel steering and revised dashboards. These vehicles were new for 2000 and have improved with age. The all-new Ford Expedition gets bumped up to Best Buy status with revised styling, power 3rd-row seating, and the addition of an FX4 off-road edition.

Recommended are GMC Yukon and Toyota Sequoia. We love the size, comfort, and power of these big SUVs but wish sticker prices were a bit lower.