The 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe is available with either two- or four-wheel drive, and is offered in three different trim levels. At introduction, base Tahoe LS models come with a 5.3-liter V8 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, but mid-year a less powerful 4.8-liter V8 becomes the standard engine. Other LS trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, dual-zone air conditioning, heated and power exterior mirrors, a six-way power driver’s seat, a tire pressure monitoring system, cruise control, dark tinted glass, and GM’s Stabilitrak stability and traction control system.

The popular, high-volume Tahoe LT line arrives with the same 5.3-liter V8 engine and standard equipment as the base LS model, and comes in three versions. LT-1 equipment includes steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; rear seat audio controls with headphone jacks; halogen fog lights; and body-colored mirrors, moldings, and door handles. The LT-2 treatment adds dual-zone automatic climate control, power adjustable pedals, remote engine starting, leather seating surfaces, a six-disc in-dash CD changer, rear park assist, and a garage door opener. Premium LT-3 packaging yields a 12-way power driver’s seat, driver’s seat memory and heating, a power front passenger’s seat, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system with XM satellite radio.

At the top end, Tahoe LTZ luxury models get the same powertrain as other editions, along with 20-inch polished wheels, heated windshield washer fluid, rain-sensing wipers, heated second-row seats, standard third-row seating, a power liftgate, a locking rear differential, and a load-leveling rear suspension.

Numerous options are available on the 2007 Chevy Tahoe, including a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a navigation system, a power sunroof, power running boards, a rearview camera and second-row leather bucket seats. Base LS and mid-level LT models may also be optioned with features found standard on the better-equipped Tahoe LTZ, including 20-inch wheels.

Standard four-wheel-disc antilock brakes and a Stabilitrak stability and traction control system with Rollover Mitigation technology go a long way toward keeping the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe out of trouble, and if a crash does occur, there are dual-stage front airbags on board to help keep occupants from getting injured. Unfortunately, side-curtain airbags for all three rows come standard only on the LT-3 and LTZ models. On other versions of the Tahoe, you’ve gotta pay extra for this safety system, which is frustrating in a day and age when even a $12,000 Hyundai gets these important safety devices as part of the price of entry.

The Tahoe does, however, receive front pre-tensioning seat belts that activate in the event of a rear impact. Additionally, OnStar telematics, which can notify emergency personnel when the Tahoe is involved in an accident, is included on every model but the subscription to the service is good for just one year. GM says it expects a five-star crash safety rating for all occupants that ride in the new Tahoe.