The full-size SUV has been upgraded to better compete against new models on the market.

Between the popular Chevrolet Tahoe and the related GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade, General Motors brands sell more full-size SUVs that any other automaker. With a strong entry into the segment by Jeep with the new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, Chevrolet has not had any time to become complacent. The Tahoe has been strongly upgraded over the past few years, benefitting from a complete redesign for the 2021 model year.

It starts with the driveline and suspension. Tahoe buyers can choose between 5.3-liter or 6.2-liter V8 engines, or a 3.0-liter six cylinder turbo-diesel. All offer good power, and the diesel also delivers excellent fuel economy at the same time. All engine choices come with a sturdy 10-speed automatic transmission. Most Tahoe models are equipped with four-wheel drive, and the new design includes shift-on-the-fly selection of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Notably, you can also choose Automatic mode, which engages the front axle only when you need it. That makes the traditional 4WD system more like the all-wheel drive you get with smaller SUVs.

The biggest change in the current generation of Tahoe is independent multi-link rear suspension. The old solid axle that came from pickup trucks is gone, replaced by a modern crossover-style rear suspension. The effect is night-and-day when compared to an older Tahoe. The rear end is smoothly planted over bumps, and never bounces. On-road and off-road handling is dramatically improved as well. Optionally, you can pair that independent suspension design with magnetic ride control or an air ride adaptive suspension, which allows you to adjust the Tahoe's ride height up to four inches and level the vehicle when carrying heavy loads.

Inside, the 2022 Tahoe is fully up-to-date. You get a well-designed interior made with quality materials. The new Tahoe is substantially larger than older models, gaining 6.7 inches in overall length and almost 5 inches of wheelbase. The current generation Tahoes used that extra size to add 3 inches of second-row legroom and a whopping 10 inches of third-row legroom, as well as more cargo capacity behind the third-row seats. The second row also slides 5.5 inches to customize your passenger situation. With all seats folded down, the Tahoe will carry 122.9 cubic feet of cargo.

All driving and climate controls are easy to find and use in the Tahoe. Chevrolet is justifiably proud of its technology, offering a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment interface, and an available 8-inch screen for driver information. Also optional is a 15-inch head-up display, which projects useful information onto the windshield. There's also an optional second row entertainment system with twin 12.3-inch video screens.

Safety is always a prime consideration for a family SUV, and Chevrolet has been throwing everything into the Tahoe. With 30 distinct safety features, this SUV has never been better-equipped. Among the available features are a high definition reversing camera with an optional 360-degree surround camera system, blind spot monitoring, lane assistance, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision alert with a following distance indicator, rear parking assistance, and automatic high beams.

On the road, you'll notice that the new Tahoe benefits from its driveline and suspension improvements, and you don't have to buy the top trim to get those.

Remember though, this is still a big SUV, and it's even bigger than prior generations, so don't expect sedan-level handling. The Tahoe is made to seat up to eight passengers and tow or haul pretty much anything that can be pulled with a trailer hitch.

The 2022 Tahoe isn't cheap, but it's also not that much more than smaller mid-size unibody SUVs. You can buy a Tahoe for as little as $52,000, plus fees, but the Tahoe with all the features you want will be more like $63,000 to $73,000. That's a lot of money to consider, but any Tahoe should last you at least 10-12 years. The bottom line is that if you're looking for the passenger and towing capacity of a traditional full-size SUV, the 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe is a strong choice.

2022 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD Z71

Base price: $52,000

Price as tested: $72,710

Type: Full size SUV

Engine: 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp, 460 lbs-ft)

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

EPA estimated mileage: 14/19

Overall length: 210.7 inches

Curb weight: 5,845 pounds

Final assembly: Arlington, Texas