This week, we’re made our way to Fort Worth, Texas to the Texas Motor Speedway to drive the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe with the Tahoe RST Performance Package.
To recap: available only on the Premier (1LZ) trim level, the RST Performance Package includes the 6.2L V-8 L86 EcoTec3 engine mated to the new GM 10-speed automatic transmission and sport-calibrated Magnetic Ride Control suspension. The package also includes a high-capacity air cleaner, 170 amp alternator, 3.23 rear axle ratio, 2-speed active transfer case, and trailer brake controller. As such, the Tahoe RST Performance Package is the only K2 platform Tahoe to be powered by the 6.2L L86 V-8 motor in North America (the engine is available in a standard Tahoe in Russia). Ordering the RST Performance Edition also includes the RST Edition appearance package, which includes 22-inch Gloss Black aluminum wheels with custom silver inserts, (P3H) front and rear black bowties, unique Gloss Black Sport grille with body-color surround, body-color door handles and headlamp accents, Black mirror caps, beltline moldings and roof rails and Black nameplate badging.
As is customary during our first drives, we are opening up a forum for dialogue on this post and are asking for any questions, comments or concerns that you may have about the sported-up Tahoe. So whether it’s about powertrain, design, features or anything in between, we’ll do our best to get an answer for you.
So, comment away below with your questions, but please note it may be 48 hours before we return with relevant answers. Without further ado, ask away.
[nggallery id=889]First-Drive Reviews
We also invite you to read our various first-drive reviews of GM vehicles to pass the time:
- Buick Enclave Avenir first drive
- 2018 Cadillac CT6 with Super Cruise first drive
- 2018 GMC Terrain Denali first drive
- 2018 Chevrolet Traverse first drive
- 2018 Chevrolet Silverado HD max towing drive
- 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 first drive
- 2018Â Chevrolet Equinox first drive
- 2017 GMC Sierra 2500HD All Terrain X first drive
- 2017 GMC Sierra HD first drive
Comments
I’ve only got one question: how fast is it?!
It’s pretty quick! About as quick as any big, three-row family-hauler reasonably should be. GM claims a 0 to 60 time of 5.7 seconds, which makes it quicker than my old Porsche 944 Turbo was from the factory, and interestingly, directly on-par with the Ford Expedition Platinum.
There’s something singularly fun about accelerating such a heavy vehicle so expediently.
Very interesting! Thanks for the response! I guess I should’ve expected this, as the current 6.2L GM rigs all capable of achieving sub-6 second 0-60 times.
How does it handle? How does the exhaust sound, both driving aggressively and at regular highway speeds? How are the brakes/pedal feel compared to the standard ones? Is the weight from the bigger engine noticeable at all in handling? What options are there for lowering the vehicle (slightly) with this magnetic ride control system? How is towing improved with the bigger engine? How is fuel economy affected in real-world driving? Does the gloss black grille seem like it will hold up to rock chips? What tires does it have? (If they’re performance tires, what’s the tread life expectancy and are they directional?)
Is the weight from the bigger engine noticeable at all in handling?
Are you serious? You have got to be kidding me! I would expect that question from a 5 year old! Some people have no clue when it comes to cars and trucks! Where do they get their info from?
I hope you don’t mind I answer these a bit out-of-order:
The handling is very impressive for a three-row, body-on-frame SUV. It feels stable and well-planted at normal speeds, and there’s only moderate pitch and roll. Despite the bigger displacement, the 6.2L isn’t really any bigger externally than the 5.3L, so the weight in the nose is virtually the same as with the base engine.
The exhaust (our Tahoe RST had the optional Borla system) is nice and muscly, and plenty rewarding to the driver. But having also spent about an hour as a passenger, I can see it easily losing its charm after not-too-long.
With the optional 6-piston front calipers, the brakes haul the Tahoe RST to a stop pretty darn quickly. Initial bite is about what you’d expect for a street pad, and overall pedal feel is firm.
We didn’t get a chance to tow with the Tahoe RST, but Chevrolet rates it at 8,400 pounds of towing with the 6.2L. That leaves it shy of the Ford Expedition’s 9,300-pound rating, but elevates it well beyond the base Tahoe’s 6,600-pound capacity. The upgraded brakes, which offer more swept area and more rotor area for better heat dissipation, should help nicely in that application.
There probably aren’t too many options for lowering that you’d actually want to execute. It’d probably involve modifying the springs, but that might impair the magneto suspension, which constantly monitors the amount of extension at each corner.
We didn’t have the chance to do any sort of a scientific fuel economy test, but in mixed driving, I achieved just a point or two less than the EPA’s 17-mpg combined estimate, and that was with a lot of unnecessary, sudden acceleration.
The tires are Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenzas, which are a symmetric tread pattern touring all-season tire. Tire Rack rates the dry performance “Excellent” (8.8/10) and treadware performance “Good” (8.3/10).
