2022 Chevy Tahoe Z71: Off-Road Beast?

Havening done a small off-road test with a Tahoe Z71 in California I thought I knew what to expect with this one. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was much more capable that I thought it would be.
Engine Adventures strives to explore and test the AWD and 4WD systems of all crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks. To do this we test vehicles in real world environments in a way that allows viewers to cross shop and explore any vehicle they may be interested in learning about.
New videos every Friday at 6:30 A.M. MST and occasionally on Wednesdays.

[@eddstarr2185]

Gotta show respect at how the Tahoe Z71 handled the loose soil and gravel. Amazing to see a vehicle that big moving all that power around to keep going. Well Done!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks again! I was very happy with its capability, just wish it had an e-locker instead of an elsd.

[@RamseyTheProducer]

I just don’t like the body style

[@ChevyPedia]

I'm a salesman for Chevy and this is the best video I ever seen. Thank you for doing this!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for the support! It's a fun test I try to do with as many vehicles as I can!

[@miscellaneous5215]

Wow better than I expected. Thanks for another great review!

[@EngineAdventures]

Having tested one in California (I went straight to 4wd low thinking that was the best setup) I was also surprised by how well the Tahoe Z71 did on my little course.

[@paulsalmon4771]

I'm actually very impressed that this channel exists and I appreciate that you really put these vehicles through those paces. These GM full size SUV'S are amazing off road. Maybe GM should start benchmarking range rover soon

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for the support! It's a fun process and a little nerve wracking at times.

[@vikingtractor6065]

This is easily the best Tahoe Z71 video out there.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for the support!

[@manuelvaldes5858]

Bro Ty for actually putting these cars to work

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@ez054098]

Great video. I just bought a 2022 Tahoe Z71 6.2L. Very informative.

[@EngineAdventures]

Glad it helped, thanks for watching!

[@thebagman5216]

Great video sir. Mines should finally be here next week. Ordered back in Feb 2022. Will miss my 2021 but I need 4wd.

[@EngineAdventures]

Congratulations on your new purchase, I hope it treats you well! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@BabeRuth1978]

Great job, you exposed what I thought was a design problem with the new rear independent suspensions (lower control arms). The ground clearance on the lower controls is the problem. I heard it hit at 6:53...great job!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for the support! Not only do they hang down low, but they don't seem as beefy as what I've seen on other vehicles, like the Armada.

[@BabeRuth1978]

@@EngineAdventures totally agree...I am going to skip this generation when/if I had to buy something...

[@paulsalmon4771]

The traverse has a nice looking rear independent suspension setup. Better than the full size IMHO

[@BabeRuth1978]

@@paulsalmon4771 Yes sir, I have noticed the same about the Traverses AWD model as well..The Traverse AWD 2017-2022 w/less than 45k miles is on my shortlist to buy next month..Thanks for reply..

[@rogerjohnson2515]

Good video, I enjoyed the tuff test .

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching! Some vehicles surprise me on the steep hill climb (like the Blazer RS I'll be posting next week).

[@jarrodmcdaniel]

Very impressive for what it is! I also love that 6.2 N/A V8 My only concern would be the lack of protection underneath. Hit a rock and you will be the Carolina squat all the way home if that air tank leaks lol

[@EngineAdventures]

Haha yeah, I didn't even notice the air tank initially, but yeah it's definitely down low!

[@user-lj5iv7gf9p]

Another great review!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@karatekick66]

I traded in my 2017 Tacoma for this. Prior to that I had a 2013 Tacoma. I am a Toyota fan. Having said all that, I have a wife and two boys now. The Z71 is bad ass. The new sequoia doesn’t have 2nd row have captains chairs and it has less space overall. I know it’s a Chevy but quietest and smoothest V8 I’ve ever been in.

[@EngineAdventures]

The last Sequoia I tested was a 2020 and it had captains chairs in the middle row. I do love the 6.2 V8! I'm also very excited for the 2023 Sequoia, except for this new subscription stuff that Toyota is doing.

[@karatekick66]

I’m also very curious what the top of the line 23’ Sequoia will go for. I’m guessing close to 90k

[@EngineAdventures]

Yeah at least in the 80's is my guess.

