mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

2015 Chevrolet Tahoe And Suburban Live Web Chat: The Recap

In case you missed it, here’s our 2015 Chevrolet Suburban and 2015 Tahoe web chat in its entirety. Combing through the text below, you may notice a few points from Chevrolet Trucks Director of Marketing Maria Rohrer, and Chevrolet Product Manager Kay Jarboe. One is that there are currently no plans for a High Country version of the new Chevy Suburban and/or Tahoe, and that an online configurator goes live next month.

8:58
Manoli Katakis:

Thanks for joining today’s chat. We’ve got Maria Rohrer, Director of Marketing and Strategy for Chevy Trucks and Kay Jarboe, Product Manager for the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban . It’s been quite a week for the Chevrolet team …last week they revealed the next generation Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, and yesterday Consumer Reports named the 2014 Silverado as its top-rated truck. They’re ready to take your questions….

8:58
Maria Rohrer:

Welcome everyone. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us today. We’re ready for your questions!

9:01
Maria Rohrer:

Sergio (in comment section). Thanks for the question. The High Country version is not planned for the Suburban and Tahoe at this point. However, we believe the options in the LTZ trim package (our highest trim package) will be pleased, such as forward collision alerts, heated and cooled leather seats, Bose 10-speaker stereo system and passive entry, push button start.

9:02
Comment From JC

Will the new 2015 models be on display at the State Fair of Texas auto show starting next week?

9:04
Maria Rohrer:

The Tahoe and Suburban’s will be on display to the public for the first time and we’ll be revealling our heavy duty pickups too. I’ll heading down next week, but I hope you’ll take the time to see the Chevrolet lineup.

9:04
Comment From Jay

How new are these SUVs? The term “all new” gets thrown around the industry frequently… but how does that translate to the Tahoe and Suburban?

9:07
Maria Rohrer:

The Tahoe and Suburban, beyond the all-new EcoTec3 engine, there is all-new sheet metal, interior with MyLink infotainment system and a new array of safety technologies. In addition, there’s no sharing of sheet metal with our full-size pickups (for those of you who are full-size historians.)

9:07
Comment From LJ

When will the Mpg ratings be released?

9:09
Maria Rohrer:

MPG will be released in early 2014. While not official, we’re expecting to improvements in both city and highway. We’re already the best-in-class and getting better.

9:10
Comment From Guest

when can I order one?

9:11
Maria Rohrer:

Check with your dealer late in the fourth quarter, production will start in the first quarter of 2014

9:13
Comment From Brent

Is a small diesel in the 1500 and a larger diesel in the 2500 in the works? Will a Z71 package be offered?

9:15
Maria Rohrer:

There’s no three-quarter ton version or diesel variant of the full-size SUVs planned. The Z71 has always been apart of family, you know how we like our performance vehicles.

9:17
Comment From Vince

Seeing the size similarities and differences in capabilities between the full-size Traverse and the Tahoe, does GM see overlap in customers? Are the Traverse and Tahoe cross-shopped?

9:21
Maria Rohrer:

We don’t expect to see much cross-over between those considering the Traverse and Tahoe. While the buyers have similarities – families with children and a need for space – there are differences in household income, towing requirements and image which separate the buyers. We definitely like how we’re positioned though, the Traverse is in a very competitive market where it’s class leading interior space provides it a significant advantage over the competition.

9:22
Comment From David

It appears that Americans are becoming more health and environment conscious. In what way, or ways, will these two magnificent vehicles contribute to those two dynamics?

9:27
Manoli Katakis:

Technical difficulties, folks. Sit tight.

9:31
Maria Rohrer:

Interesting question. Full-size SUV buyers tend to have very active lifestyles with boating, skiing and camping being some of the many outdoor pursuits. It also helps that the Tahoe and Suburban are class leaders in towing and great family/cargo carriers. Throw in class leading fuel economy and we think we have an impressive offering for active Americans.

9:32
Comment From Brent

When will an online build your own with pricing be availible?

9:33
Maria Rohrer:

The visualizer will be online in early October so you can see colors, trims and wheels. The full build your own site will be available in late January (with pricing information too.)

