No one really expected the three-row SUV to offer the level of sports car performance, but that hasn’t stopped the automaker from trying. See the 710-horsepower (529-kilowatt) Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat in evidence, as well as the Cadillac Escalade V and 682-horse (509-kW) V8. Now, it’s Chevrolet’s turn to step into the performance SUV game – albeit with far less power.
It’s a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe RST Performance Edition. While it lacks the supercharged grunts of the vicious Durango and Caddy V, it still packs 433 hp and 467 pound-feet (323 kW and 633 newton-meters) worth the punch of a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8. experience. Upgraded from the engine found in the regular Tahoe RST, the Factory Performance Edition gets higher-performance intakes and exhausts to free an extra 13 horses from the stable, as well as 7 lb-ft (10 kW and 9 Nm) of torque.
Chevrolet says the added grunt helps the Tahoe RST Performance reach 60 miles per hour in 5.8 seconds, cutting 0.2 seconds off the standard RST time. Ditto quarter mile, which passed in 14.2 seconds. The sporty full-sizer can also hit 124 mph if given enough road, compared to 112 on the regular RST.
The Performance Edition takes inspiration from other hard-core Tahoes in terms of handling. Borrowing the stabilizer bars, springs and dampers from the Police Pursuit Vehicle, the Performance Edition is 0.4 inches lower up front and 0.8 inches lower at the rear. Rigid suspensions and a slightly lower center of gravity might help with handling, though the Tahoe probably still won’t carve out very well autocross. At least there are Brembo brakes front and rear which provide better stopping power, better feel and a more aggressive look thanks to the red-painted calipers.
Chevrolet also includes the contents of the Luxury package with the Performance Edition. That means foldable second and third-row seats, heated second-row seats and a power steering column – as well as safety enhancements such as enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and an ambient view camera. .
The Performance Edition is an additional $8,525 on top of the cost of the Tahoe RST 2023 with the 6.2-liter engine, which starts at $67,415 with two-wheel drive – add another big three for the 4×4. That leaves you with a $75,940 rear-drive SUV or one that costs $78,940 if you want four-wheel drive. In contrast, the smaller but faster Durango SRT Hellcat will probably start at around $84,000 on its return. Dodge will also boast a higher towing capacity – 8,700 pounds versus 7,600.
More importantly, the recently revealed Ford Expedition Stealth promises more power, torque and towing capacity – along with similar interior space – for around 82 grand. It also looked more distinct from the lesser Expedition, broadcasting the intent of storming the warehouse from across the parking lot.
So where does the Tahoe RST Performance Edition leave? For those who aren’t too power-crazed (or who can’t resist the gentle Chevy V8), this should be a sporty and competent carrier family car with seating for eight. The Performance police suspension may also carry some stamps. But whether it’s aggressive enough to join the aforementioned full-size SUV on top of the performance stack remains to be seen.
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