Regarding the gloss black grille: it seems durable, but we didn’t have any rocks handy. 😛
Does the sport-calibrated Magnetic Ride Control suspension mask the fact that the vehicle you’re driving is a Chevrolet Tahoe or do you think you’re driving in something smaller and sportier?
I wouldn’t go so far as to say you ever forget what you’re driving; there’s still more pitch and roll than you’re going to get with a smaller vehicle. But it is remarkable how well the magneto shocks do their job, damping body motions and ensuring you don’t pay such a huge penalty for the weight of the vehicle. It squats nicely under braking and feels very well controlled in cornering, yet the ride is still nice and gentle.
Not really a question, but please bug them about putting factory supercharger in it.
Absolutely. I’ll get GM on the horn first thing tomorrow.
Or they can have a factory-backed S/C kit that can be dealer installed like TRD dose for Toyota. Then you don’t worry about a botched job or the truck have void it’s warranty because of a few parts.
It would be an incredible vehicle if Chevrolet would chop off 2 doors, add the supercharger, and call it a Tahoe SS. Heck, I would buy one immediately even without the supercharger. Just wish they would bring back the 2-door model as an optional configuration.
Any 2 door vehicle is a hard sell now days. The soccer Mommies and grocery getters can’t get their kiddoes and car seats in and out of the 2nd row seats very well with just 2 doors.
Then stop having kids! Have these people ever thought of that? I am tired of hearing from people who want the industry to change a vehicle because it won’t fit a family.
There should be a 2 door version of these types of trucks, they are not a tough sale for the right people! It’s when people start wanting cars and trucks that don’t fit their growing family. Like the people who demand that GM make the camaro bigger to accommodate their growing family. Which is ridicules!
Does the front end slide threw a corner if pressed to hard?
Does the rear end want to come around when pressed in a turn?
How does the truck rotate when entering a turn?
Does the truck allow you to stay in control with anti-aging off?
Is the braking front to back near 50%?
How many gears can you roast the tires in?
Is the bigger engine heavier? ( I can’t believe somebody asked that question)
So it’s a little more than a second faster than a 2018 High Country model Traverse with a 6-banger. For 25K more plus a 6-8K discount on the Traverse. I’m just not sure I’m seeing it – and I’ve been driving Yukons and K-Blazers since 1981. There was a time when these were trucks, then the sales department started calling them SUVs and jacking up the price. Shame.
Is their a difference with the 10 speed in MPG? Is this the same setup in the Yukon Denali, 6.2 liter and 10 speed?
The Tahoe RST Premium with optional Performance Package is the same 6.2L/10-speed combo as in the Yukon Denali. According to EPA testing, fuel economy is identical between those two (17 mpg combined). Compared to the 5.3L Tahoe, the RST 6.2L is one mpg lower on the combined cycle, and two mpg lower in the city, while highway fuel economy remains the same.
We haven’t been able to verify any of this for ourselves, but a quick drive returned close to the EPA-estimated figures.
I know someone who has a 1998, or could be a ’99. The vehicle has a larger storage area and barn doors making it much easier to load stuff for them. This family has had the truck painted, cleaned inside as well as its engine to whit, many want to buy this model!
They have a disabled child who requires wheel chair along with other health equipment. The latest models of the Tahoe do not have the same storage capacities (measurements or height). I have seen this and made comparisons. Due to the design and other things, the new trucks just will not accommodate their needs. The Suburban is too expensive and bulky.
Why doesn’t Chevrolet accommodate its consumers? Why don’t they “listen”. We can do so much Better Than we do.
As best I recall the Tahoe’s have never had the barn doors on the back, always been a lift gate. Suburban had the barn doors as a no cost option for many years. You are correct, even though the vehicle exterior measurements remained the same, the interior cargo space on the Tahoe’s and Suburban’s was reduced by about 10% when the latest generation model started in 2015.
@steve
The 90’s Tahoes/Yukons DO have barn doors in the back (some tailgates) I see them all the time (both the 2-doors & 4 doors).
@paula
I liked how the back seat could fold down to where the whole back area is completely flat on those 90’s Tahoes (K5 Blazers), Yukons.
Is GM intentionally trying to push its loyal Chevy customers to GMC? To take its three best upscale options and isolate them in a single package resulting in an $80,000 truck simply puts it out of reach financially for the mass of customers. The RST is very attractive to me (owner of a 6.2 Camaro) but my 2007 5.3 4sp Tahoe is paid for and working fine with 125,000 miles. I am their perfect target customer but I’m not spending $80K on a truck.
I’m in the same boat as you, G. Driving a 2001 with 310,000 miles that is still running great on the original engine and tranny. I’m a living ad for GM trucks. The problem GM faces is that a Denali with the 6.2 is at the same price point as the RST. So I’m not seeing much effort by GM to incentivize us to sell what we own to buy a truck over-stuffed with profit.
Gary – with no prior knowledge of the matter, I will say that something tells me that the next-gen Tahoe/Suburban will address the issues you bring up.
