GM Unveils 2015 Tahoe, Suburban and Yukon

General Motors pulled the wraps off of the redesigned 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban as well as the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL yesterday. In a pair of press releases (one from Chevrolet and one from GMC), GM says the new large SUVs offer more refinement, capability and functionality than the models they replace.
The new Yukon, Tahoe, Yukon XL and Suburban are all powered by a 5.3-liter V8 that produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The upmarket GMC Denali variants of the Yukon and Yukon XL are powered by a 6.2-liter V8 that produces 420 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. These engines are shared with the redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickup trucks. There are no EPA fuel economy estimates available yet for the SUVs, but GM says the new models will deliver the best V8 fuel economy in the segment.

2015 GMC Yukon XL (General Motors)

The 2015 Tahoe and Yukon are capable of towing up to 8,500 pounds, while the longer-wheelbase Suburban and Yukon XL can tow up to 8,300 pounds. The top LTZ-trim Chevrolet models and GMC Denali models also come standard with GM’s magnetic ride control system, which adjusts various suspension settings to improve ride quality.
All four SUVs receive new body panels and feature a new look. Kicking Tires says the “styling updates are subtle but significant,” and calls the overall appearance “attractive and modern.” GMC and Chevy note that the new models now feature doors that are inlaid with the side body openings, rather than wrapping over top of the body, which they say makes the cabin quieter and improves aerodynamics.
Inside, the new models feature new styling and a host of technology and safety upgrades. Car and Driver seems to like the new cabin, noting that the dashboard “features lots of soft contours, stitched leather and vinyl, and flashes of metallic-looking trim.”

2015 Chevrolet Suburban Cabin (General Motors)

All of the new SUVs feature second- and third-row seats that fold flat. A common complaint among reviewers about the outgoing models was that the third-row seats did not fold flat, but instead had to be removed to maximize interior cargo space.
Convenience features that are available on the new Chevy and GMC SUVs include a power liftgate, eight-inch touchscreen with GM’s MyLink/IntelliLink infotainment system (standard on GMC models), Blu-Ray and DVD rear-seat enterainment system and multiple USB/power ports. Available safety equipment includes forward collision alert, lane change assist and lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert and adaptive cruise control. The new models are also available with GM’s Safety Alert Seat, a feature where the driver’s seat vibrates if the vehicle drifts out of its lane or is about to back up and hit something. Models equipped with front bucket seats will also come with a front center air bag, which GM says is exclusive to the segment. The center air bag protects front occupants from colliding with each other in the event of a side impact.
Rivals for the new Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon and Yukon XL include the Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada. GM says the new SUVs will begin arriving at dealerships in the first quarter of 2014.