The Chevrolet Tahoe Isn’t the Same in Every Market

We think our market is special and that vehicles are only made one way. The newest Chevrolet Tahoe is proof that this isn’t the case.

This full-size SUV recently arrived in Russia to begin its new generation, much the same way it’s entering our market as the fifth generation on our roads. Let’s take a look at some of the ways this SUV compares to the one we see in the United States.

The Tahoe Signals Success in Russia

The largest country in the world is Russia, which is why an SUV as large as the Tahoe fits right in. This SUV can be used for rugged and rough driving on some of the unpaved areas that span between cities. This capable and impressive vehicle is the best-selling vehicle in the Chevrolet lineup in Russia, which shouldn’t come as any surprise.

Only Two Trims Are Offered

When you shop for the Chevrolet Tahoe at a dealer, you have six trims and several options to choose from to make sure you have the Tahoe you want to drive. Russian shoppers will only have the two middle trims which are Z71 and RST to have an SUV that can meet the demands of driving around on dirt and gravel paths in a big and rugged SUV. Models sold in Russia will also come with Black Ice exterior accents to give the dramatic appearance many shoppers are looking for.

Distinct Differences for These Two Models

Even though there are only two models of the Tahoe being offered in this foreign market, each one is built to look and drive differently to ensure customers can see the distinctions between them. The Z71 model rides on 20-inch wheels while the RST will make use of larger 22-inch wheels for the drive. the Z71 brings automatic hill descent control to the mix while the RST has a distinct grille pattern. Both trims will have the new adaptive Air Ride Suspension as part of the standard package.

Another Difference Between Markets

The Chevrolet Tahoe we enjoy in North America can be had with three engines mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission to have the power delivery we desire. That’s not the case for the Tahoe models being sold in Russia. All versions of this SUV will have the same powertrain and will be set up with 4WD which is another way this SUV is different. Here in the States, you can buy this SUV with an RWD layout which improved fuel mileage for this SUV.

The engine offered for the Russian market is a 5.3-liter L84 V8 engine that brings 343 horsepower and 378 lb.-ft. of torque for the drive. This power is less than what we have in the same engine for Tahoe models sold in North America. The transmission is the same ten-speed automatic that offers smooth power delivery. The 4×3 system includes an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case which gives this SUV more capability on the rough roads and trails that many drivers find when they head from one place to another in this vast country.

The Chevrolet Tahoe is Only One Example of a Different Vehicle

We know that some vehicles don’t make it to our market at all due to the stricter emissions restrictions in North America. Sometimes, there are other factors at play, but mostly, this is the reason we don’t see some of the vehicles we admire from around the world. When looking at models we do have compared to other markets, we can see some significant differences.

The latest model of the Hyundai Tucson is being offered with two different wheelbases. The shorter version isn’t going to be made or offered in the United States. Instead, we will have the longer version, mostly because we like bigger vehicles, even in our compact vehicle class. The shorter model of the Tucson will be made in South Korea and offered for other markets.

Another vehicle that is much different in foreign markets is the Ford Ranger. The Ranger survived and grew in many markets with a large build and a diesel engine which is not what we see in North America. The recent return to our market of the Ranger gives us a midsize truck that can only be had with an EcoBoost engine.

Different models of various vehicles can be found around the world. We went deep into the Chevrolet Tahoe, but if you look around at the various lineups offered by automakers, you’ll find many differences from one market to the next.