Smooth-skinned Chevrolet Tahoe sets tone for modern SUV

Chevy's Tahoe has been a stalwart in the company's SUV lineup, proving popular for its versatility. The Tahoe entered a new generation in its 2015 model year, and gains a minor tech update for the 2016 model.

As an SUV, the Tahoe focuses on passenger capacity and towing capability, and works for family transport and recreation.

With its smooth sheet metal design, the Tahoe echoes its bigger brother, the Chevrolet Suburban.

The Tahoe carries a maximum of seven passengers, with two in front, three in the middle and two in back. This LT trim model has bucket seats in its middle row, limiting it to six passengers.

With traditional body-on-frame construction, the Tahoe is built for towing, and can handle up to 8,600 pounds.

Shown here is a rear-wheel-drive model, while four-wheel drive is available.

The fixed suspension on this LT trim model delivers a surprisingly nice ride, while the adaptive suspension on the upper LTZ trim should be very comfortable.

Chevy positions the Tahoe against the Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada, but it comes in a bit pricier than those models.

For active safety features, the Luxury package brings in forward collision warning, blind-spot monitors and a rearview camera with cross-traffic alert.

Options include blacked-out Chevy badges.

The only engine available is this 5.3-liter V-8, using direct injection to produce 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque.

Fuel economy comes in at 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, with the help of cylinder deactivation technology.