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2005
CHEVROLET NEW SUV MODEL GUIDE |
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| CHEVROLET
SUVS |
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 For
2005, Chevrolet constructs truck-based
sport-utility vehicles in four size
categories - compact, mid-size, full-size,
even super-size, thanks to Blazer, TrailBlazer,
Tahoe and Suburban. Yet there's more
this year as Chevy's wagons extend to
a new compact-class model called Equinox,
which resembles a sleek SUV but functions
like a family-friendly minivan and drives
like an easy-riding sedan.
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| Chevrolet
Suburban |
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The largest SUV on Chevy's lot is the
super-size Suburban that stretches 18
feet long and spreads more than six
feet wide across the beam. Its enormous
cabin has seats for as many as nine
passengers and there are high-tech handling
devices aboard including optional Quadrasteer
four-wheel steering (4WS) that turns
all four wheels so Suburban can maneuver
at slow speed with amazingly tight turns
to match the nimble movements of a small
car.
The
series includes 1500 (half-ton) and
2500 (three-quarter-ton) versions with
Vortec V8 engines and automatic transmissions
for all. The Suburban 1500 totes a 5.3-liter
V8 rated this year at 295 hp. The 2500
stocks Chevy's 6.0-liter V8 that runs
to 325 hp, with the heavy-duty Vortec
8.1-liter V8 also available for 320
hp. Both 1500 and 2500 Suburbans host
RWD and 4WD editions, but the latter
has a dash-mounted switch to jockey
between full-time AWD traction, rear-wheel
or four-wheel high and low settings.
GM's OnStar telecommunications system
is now standard in every group for Suburban
in 2005, while a new rear lift gate
with flip-up glass window fits on all.
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| Chevrolet
Tahoe |
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The
full-size SUV one step down in size
from Suburban has four doors for passengers
and up to three tiers of seats on a
1500 (half-ton) wagon with two trims
and RWD or AWD traction. Tahoe contains
heavy-duty mechanical hardware backed
by forceful power and sophisticated
controls for suspension, traction and
brakes plus complex safety systems -
all operating to take the work out of
driving and boost a driver's confidence.
Two Vortec V8 engines power the Tahoe.
A base 4.8-liter plant puts out 285
hp, while the Tahoe in LS or LT trim
has a 5.3-liter V8 for 295 hp. There
are two rows of seats in the cabin in
standard conformation plus an optional
third-row bench split 50-50. Adding
the third tier raises the passenger
count to seven.
Tahoe's
Z71 off-road chassis package installs
Bilstein gas-charged shocks, tuned springs,
jounce bumpers and stabilizer bars plus
16-inch all-season tires. Optional safety
gear reaches to StabiliTrak vehicle
skid controls and power adjustable brake
and accelerator pedals. For entertainment
the Tahoe offers choices like a DVD-based
video entertainment kit and XM satellite
radio service. There are new paint colors
for 2005 models, such as Sandstone Metallic
and Bermuda Blue Metallic.
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| Chevrolet
TrailBlazer |
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Chevy's
truck-based SUV in the mid-size class
comes in regular-length and stretched
editions. The larger version - TrailBlazer
EXT - measures 16 inches longer with
extra space inside for a third tier
of seats to boost the passenger capacity
to seven. A standard-length TrailBlazer
has seats for five. Both TrailBlazer
and EXT use a 4.2-liter in-line-six
as the standard powertrain, which delivers
275 hp with a Hydra-Matic four-speed
automatic transmission. For more muscle,
EXT also offers a new Vortec 5.3-liter
V8 rated at 290 hp.
The
all-aluminum plant applies innovative
Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology,
which automatically cuts the number
of cylinders engaged in the combustion
process when boosted power is not needed.
The process improves fuel economy numbers
by as much as eight percent. These SUVs
continue with trims of LS and LT and
choices for rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and
four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction. With
the 4WD equipment aboard, the TrailBlazer
employs the smart Autotrac system with
push-button selections and automatic
switching from standard RWD traction
to a mode that distributes engine torque
equally between front and rear wheels. |
| Chevrolet
Blazer |
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The compact-class SUV extends this year
strictly as a two-door model but there
are three trim alternatives. Consider
the base two-door Blazer a value package,
although there are special versions
too -- Xtreme, rigged with a low-riding
sport suspension, and ZR2, with a high
stance and 4WD gear for serious off-road
forays. All Blazers carry a Vortec 4.3-liter
V6 engine that musters 190 hp with either
a standard manual five-speed transmission
or optional four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic.
A package of convenience features is
available for all trims, adding gear
like a tilting steering wheel, power
controls for windows and door locks
and power mirrors with internal electric
heat element. Another choice is the
Autotrac automatic active transfer case
for AWD traction. |
| Chevrolet
Equinox |
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The
latest SUV in Chevrolet's line measures
larger than others in the compact class,
with a broad track and the longest wheelbase.
The wide and long platform sets up a
passenger compartment that seems as
spacious as a mid-size wagon. The plans
for the five-seat cabin have a pair
of comfortable bucket seats on the cockpit
row separated by a flip-up or fold-down
console. A bench seat on the second
row slides fore and aft eight inches
to vary legroom and space for the rear
cargo bay. The bench's seatback, in
sections split 60/40 percent, reclines
to two positions and each side folds
to make room for cargo.
In
the back bay Equinox has a power outlet
and a panel that fits in three positions
for stacking cargo in tiers. The panel
also serves as a tabletop for tailgate
picnics. This wagon feels frisky thanks
to a 3.4-liter V6 engine that produces
185 hp with an automatic five-speed
transmission. Equinox offers two trims
-- LS and LT -- with front-wheel-drive
(FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) options
for each.
Read
our Review: Chevrolet
Equinox |
[MORE
INFORMATION FROM CHEVROLET]
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