[@gregf7103]

Great video, very few actually taking them through off road paces … just picked up a base z71 (5.3 w/ no air or magnetic ride) but did make sure to get the mechanical lsd. Hoping will make engagement a little quicker.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching. I typically prefer metal suspension to the air suspension, and if it were my vehicle I maybe would have gone with the standard setup for longevity and lower cost to repair in the future. Congrats on your purchase! I hope it treats you well!

[@Moon222]

i thought it only came with E-LSD, not mechanical?

[@EngineAdventures]

I actually thought so too, but figured I was wrong since he specifically pointed it out.

[@tiffanywelchhomesteadnmama5524]

I love mine, but would highly recommend upgrading from the 4 ply (2 on tire) tires to at least a 10 ply for off road. I popped 2 of my stocks at the same time off roading in Montana!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for sharing. I'm not sure what the ply rating is (it's not as relevant as it used to be as it doesn't actually relate to the number of plies in a tire, just how stiff it is) but they certainly are P-metric tires and not LT's.

[@Northwoodschickenchaser]

I have 2010 tahoe with a 2 inch lift, Baja TA all terrain tires, just picked up the range afm delete sensor and its the best fun/functional/family suv there is hands down. I used to think if your gonna burn up gas do it in a camaro but now that i have a family i understand how so many dads get into modding suvs and trucks lol

[@EngineAdventures]

The problem with cars is you get in trouble real quick for speeding. Modified vehicles for off-road use are much easier to keep within the speed limit, and still fun in their own way. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Northwoodschickenchaser]

@EngineAdventures 100% and building a great offroad/daily driver is alot cheaper than a sports car(I'll always love muscle cars) but great video/channel!

[@MoneyShot_CM]

Great video sir, thank you! I want one of these so bad, but they are still so scarce. Most coming to the lots already spoken for, or 2wd. The say 8 month wait to order one, not a fan of being at their mercy when you trade something in on an orderm. Its a shame the ELSD is only in vehicles north of 70K. Would love a LT, diesel with the Elsd, but only the Yukon has the diesel and the elsd together, its 79K. Not a fan of that mechanical slip they offer for lower trims.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and for the support! Yeah it's certainly hard to get vehicles right now, but if you can wait a year or so i think things will be better.

[@sking2173]

That’s a beautiful vehicle. My wife wants one of those, but it’s a huge chunk of change …

[@EngineAdventures]

It certainly is, and high fuel prices don't help!

[@farazdanish7612]

How much is the ground clearence?

[@kmoore6472]

Great video! Just traded my ZR2 for one of these.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching! Two completely different machines, but I hope this treats you well!

[@estimatingonediscoveringthree]

How do you get to abuse the new truck!?

[@Sstbuuy]

was nice. please want to see expidition timberline off road test if possible. thanks 🙏

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@ozzy_gdo1013]

Any concerns with how low the clearance is at the IRS at the back axles? Looking at a new Tahoe or suburban and noticed that. Thx!

[@EngineAdventures]

Yes a little. Compare this to the Armada or QX80 and the lower arms look like low hanging twigs on the GM and Ford full size SUVs. I wouldn't be worried for well maintained forest roads, but when things start getting really rock the risk for damage is definitely there.

[@COddietsch]

I am considering getting one, except putting Goodyear Keylar Wranglers on it, possibly a 2-3" lift, depends. Put some better tires and see if there is difference in off road performance.

[@EngineAdventures]

The lift will provide better clearance and approach, break over, and departure angles. Larger tires will be able to pass over obstacles easier. The added height of the vehicle, larger diameter tires, weight of the tires, and rolling resistance of the tires will increase fuel consumption and reduce the amount of torque getting to the ground, unless it gets regeared. My testing is more about how well the vehicle is able to transfer power to the wheels with traction than it is about tires or clearance. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@nassirallsubaiey938]

Great review! Thanks, What about sand dunes? I think it would be better to have Diff-lock at least @rear instead of E-lsd.

[@EngineAdventures]

Personally I prefer a selectable locker to any form of LSD when leaving the pavement. Thanks for watching!

