Tahoe Custom: Capable, Bargain Alternative to Pricey SUVs
If you can live without a third-row seat, the Tahoe Custom will save you thousands of dollars.
As you’re undoubtedly aware of, trucks aren’t exactly getting any cheaper these days. Average transaction prices are skyrocketing as consumers demand more and more luxury and technology features. And automakers are happy to oblige, as all of these features are highly profitable. There’s really only one loser in this scenario. And that’s the consumer who just wants a plain old truck at a reasonable price.
Sadly, most automakers seem content with leaving the traditional truck consumer behind. But not Chevrolet. In fact, they just announced a special edition vehicle designed specifically for the no frills truck lover: the Tahoe Custom.
“The Tahoe Custom is a response to strong customer demand for Tahoe, as well as the full-size SUV segment moving upmarket,” says Chevrolet Trucks’ marketing director, Sandor Piszar, .
“In the past five years, the average transaction price for the segment has climbed fueled by customer appetite for features like heated and cooled seats, adaptive cruise control and a head-up display. This created an unmet need in the marketplace for customers who want the cargo and towing capability of a full-size SUV to go camping, boating or off-roading but don’t necessarily want all of the option content offered on a Tahoe Premier.”
With an MSRP of $44,995, the Tahoe Custom represents a bargain in Chevy’s lineup. It’s significantly cheaper than the Tahoe Premier ($63,435), and even uncuts the LS ($48,510). But you won’t give up much to save thousands. The Tahoe Custom still packs the same 355 hp 5.3 liter V8 as the rest of the lineup. And it offers up a stout 6,600 pounds of towing capacity (8,600 with the max trailering package).
The Tahoe Custom does lose the third-row seat, but that also ups cargo space to 54 cubic feet. It comes standard with 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, all-season tires, and a chrome-accented grille. And it’s not like you’re giving up much in the way of connectivity. The Tahoe Custom still comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Not to mention 4G LTE and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
With even subcompact crossover pricing rising into the $40k range these days, it’s quite refreshing to see a capable, full-size SUV at a reasonable price. In fact, we dare say you won’t find any ‘ute as capable or as spacious as this one for anywhere near the same price. So if you’re one of those consumers who feels left behind in the current upmarket madness, the Tahoe Custom arrives in dealerships this September.
