Chevrolet launched the Tahoe->ke472 back in 1992 as the badge-engineered replacement for the full-size Blazer. Since its release, it has carried the Blazer's tradition of being one of the most successful models in the full-sized SUV segment.

It's easy to understand why the Tahoe draws so much interest: it accommodates up to nine people, offers a powerful engine and it has tons of options to choose from. Over the years, more and more competitors have hit the market, giving the Tahoe plenty of competition to fend off, like the Ford Expedition->ke363 and Toyota Sequoia->ke1836. The question is: can it handle it?

Buyer can order the 2014 Tahoe in a trio of trim levels -- LS, LT and LTZ -- and in two system configurations: rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. With this many options, there is a one Tahoe for every taste.

One big issue with the Tahoe is that its design is very, very, VERY long in the tooth and looks dated inside and out when compared to the competition. That comes as no surprise, given its last redesign was in 2007. There were plenty of rumors of a redesigned 2014 model, but that was put on hold and now all signs are pointing toward that redesign coming in the 2015 model year. Fortunately for Chevy, the entire full-size, body-on-frame SUV realm is behind the styling eight ball.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe.

Exterior

Just like with any other Chevrolet model, the 2014 Tahoe features a large, gold bowtie centered on a twin-port horizontal grille with an argent-texture surround. The SUV's distinctive appearance continues with aggressively styled fog lamps and headlamps that help give it some extra style that this bulky SUV needs so badly.

For the 2014 model year, customers can choose between the following exterior colors: Crystal Red Tintcoat, White Diamond Tricoat, Black, Silver Ice Metallic, Olympic White, Black Granite Metallic, Mocha Steel Metallic, Champagne Silver Metallic and Concord Metallic. There is also an optional Z71 Off Road appearance package that adds large, color-keyed wheel flares, an aggressive front fascia and satin chrome tubular assist steps, and bright chrome front grille insert.

Exterior Dimensions

Chevrolet Tahoe LS Exterior Features:

-Daytime Running Lamps

-Outside heated power-adjustable, manual-folding mirrors

-Luggage rack side rails, roof-mounted, Black

-Luggage rack center rails, roof-mounted, Black

-17-inch all-season, blackwall tires

-17-by-7.5-inch aluminum wheels

Chevrolet Tahoe LT Exterior Features:

-All LS features, plus:

-Halogen fog lamps

Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ Exterior Features:

-All LT features, plus:

-Grille insert, bright chrome

-Outside heated power-adjustable, power-folding mirrors with driver-side auto dimming

-20-inch all-season, blackwall tires

-20-by-8.5-inch polished aluminum wheels

-17-inch full-size steel spare wheel

Interior

While designing the Tahoe's cabin, Chevrolet paid great attention to every aspect, so you will find almost no exposed metal hardware or latches. Also, the 2014 Tahoe features the segment's largest center console storage bin, a large glove box and numerous cup holders and storage compartments.

All Tahoes are offered with three rows of seating, with the third being a three-passenger bench with a 60/40 split or two bucket seats.

Interior Dimensions

Chevrolet Tahoe LS Interior Features:

-AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player

-SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 3 trial months

-Tri-zone air conditioning with manual controls

-Front bucket seats

-Leather-wrapped steering wheel

-Tilt-Wheel, adjustable

-Steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls

Chevrolet Tahoe LT Interior Features:

-All LS features, plus:

-Bose premium audio system

Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ Interior Features:

-All LT features, plus:

-Audio system with navigation

-Leather-appointed front bucket seats

Drivetrain

All Tahoe models are powered by a 5.3-liter V-8 engine that delivers a total of 320 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission and delivers fuel economy of 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.

Powertrain Specifications

Suspension and Brakes

Tahoe is built on GM's full-size SUV platform and is offered with all the features provided by it: a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension, multilink rear suspension with coil springs and rack-and-pinion steering.

Depending on the model, customers can choose between the standard 17-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels. The Tahoe comes standard with a four-wheel-disc brake system with ABS.

Prices

Competition

Toyota Sequoia

We've heard rumors about a possible new generation Sequoia for a very long time; however, until that really happens, we'll have to stick to the current version unveiled back in 2008.

Sequoia is powered by an iForce 5.7-liter V-8 engine that cranks out 581 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm, making it considerable more powerful than the Tahoe.

Toyota's model is also a little bit cheaper than the Tahoe: it comes with a starting price of $40,930.

Nissan Armada

The current-generation Armada was unveiled in 2004 and the only minor upgrade it received was back in 2008. This full-size Nissan comes with a 5.6-liter V-8 engine that delivers a total of 317 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque. The engine is combined with an advanced five-speed automatic transmission, heavy-duty fully boxed ladder frame and comfortable double-wishbone suspension.

As you can see, the Armada is the least powerful of the group, but it is also the cheapest one with a base price of 36,890.

Conclusion

The Tahoe may not be the perfect choice for buyers looking for a large SUV to haul around just the family, but it remains one of the few SUVs on the market to offer great off-road capabilities. This off-road capability combined with passenger hauling is what puts is ahead of its competition.