[@nassirallsubaiey938]

@@EngineAdventures i am planning to relace my 2014 landcruiser GX-R4.6 V8 with Tahoe Z71 2022 8 passenger. Due to my family getting bigger. 😏👍what do you think

[@EngineAdventures]

You'll like the Tahoe, but after 4-5 years you might miss the build quality and reliability of the Land Cruiser. Generally the Land Cruiser won't have many of any squeaks and creaks as it ages, but the Tahoe likely will.

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

I'm trying to find a video of one of these lifted bombing through the desert. 6-in lift with 4 wheel independent suspension would be wicked.

[@EngineAdventures]

That could be sweet, 6" lift seems a little much, unless you're actually using all that lift for tons of wheel travel when flying through the desert.

[@CarGuy11]

I wonder if Off-road drive mode is meant for mud where it allows for more wheel spin. Should of tried Normal mode too.

[@EngineAdventures]

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I did drive it in 4wd high in off-road mode up the steep hill the first time with less wheel spin than in 4wd low. If you have a way to transfer power to the wheels with traction without applying the brakes then use that method. I can see not using the brakes in 4wd low, but not using the ESLD seems wrong.

[@user-yz1tk3bl6g]

How long have the air suspension been installed. Thanks

[@EngineAdventures]

It's a factory option, standard on the Z71.

[@VideoPixel601]

I love that car it’s perfect for off-roading but i think it’s to big for the city, well i think I would get it anyway 😂😂😂

[@EngineAdventures]

It is a great all around vehicle! Thanks for watching!

[@VideoPixel601]

@@EngineAdventures always my pleasure :))

[@mikebas7325]

Nice vehicles, only thing I can't stand is the rear lower control arms. Seems like they could have done something different to get them tucked up a little higher.

[@EngineAdventures]

I'll talk about this more when I do my Sequoia review (hopefully I will test it in a couple weeks, and have the video up in about a month). The Expedition and Tahoe/Suburban have pretty much the same suspension design. It looks like they moved the shocks as low as they possibly could to free up space for the interior, and to make for a longer shock. There are a lot of reasons why shocks are placed where they are, and being low and close to the wheel generally improves the manufacturer's ability to control the damping rates and effectiveness.

[@Moon222]

​@@EngineAdventures Ford Expedition rear control arms are about 6 cm higher. It matters when offroading.

[@EngineAdventures]

I'm not sure on the exact spec, but on the expedition I tested the lower control arms were clearly higher, but with the air suspension on the Z71 raised, the Z71 could go higher.

[@kithill1423]

Wonder if in FWD LOW it puts so much torque to the wheels they just spin easier than FWD HIGH in loose dirt?

[@EngineAdventures]

That's an interesting observation. For climbing steep hills I'll take more torque at the wheels every time. From my testing it works better in every vehicle I've tested. It does require more finesse with the throttle, but really isn't a big deal. The extra torque makes climbing much easier and more controlled. With higher gearing you have to apply more throttle to get over rocks and bumps. This has the effect of rapid acceleration once the obstacle is climbed. This is especially bad with turbo engines that have boost pressure built up. Many vehicles with snow mode will start in 2nd gear instead of first to reduce the chance of slipping/spinning a wheel. However this is for on road use where the desire is to move from a stop and get up to speed, not slowly creep.

[@phillipwooten6705]

In my 2013 tahoe z71, if you press and hold traction button for 10 seconds it disengages traction control amd stabili trac amd performs alot better. Curious if same feature is on the newer models

[@EngineAdventures]

I can't remember if I tested that or not. If I remember correctly I did test it on this vehicle. Many modern vehicles, including the Tahoe, have a brake based limited slip system and on some disabling traction control and stability control also disables that system. I believe that is the case here. When in sand, mud, and deep snow it may be best to do as you say. For climbs like this its better when it's on.

[@phillipwooten6705]

@@EngineAdventures yeah...that's been my experience too

[@daviddahlgren9603]

Well...Ah...It's Pretty ! I guess it would be a good 'Back Roadin' car .

[@EngineAdventures]

It's more for the daily driven vehicle that hits the dirt roads for camping/fishing/hiking/biking, etc a couple weekends a month. Not a dedicated offroader, but something that can handle forest service and fire roads safely.

