This car is a competitor for Audi Q7, BMW X5, Cadillac Escalade, Ford Expedition, Ford Explorer, Ford Bronco, Hummer H2, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-9, Mercedes M-Class, Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan Pathfinder, Porsche Cayenne, Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover Range Rover and Volkswagen Touareg.
First generation (GMT400; 1992–2000)
The new GMC Yukon was introduced in 1991 for the 1992 model year, while GM continued to make the Chevrolet K5 Blazer until 1994. All were two-door models until 1994. In 1996, the Tahoe was American Magazine's Car of the Year «Motor Trend». The car was assembled on the GMT400 platform, the body had 2 and 4 doors. The drive was first on the rear wheels, and in 1998 all-wheel drive appeared.
The engines used were as follows. 4.1 liter petrol (in-line, 6-cylinder) 155 hp and two 5.7-liter (V-shaped, 8-cylinder) 210 hp or 255 hp Diesel engine one with a volume of 6.5 liters (V-shaped, 8-cylinder, turbocharged) 180 hp There are two transmissions to choose from - a 4-speed automatic (4L60-E or 4L80-E) and 5-speed manual (5LM60).
Since 1994, numerous improvements have been made to the car. Changed the interior, side airbags appeared (1995); improved Vortec motors, electronic 4WD, daytime running lights, improved automatic transmission and steering, passenger airbags (1996); PassLock security system, heated front seats, air conditioning for rear passengers, AutoTrac 4WD option (1998); side airbags for everyone, side torso airbags (1999).
Second generation (GMT800; 2000–2006)
Tahoe and Yukon cars were introduced in 2000 on the new GMT800 platform. Both received significant updates and became even more similar to each other, only the headlights and grille were different. Both cars featured softer lines as part of the aerodynamic design. The interior was also updated with new seats, dashboard and door panels.
The engines remained only gasoline, all V-shaped 8-cylinders with a volume of 4.8 liters (power from 275 to 295 hp) and 5.3 liters (power from 280 to 295 hp). Transmission only 4-speed automatic (4L60-E). The body remained only 4-door, and a prototype was made for the two-door, but was not put into production.
In 2003, all GM full-size SUVs received an updated interior, including a new steering wheel, radio controls, as well as better materials and other improvements.
Third generation (GMT900; 2007–2014)
General Motors redesigned the Tahoe and Yukon on the new GMT900 platform in late 2005 for the 2007 model year. In 2006, the cars were presented to the public at the Los Angeles Auto Show. They beat initial sales expectations despite a weakening market for large SUVs. Externally, the cars began to differ more - they received different front panels, hoods and taillights. Externally, the car became more angular, which visually made it taller.
The range of engines again remained only gasoline. Engines are all 8-cylinder V-shaped with a volume of 5.3 liters (power from 285 to 320 hp) and 6.2 liters with a capacity of 405 hp. There are three transmissions to choose from - 4-speed (4L60-E) or 6 speed (6L80) automatic or CVT for hybrid model. Fuel consumption on the highway has been reduced from 12 l/100 km to 11 l/100 km using the cylinder deactivation function.
The 2010 models received a facelift that included a slightly raised bumper, improved door trim, and side torso airbags.
Fourth generation (GMT K2UC/G; 2015–2020)
GM introduced the new generation Tahoe and Yukon in September 2013, and official sales began in February 2014 as a 2015 model. The vehicle is based on the GMTK2XX platform. The body is still available only as a four-door. It has become even more angular with more prominent headlights and grille. The aerodynamics of the car has improved slightly, the noise level in the cabin has decreased.
The car is equipped with seven airbags as standard, including a central one, which protects the head from a collision of the head of people sitting next to them in a side impact. The safety of the car is also ensured by the systems of belt pretensioning, blind spot monitoring, collision warning and lane departure. All this, together with cruise control, the car can automatically brake to avoid an accident.
There are only two gasoline engines - all V-shaped 8-cylinders with a volume of 5.3 liters (360 hp) and 6.2 liters (426 hp). Engines can also run on bioethanol. There are no diesel models. When driving on the highway, the Active Fuel Management system deactivates half of the cylinders to save fuel. Switching on and off occurs in just 2/100 seconds, which is imperceptible to humans. Gearboxes two - 6-speed (6L80) and 8 speed (8L90) machine.
Fifth generation (GMT T1YC; 2020–present)
The fifth generation of the SUV was shown in December 2019 in Detroit, and production began in May 2020. In the same year, the updated twin GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade were introduced. The rear drive axle and leaf springs have been replaced with an independent rear multi-link suspension with coil springs, thereby increasing space in the cargo compartment. The length of the body increased and the dimensions of the car were: length 5352 mm, width 2060 mm, height 1923 mm, wheelbase 3071 mm and curb weight 2500 kg. There were three trim levels - the base LS, LT and Premier, while the trim levels are represented by the Z71, RST and High Country packages.
The instrument panel and entertainment system have undergone changes that have departed from the traditional design. It includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen, which is standard on all trim levels, and two 12.6-inch rear LCD screens that can play movies and display content from passengers' smartphones. The environment is monitored by nine cameras for enhanced towing and parking capabilities, and a total of 30 additional safety features have been implemented. Air Ride adaptive suspension is standard.
Gasoline engines are offered in two options - both 8-cylinder V-shaped 5.3 liters (5328 cm3, L84, 355 hp) and 6.2 liters (6162 cm3, L87, 420 hp). For the first time in Tahoe history, a 3.0-liter turbocharged Duramax diesel engine was installed (2993 cm3, LM2, 277 hp). Transmission is represented by only one option - a 10-speed automatic transmission.