Base 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe RST Does Not Include 6.2L V8 Or Other Powertrain Goodies

The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe finally brings some fun to the table as Chevy’s first full-size performance SUV. But to truly experience the 2018 Tahoe’s prowess, buyers will need to plunk down extra dough, since the optional Tahoe Performance Package is what grants go-fast SUV lovers all the fun, including the 6.2-liter L86 V8 engine, 10L80 10-speed automatic gearbox and specifically-tuned Magnetic Ride Control suspension. Without checking that box, the added performance is missed, and the less potent 5.3L L83 V8 is included instead.

To note the Tahoe RST only delivers unique styling upgrades — including blacked-out mirror caps, roof rails and badging, body-color grille insert, along with unique 22-inch wheels, while the optional Performance Package is a separate option (one that requires the RST package to begin with).

What’s more, the six-piston Brembo front calipers attached to large Duralife rotors and the Borla exhaust kit are optional and are not part of the RST package.

We don’t know just how much the 2018 Tahoe Performance Pack or the 2018 Tahoe RST will cost just yet, as Chevrolet is quiet on pricing. What we do know is that both packages will be available on the LT and Premier trim levels of the Tahoe, and that opting for the Performance Package will also include the content of the RST package. And despite the Tahoe RST with the Performance Package not being a modern-day Trailblazer SS, it should provide solace for more than a few.

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Former GM Authority staff writer.

Sean Szymkowski

Former GM Authority staff writer.

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  • I knew there was a catch. Oh well, just like the Tahoe SS the RST will come and go, only known to the GM faithful.

    • The Tahoe SS was never a production model. It was only a concept. Chevrolet has pleanty of customers who have been asking for exactly what the RST delivers. They will easily sell each of them that they build, so long as fuel prices remain flat.

      • Actually it was produced back in 96, but called the Chevrolet Tahoe Limited. Almost everyone that I've seen on the street had SS plaques on them similar to the 94-96 Impala SS. Either way, in hindsight it was an "appearence package" and was forgotten. I garuntee this will be the same, as most will come minus the 6.2.

        Never mind that even with the 6.2, thats way too much weight to yank around with any serious athourity. It will probably feel a tad over 'adequate' in real world driving. If It's supposed to compete or turn the heads of the SRT and speedy Euro SUV crowd, It's gotta have 500-600hp.

  • Unless you're tied to the Chev badge there's always the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT to consider.

  • This makes sense. Offer the look to those who want it or offer the look and performance to those who want both. What is so difficult to understand.

    This is going to be expensive and there is no way around it. As it is this vehicle will account for a very small percentage of sales as it is.

    None of you here will ever buy one anyways.

    As for a TT v 6 Colorado get real. The ZR2 and Denali can run $42k to $48 k now. Just how much do you think others will spend?

    Drop in a Camaro 330 HP engine in the present package and keep the price the same is how it should go. But also MPG is what the mid size works on for consumers and mfg both

    • The new Colorado is nearly as quick as the RST performance pack anyways. (caranddriver tested a new Colorado 4x4 3.6 w/8 speed at 6.1 0-60 time.

  • Hopefully, it'll also be in the Suburban line up as well. I'm a buyer with the Suburban. I'll trade in my current Suburban

    • Seems really stupid to not simply allow the Performance Package on any LT or Premier. Not everyone wants monochrome and 22" wheels. The kinds of people who lift trucks and Off-road​ are more likely to fork out for the option and have a bigger need for the power.

  • I just want the choice to have the L86 in a Suburban, no RST gimic. I'll take it from there, CAI, cat forward, cat back, tune.....but no. GM still has the narrow minded approach to a small audience of buyers that will spend 4 or 5k on special edition BS. Why can't we just pick options that suite our needs? After all, we're paying for it....

  • Another observation... there are a lot of other media announcements out there that clearly include the Suburban getting the L86 as an RST option. Now, I understand that is not the case, as I got all excited when I first posted on this site. Makes me wonder how Chevy can miss this so bad that other editors and readers are filling in the blanks with the common sense thinking that both vehicles should get the 6.2. Even my dealer here in Texas thought the Sub was getting a 6.2.....it's not like GM needs to re-engineer any thing! Check the box on a Suburban order, pay the optional cost, be happy. To easy I guess...

  • I ready to order the Tahoe RST but i must have the 6.2 liter engine. When will it become available. Also what ever happened to the Silverado SS that was coming out? Have anyone said or heard anything more about it.

    • I have been waiting for the RST with the 6.2L, Has anyone seen this on any lots yet? If Im going to pay this much for a new vehicle, then I want something for the winter that mirrors my Camaro.
      I had a dealer trying to sell me just the RST edition, (they didn't seem aware of a performance package) Chevy keeps saying "a few more weeks" so Im wondering if anyone has actually seen this vehicle yet?

      • My Tahoe RST with the 6.2 Brembo brakes and Borla exhaust was built 10/25/17 and should be at the dealer this week.

  • No more waiting on Suburbans that will not have the L86 in them! My Yukon Denali XL was built on 10/26/17 and it is a whole lot cheaper, bigger, and more practical than a Tahoe RST! Special brakes, RST package, are over $8k , making the Premier Tahoe MSRP over $80k! Denali is $10k less. We all make choices, so good luck Thomas Allen, hope it is all you expect it to be!

  • In this case, the Tahoe with the 6.2/Performance Package can be had with the LT or Premier... so it's definitely not the case when the performance model requires the luxury trim. But, as mentioned, the Performance Package can only be had on top of the required RST appearance package.

  • Andrew there is no money in gutted models with big engines that sell in low volumes.

    There is a reason why the faster models are loaded up.

    Like stated these will account for 5-8% of the total volume and options make money. Gutted models make no money.

    Sorry but welcome to the real world. You may not like it but that is how it is.

  • Sorry Andrew it is only penny's in a world looking for billions.

    Making money is not enough. Today it is the max return on investment that matters.

    What they are selling makes more money than you pipe dreams.

    Oh when you get your Tahoe here post a photo some where.

    Oh? Just as I though just another lame poster with big talk and not backing it up with a purchase.

    All talk no daollars and no sense.

    Sad!

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