[@CoordinatedCarry]

I wish they’d bring back the barn doors for these and the Suburbans.

[@EngineAdventures]

The lift ate is good, barn doors are better, but the tailgate is best!

[@CoordinatedCarry]

@@EngineAdventures tailgate would be awesome!!! I kinda wish they’d offer a roll down rear window like the 4Runner.

[@EngineAdventures]

@@CoordinatedCarry the Sequoia used to as well, but the curve of the new window made it too hard for the new one. I had an 88 suburban with the window that rolls down into the tailgate. It was great, if only the window would have stayed on the track it would have been perfect.

[@philheenan8634]

What is the approximate grade of the slope you drove up? It’s hard to see the grade from the video. I suspect the grade is more than it might appear. Good video. Thanks for doing it!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for the support! I haven't actually done the measurements, but vehicles with inclinometers say between 22 and 26 degrees, which is in the 40-50% grade range.

[@philheenan8634]

@@EngineAdventures Thanks! That answers my question more than well enough. That's pretty steep, especially given the looseness of the surface. Just as a suggestion in case you want to try it, a fixed camera set level on the ground to the side of the rising track far enough to see the whole slope would be a good way of showing the gradient and what the vehicle is dealing with. Also, I'm super impressed by the extent to which you respond to commenters on your channel - the highest I have seen on KZbin by far. It obviously gets a lot more difficult when the number of comments gets really high, but your communication level with you audience speaks very highly of your character!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thank you for the support. I have tried a few camera angles and I can't really get the steepness to show up on this hill. I probably should get another camera or 2 to get some more angles.

[@philheenan8634]

@@EngineAdventures It's an interesting problem - how to capture the steepness of a slope for the viewer. The thing that triggered me that the slope is greater than it appeared to me was one scene in that section that highlighted how much you were looking DOWN on the town in the background when looking down the hill. I think the videography challenge with this slope from what I recall is that there is no natural horizon in the view - hence no real point of reference of how steep the slope is. An idea that may be worth trying - have someone, preferably about 6 feet tall, stand on the camera side of the track as the vehicle goes up the slope, or even down it. If they are around 6 ft, they will be a bit shorter than the height of the vehicle on flat ground iirc. If they stand erect and create kind of clean vertical line it could create a good perspective showing the angle of the slope. By "clean vertical line" I mean that they are not weight challenged in the middle like me - LOL. Another option that may be even better would be to try two people of roughly the same height, standing far enough apart that the bottom of the feet of the person higher up the slope is at the same level as the top of the head of the person lower down the slope. This should create a "frame" similar to if you drew a rectangle on a side-view picture of the slope to take an actual measurement of the slope. And it would be best if you can find a spot where the people are standing at the same level as the track in their respective positions. Just throwing out an idea. Let me know if you try it and it helps. Keep up the great work! Time for me to get back to some work too.

[@adamingram7042]

I have the 2022 z71 suburban, let me know when you want to do it up and compare the two!

[@EngineAdventures]

I only had the Tahoe for a week, but the Suburban is one of my favorite vehicles! The first vehicle I legally drove was an 88 suburban 2500, it was gutless, had a 3-speed auto, and wandered allover the road, but I loved it!

[@tjr3354]

Nice

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@Sixman__]

Honest thoughts on this? I kind of want one but I'm also looking at trucks or even the new Sequoia....

[@EngineAdventures]

Really enjoyed it, haven't been in the new Sequoia yet. Sounds like you need to figure out if a truck or an SUV suits your needs better first.

[@Sixman__]

@@EngineAdventures Yeah its a struggle I go back and forth haha. But none of these vehicles are cheap and I feel like they are all so close when you compare them in features, quality, reliability etc. Basically 1500 Trucks are the same as a Tahoe/Suburban

[@EngineAdventures]

@@Sixman__ they certainly are close, the trucks will typically be more durable and a little better for payload and towing. My first vehicle was an '88 Suburban, so I have a soft spot for big SUVs.

[@MohamedAbdallahCherif]

Is Auto 4WD efficient on loose surfaces like deep mud or sand ?

[@EngineAdventures]

I recommend 4 hi whenever you're on loose terrain, just to have more consistent AWD and lower the likelihood of overheating the clutches in the transfer case.