9:33
Comment From Anthony

Does the Tahoe have fold-flat 3rd row seats?

9:35
Maria Rohrer:

YES! Both the Tahoe and Suburban will have fold flat seats for both the second and third rows. There will also be a power fold option which will allow the seats to fold down in around three seconds. (We know you’ve been asking for this feature and a much quicker option than your competition…we’ve been listening.)

9:35
Comment From jp

any idea what the towing capacity of the suburban will be?

9:39
Maria Rohrer:

Towing capacity for the Suburban is 8,100 lbs 2WD and 7,900 lbs for 4WD. An added standard feature of the trailering package is an air suspension which adjusts to keep the rear of the vehicle level.

9:42
Comment From DJ

When we know the full compliment of options (especially interior/exterior colors) for the Tahoe?

9:43
Maria Rohrer:

Dealers will have order information by late October and customers will have visibility to colors soon after. Full complement of options will be in January.

9:44
Comment From JC

Where can I get more information on the Navigation system? Does it use a DVD that needs to be updated or is it continually updated live? What software platform is it on?

9:48
Maria Rohrer:

The Tahoe and Suburban Navigation system is an embedded as part of Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system. The system does not use DVDs. The system will provide multiple map views and ways to input your destination, natural Voice recognition, 3D map views of cities and attractions. There’s also the added security of using OnStar which is standard. BTW – one fun fact is that the screen will pop-up to reveal hidden storage and a USB port. It makes it really simple to stream your music and keep your valuables safe while you’re not in the vehicle.

9:49
Comment From Darian

Why did you make the “burb”look so much like a ford?FAIL!!!!! sorry I love my burb and if I wanted a ford i would buy one

9:54
Maria Rohrer:

Before you rush to judgement you should see one in person first as the Suburban is a very handsome vehicle. Also, keep in mind, that for vehicles of this size aerodynamics plays an important role in fuel economy. Style is a very personal choice, but we believe the 12th generation Suburban is true to its heritage with a more contemporary look. Again, try to take a look at the Suburban in person, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

9:54
Comment From Bigfoot

Are the running boards fixed or can they retract?

9:58
Maria Rohrer:

Thanks for asking, this is one of our best new features. While the standard running boards are fixed, available articulating running boards with a light-pipe that runs along the edge of the assist-step which illuminates at night. This can be activated by your key fob as well. It provides great security and visibility around the vehicle when it’s dark outside.

10:00
Manoli Katakis:

With regard to the new Ambient Air Vent, was this idea thought of in-house, or was it drawn up from listening to customers?

10:05
Maria Rohrer:

The Ambient Air vent gives passengers a sense of heat or cool through an indirect path rather than direct forced air vents.   There’s a trend moving toward Ambient Air is occurring elsewhere in products like the Dyson hoop fan.   We also frequently hear from customers who want to change the temperature, but would prefer not to have the cold air blown directly on them.

10:06
Manoli Katakis:

We have time for one last question before we close.

10:06
Comment From Mikey

What are the biggest improvements to the 2015 models as far as ride and handling go?

10:11
Maria Rohrer:

Excellent last question.   It would have been a shame to have conducted an hour long chat and not talk about the vehicle performance!   Triple seal doors, new body mounts, redesigned hydraulic engine mounts for isolation and sound damping, Magna ride (LTZ only), electric power steering for better responsiveness and a more powerful  engine combined  to give the Tahoe a whisper quiet ride with the performance our customers have come to enjoy.   We’re sure you’ll be impressed.

10:12
Maria Rohrer:

Thanks to all of you for the great questions.   We hope to join the GM Authority forum in the future…there’s plenty more about these great vehicles we can share.

10:12
Manoli Katakis:

This concludes our live web chat. Thank you to all who participated!

Former staff.

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.

Comments

  1. the Tahoe and suburban look very simaler to the ford expedition do you have reason why you stilled them like that?

    Reply
  2. How is the Tahoe/Suburban looking like the Expedition???? I don’t see that at all….

    Reply
  3. The GM HD’s Are Debuting @ Texas State Fair?

    Reply

Leave a comment

Cancel