Both the Tahoe and Suburban are offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, with either rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive for each. Suburbans can be specified either as standard-duty 1500 models or heavy-duty 2500 models. The Tahoe can tow up to 8,400 pounds, while the Suburban 2500 can tow up to 9,600 pounds when properly equipped.

2010 Tahoe Interior

A 320-horsepower, 5.3L V8 engine featuring E85 capability is the only available engine option for the Tahoe, although a 6.0L is combined with an electric motor on hybrid models, making a combined 332 horsepower. The same 5.3L V8 is standard on 2WD and 4WD Suburban 1500 models and the heavy-duty Suburban 2500 comes equipped with a standard 6.0L V8, which makes 352 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.

The 5.3L and 6.0L engines both come equipped with Active Fuel Management, which cuts off fuel to half of the cylinders in some conditions when full engine power isn’t needed.

The Tahoe Hybrid model, which joined the lineup in 2008, gets a 6.0L V8 as part of a 2-Mode hybrid system that is capable of powering the Tahoe at low speed on electric power alone, while at higher speeds the electric motor system assists the gasoline engine for more efficient accelerating and passing. The Hybrid has 8-passenger seating and can tow up to 6,200 pounds.

2010 Chevrolet Tahoe LT

The stiff, fully boxed frame of Tahoe and Suburban helps provide the structure for heavy hauling and towing and also reduces vibration in the passenger cabin. There’s also extensive noise-reduction material used throughout the models inside the headliner, over the engine, in front of the dash and in door seals.

Luxurious LTZ models get a smooth Autoride suspension system, which has two modes of damping-one firmer, one softer-which it can switch between quickly depending on driving conditions.

320-hp Vortec 5.3L V8 engine

Inside, the Tahoe and Suburban have a sophisticated instrument panel design, with LED backlighting and chrome accents, which is smoother and more car-like in design than most other full-size SUVs. Bluetooth hands-free connectivity is standard.

Roof-mounted head-curtain air bags with rollover protection, covering all three seating rows, are standard across the model lines, and side impact airbags are also now standard. StabiliTrak electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes are also included with both models.

2010 Tahoe Cashmere Color Interior

Standout features available on the Tahoe and Suburban include a remote start system, heated seats for the first and second rows, a power-release fold-and-tumble second row, ultrasonic rear parking assist, a rearview camera system, touch-screen navigation, and an 8-inch rear DVD entertainment system.