[@MohamedAbdallahCherif]

@@EngineAdventures Well noted, so Auto AWD strictly for slippery surfaces under rain or snow like Ford Expedition

[@EngineAdventures]

Yup, 4 auto for pavement that is slick for whatever reason.

[@sansin6250]

4:29 do you really need anything more than an Outback Wilderness for this?

[@EngineAdventures]

I haven't tested a wilderness, but watch my outback video. I did also climb this in an X6, but it's much easier and more controlled in something with a low range transfer case which the Outback and X6 don't have.

[@user-mz2bq6wd1b]

with a 3 inch lift and all terrain tires would be just perfect

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@desertsavagery]

Does the Z71 not come with Hill Descent Control stock? Unfortunately it was a 9mo wait if I wanted to build my own so I picked one up from a dealership in the area, 5.3, no air suspension so the off road mode doesn't increase ride height, I'm pretty sure it has the magnetic suspension though, it has less body roll and a less cushy ride in sport mode. Thus far it's a great family truck for the seven of us (four kids and one dog), but after a recent rain I've gotta say mud is a big weakness for the truck. Rock and gravel hill climbs are pretty manageable, downhill the hill descent control takes the stress out of coming back down most of the time, but a little mud on a hill (with the stock Goodyear Trailrunners) and you're sliding down sideways praying for traction when you get to the bottom. Once I hit the bottom the only way we got out was taking a page out of those southern mud bloggers books, threw it in 4hi and floored it praying to keep the momentum going 😅

[@desertsavagery]

I attribute part of that to the tires though, they don't clean out for squat until you hit pavement and get some speed going.

[@EngineAdventures]

@@desertsavagery thanks for sharing, I believe hill descent control is standard, but I always like to test what the gearing can do. Just like brake based limited slip vs lockers, I prefer a mechanical system to an electronically controlled system.

[@desertsavagery]

@@EngineAdventures I'd kill for lockers and some decent chunky tires.

[@EngineAdventures]

@@desertsavagery a ZR2 Tahoe? I say do it!

[@desertsavagery]

@@EngineAdventures you heard it here Chevy, pull the trigger and give us an overland dad truck!

[@kartboarder22g17]

This doesn't have the horrible low rear end suspension, right cause it's the z71 package?

[@EngineAdventures]

Yeah, this one has air suspension.

[@thebeast9606]

I'd like to see this up against the Expedition Timberline.

[@EngineAdventures]

Me too! Ford doesn't send a lot of vehicles out to Utah for the media.

[@lolno527kimilsung]

Come on show respect

[@Mr_X010]

This car makes me remember the song face off

[@EngineAdventures]

Interesting, can't say I got the same vibe, but that's ok! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@desertsavagery]

Can you explain? I can't think of a single song that this video or my own Z71 Suburban remind me of.

[@Mr_X010]

@@desertsavagery nah you will not understand I also own 1

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

Yeah it definitely has the wheel torque to do it . It has 6968.402 lbs of wheel torque in high. Mine has 9576 in low. It's probably beating the wheel torque in high of some vehicles in low. Tons of torque. 19,320 lbs of torque in low ! (Total , divided amongst the wheels)

[@EngineAdventures]

It's funny when GM advertises their torque numbers of the Hummer EV as 11,500 (then subtly says it's wheel torque), when just about every truck with 4 low has that much or more.

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

@@EngineAdventures exactly. It IS cool though that these electric cars are basically staying in first gear though. I looked at Tesla and it was about 10:1 for one of the cars which is like first gear for most cars. My jeep is like 19:1 in first without low then 56 with low. The 2.4 Cherokee Trailhawk is geared stupid low. It's very difficult to find a vehicle with a first gear that low. Porsche panamera is geared that low , so is a Dacia duster. The Wrangler that's 100:1 crawl is 25:1 in first and that's how it gets 100:1 with a 4:1 transfer case. That's all I've found - and of course the Jeep compass Trailhawk because it has the same engine and transmission as mine but just doesn't have the transfer case or rear locker. Lots of these V8 trucks that are really good are all about 15:1 in first. Tons of pulling power!