Good. While they are about the business of making me happy, they can go back to the comfy drivers seat in my 07. I tried the ‘15 on for size and found the driver’s seat to be thinly padded and uncomfortable. This is literally a big deal. BTW, I find the comments about the handling of the RST pretty funny. What’s this thing weigh, 3 tons? My ‘07 goes around corners faster than you want.
Is the RST package along with the 6.2 motor and 10 speed transmission going to be also available on the Suburban? I’ve heard conflicting stories on this…
I have the RST with the Brembo brakes and the Borla exhaust. I traded a 2016 Tahoe LTZ with the same 22″ tires. The braking is a huge improvement and the magnetic ride control in the RST gives the Tahoe a more planted feeling. The 10 speed with the 6.2 is amazing. I have just under 2000 miles and the highway mileage is 21 to 22 mpg compared to 18 to 19 on the 2016. City driving you can easily get to 12 mpg if you keep your foot in it. The price is the only thing I don’t love. $8,000.00 more than the 2016. I would recommend a test drive see if you like it as much as I do.
You running premium?
Yes
I will change the oil this week to Mobil One in the passed that has also increased power and mpg a bit.
I also have the 2018 Tahoe RST with 6.2L and Brembo brakes up front. Does anyone have the stopping distance with these brakes compared to stock?
Lee,
I would think it’s better but even if it’s not they are much more responsive, just feel much better to me than the 2016.
I’m also seeing better highway mpg than my 2015 5.3L. I’m considering adding the Brembo/Chevy Performance brakes, only because I tow a 7,500 lb boat. The stock exhaust sounds good as is. Nice rumble, especially when your accelerating. The combo of the 6.2 with this trans is amazing! The Tuning Chevy did on the magnetic ride control is superior to any SUV I’ve been in. Sporty, but not harsh. It’s worth every bit of the $68k I spent (after rebates and discounts) …$75k sticker.
The brembo brakes are amazing. Stock 2017 Corvette Stingray Grand Sport, Braking, 70-0 mph: 139 ft.
Tahoe RST with 16.1″ Brembo is 133ft from 70-0mph according to Motortrend. Stock 13.1″ brakes are 191 ft from 70-0mph.
I also saw 125ft from 60-0MPH from another test, this brakes are amazing for a SUV this big.
Aaron,
Can we get a 2018 Tahoe without the hump for storage in the cargo area?
I can’t find any reference that the Borla exhaust/muffler/resonator comes standard with the 6.2L Performance option. One Chevy web site stated the Borla accessory option for $1249 was only for the 5.3L vehicles. So I am looking for a positive answer on my question if the Borla comes standard to the 6.2L option. Thanks for any help here.
Tony, I’m having the same issue. I just purchased a used/low mileage 2018 RST 6.2L and I’d like to put on the Borla exhaust as well but I’m unable to find it available for this year & model. The Borla website itself says they don’t have an option available. Any insight would be much appreciated!
Kyle, et.al.
Here are the two links to the 5.3L and 6.2L Borla cat back accessories. I may reconsider based on Aaron’s comment in regards to a constant increased noise level of the Borlas.
https://accessories.chevrolet.com/product/2018/Chevrolet/Tahoe/62l-cat-back-dual-side-exit-exhaust-upgrade-system-by-borla®—associated-accessories-19370086?categoryId=12001
https://accessories.chevrolet.com/product/2018/Chevrolet/Tahoe/53l-cat-back-dual-side-exit-exhaust-upgrade-system-by-borla®—associated-accessories-19329322?categoryId=12001
Hope this helps regarding your request.
Tony
The videos I’ve seen of the RST with the Borla exhaust I can see what Aaron was referring to. During the videos, the exhaust sound fits more of a muscle car IMO, not a lower smoother sound which was what i was hoping for.
I have a 6.2 RST with the Borla sounds great. I would also look at the Brembo Brakes can be dealer installed. Best option you can have truck now stops without killing the pedal.
The Borla exhaust for $1249 and the 6 piston front Brembo brakes $2795 are not standard with the 6.2L Performance option on Tahoe RST. The Borla adds about 10HP, more for sound and better airflow. I have the Tahoe RST with Brembo brakes and that upgrade is well worth it. Reviews show stopping distance on stock brakes from 70-0mph was around 195 feet. With Brembo was around 135 feet from 70-0. It makes this big SUV stop like a sports car. The Borla wasn’t available when I picked up my Tahoe RST last November, I bought the 1st one the dealership got it with the 6.2L package and Brembos.
Borla is always an option.
I believe this option is only available through the dealerships right now with the 6.2L. You can’t buy it direct from Borla.
https://accessories.chevrolet.com/product/2018/Chevrolet/Tahoe/62l-cat-back-dual-side-exit-exhaust-upgrade-system-by-borla%C2%AE—associated-accessories-19370086?categoryId=12009
6.2L Cat-Back Dual-Side Exit Exhaust Upgrade System by Borla® – Associated Accessories
Part No. 19370086
MSRP $1,249.00*