[@senjuguy]

Are you gonna do the new Range Rover soon?

[@EngineAdventures]

I wish, land rover hasn't sent me a vehicle yet! I'll see what I can do!

[@chewchew74]

nOT Bad for independent suspension... All I need is to tackle camp ground accesssssss........... Good enough for me.

[@EngineAdventures]

It's quite capable, more so than most people will ever use/need. Maybe you get heavy rains that wash out the road to your camp ground a bit. This might get you through.

[@brandone.5106]

@4:30 probably the tires more than anything. Looks like knobbier tires would go a long way.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Having the right tires for the terrain is very important. However, this test is more about the vehicle's ability to transfer power to the wheels with traction than it is about the tires. When a wheel is in the air it doesn't matter what tire you have, the air isn't going to provide enough resistance to allow the vehicle to climb. When all 4 wheels are spinning at roughly the same rate and the vehicle still can't climb, then I begin to consider the tires.

[@SundayDriver-nw9ki]

Might I suggest doing the Dodge Durango next for SUV’s

[@EngineAdventures]

I wish I had a normal Durango, I've tested the RT Tow N Go, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat. None of which are safe to test off road without risking damage.

[@jasondolliver2482]

Has nobody paid any attention to the lower control arms or is it just me ?!?

[@EngineAdventures]

I don't remember if I mentioned that in this video or not, but I certainly talk about it in the Monster SUV shootout that compares 9 of them. The GM triplets and Ford Expedition all have really low control arms. My thoughts are that lowering the suspension allows for more interior space.

[@ROMANOSHAVO]

ГДЕ ЗВУК ?????

[@deeeeeeps]

Why do they need such a complex setup...Put electric lockers in it and it would be amazing. I don't want to have to spin to get traction. Great video though!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Manufacturers like to have more control, this allows them to engage and disengage the ELSD on road in slick conditions without having the locker be fully locked causing driveline binding. For people who understand how things works, an e-locker is much better. However, the majority of people don't know and don't care, all they want is to drive without having to push any buttons or turn any dials.

[@Jpmpmpm]

This got a 2.5 or a 3.0 diesel to europe countrys i would love a lot

[@EngineAdventures]

They do make a wonderful 3.0 inline 6 turbo diesel for it!

[@Jpmpmpm]

@@EngineAdventures amazing 🙏😍😍❤️😌😌🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲😍❤️❤️

[@Jpmpmpm]

@@EngineAdventures 😍😍❤️❤️❤️🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲😌😌😌🙏🙏🙏🙏😍😍

[@jacktough]

Was that Wrangler stalking you? 🤨

[@EngineAdventures]

Haha, I actually went and talked to him for a minute. He was just impressed by the Tahoe and I might have gotten a new subscriber from him. Guy in the Base Wrangler with a manual trans, if you're reading this I'd love to film your Wrangler and your Xterra Pro-4x on these tests!

[@maxon1672]

I really want to like this truck, but they should have left the solid rear axle and G80 setup alone. The rear suspension components are way too low, and the "ELSD" abs system is more complicated, but less effective. Bummer. Also not a fan of the electronic button shifter. A column shifter is more enjoyable to use! Also on these trucks if the battery dies, engine dies, or transmission control breaks you have to get under the truck with a special tool to get it in neutral... that's just ridiculous.

[@EngineAdventures]

It all depends on what it's used for. The ELSD is much better than the G80 in most situations. It engages smoother, and does so with more control and better timing. The only SUV in this class with a solid rear axle is the new Sequoia and it has a rear E-locker. Check out the SUV shootout video series for more on their off-road capability. The push button doesn't bother me, it's much better than a console shifter. I do like column shifters as well.

[@holdenc3082]

GM hasn’t made a decent truck suspension since the square body trucks went away. IFS is crap.

[@EngineAdventures]

Depends on use. IFS is way smoother and more controlled for just about everything but slow speed crawling. While they are generally considered weaker just like anything else, they can be designed to be stronger.

[@hamsandwich1860]

Honestly this thing looks like it will tip over from hardly any incline. And it has almost 0 wheel articulation.

[@EngineAdventures]

It's pretty stable, but mostly because it's so wide and long. You are correct on the wheel travel, not a whole lot.

[@mikeball2000]

Gotta take the kids too 😂👌

[@EngineAdventures]

Absolutely!

[@sergeykosimtsev1584]

Super.👍👍👍🤕.🇺🇸💥💯👍

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@mauricemaingot5633]

So u testing off road mode with factor tires n ppl expecting it to go into Jeep Wangerler mode how bout u get some proper tires and do the test because Chevy did the Abudabi sand dune run and was actually the only truck to go all the way up old Tahoe like 08 went up them big tall dunes so ppl plz don't think this truck not capable cuz it is

[@EngineAdventures]

Tires don't make much difference in this test. When two wheels are essentially in the air and have no traction it doesn't matter what tires you have if the vehicle can't transfer power to the other wheels that do have traction. This test is more about the vehicle's ability to transfer power than it is about tire tread. I do agree that having the right tires for the terrain is very important though!

[@buckfiden6102]

It's not like a jeep or hummer h3.

[@EngineAdventures]

Nope, still pretty capable for what it is.

[@666myname666]

Folks i didnt like this at all. Now what is the poin2t2 of paying over 60,000 dollars for a V8 suv and it has off 1road capabilities. They have especially build this for1 the purpose. Watch from 6:34 to 6:40 The vehicle just skidded off. At such price ,reputation ,capabilities. This vehicle should smoothly go up the hill and down. Otherwise hiking boots are better then this. Try Excursion, expedition or suburban for off road.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting! The Expedition I tested on this hill performed similarly, the Suburban should be pretty much the same as wheelbase is the only real difference, and the Excursion never came with a rear locker or a brake based traction control system, so I doubt it would even make this climb. It is harder than it appears!

[@abrahammanzo2455]

Embarrassing performance. That vehicle is clearly meant for street driving. Keep it for what it's meant. Use a lighter truck with good suspension & tires for off road.. Great video and great vehicle test.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting! While there are much more capable vehicles I like to compare them to what's in the same class. As far as that goes the Tahoe Z71 is quite capable.

[@RossSumbera_caicosfishing]

The rear suspension on these Tahoe’s are a joke. The design team should be fired. I wouldn’t buy anything after 2020 if you plan to do anything other than haul kids and grocery’s.

[@EngineAdventures]

The Armada certainly is beefier, I haven't had a chance to look under the Wagoneer, but the Expedition (which came out with independent rear before the Tahoe) is nearly identical to the Tahoe.

[@snivesz32]

wow, that was embarrassing. it’s like a minivan dressed up like an off-road truck.

[@EngineAdventures]

I think it actually did pretty well for what it is!

[@GM_CAR]

👎🥴🥴

[@gallonofpcp7954]

How do you think it compares to the Armada?

[@EngineAdventures]

In what way? Interior space, the Tahoe is years ahead of the Armada. Durability/longevity on rough roads, I'd take the Armada. Outright off-road capability stock, Tahoe. Capability with mods Armada (but you'd be bringing in parts from UAE or Australia). Towing, probably the Armada, but they are close.

[@a.p.guaschino]

It's all great until that POS engine starts puking lifters due to AFM.

[@EngineAdventures]

I know a few people with 6.2's with AFM and none of them have had any problems with lifters. Generally they are very reliable engines.

[@smokinbarrels1155]

Agreed! It’s sad that there are any problems, but it kind of seems like that issue is over exaggerated by the internet and word of mouth… it’s honestly amazing technology, especially dynamic fuel management vs the active fuel management! I have the 6.2 Suburban 2019 with 100k and and no problems… I wonder the total number of failures that there have been!

[@littledeel]

Man. Ifs is junk

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching! Naw IFS isn't so bad, the Land Cruiser 100, 200, and 300 series are all IFS and have excellent articulation. The IFS makes for a smooth ride on and off road. IFS and IRS combined can make for better ground clearance (no diff hanging down low), but it's more difficult to get good articulation out of independent suspension compared to a solid axle.

[@estimatingonediscoveringthree]

How do you get to abuse the new truck!?

[@EngineAdventures]

I'm an automotive journalist on the side and have been writing for 6+ years now. I do KZbin as a side job to my side job, haha.