Not everyone wants their full-size SUV to climb rocks and navigate two-tracks, some want big vehicles with big performance and Chevrolet revealed the Tahoe RST Performance Edition to meet their needs.
Soccer moms — and dads — are often late for practice, what better way to make up some lost time with a 6.2-liter V-8 under the hood, pumping out 433 horsepower and 467 pound-feet of torque. That powerplant gets from stopped to 60 mph in just 5.78 seconds and a top speed of 124 mph.
It’s unlikely Chevy recommends it, but one could tow a boat to the lake very, very quickly with that kind of power.
“The 2023 Tahoe RST Performance Edition is designed for those who want the best of both worlds — the everyday comfort and capability of a full-size SUV along with the driving excitement of a true performance vehicle,” said Scott Bell, Chevrolet vice president.
“It leverages the proven capability of Chevy’s pursuit-rated police vehicle packages and motorsports success to offer a confident, engaging driving experience for our customers.”
What’s in the package
To handle that kind of speed, the Tahoe RST Performance Edition uses a number of chassis, suspension and other components from the pursuit-rated Tahoe PPV package for police. In fact, the same group of engineers calibrated the vehicle’s dynamics, according to Chevy.
The horsepower and torque ratings are up 13 hp and 7 lb-ft over the current RST’s available 6.2-liter engine. On the special edition, the engine remains paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission.
Other improvements to the new model include:
- Police-spec springs, retuned dampers, larger-diameter stabilizer bar and police- spec chassis calibrations
- Police-spec lower ride height of 0.4 inch (10 mm) in front and 0.8 inch (20 mm) in the rear
- Brembo front and rear brakes with unique Torch Red calipers. The front brake rotors are nearly 25% larger in diameter than the standard RST system
- Performance-calibrated brake pedal feel
What you get
“We have carefully tuned this vehicle to handle speed with confidence and control that is immediately apparent behind the wheel,” said Dominique Lester, chief engineer. “The pursuit-rated driving dynamics inspire excitement and confidence on the road, and we’re proud to have achieved this level of ride and handling in a full-size SUV largely through performance calibration and tuning.”
In addition to 0-to-60 mph in under 6 seconds, the RST Performance Edition also has the numbers to back up its carefully calibrated systems:
- Quarter mile in 14.2 seconds at 97 mph on the test track (compared to 14.4 seconds at 97 mph on base RST)
- 60-0 mph braking in 133 feet (compared to 139.4 feet on base RST)
- Top speed of 124 mph on the test track (compared to 112 mph on base RST)
Going and stopping quickly doesn’t mean it’s not a SUV, Chevy officials proclaim, especially when it comes to towing. The Performance Edition offers the same 7,600-pound trailering capacity as the base RST when equipped with the 6.2-liter V-8 engine.
In addition to the unique powertrain, chassis and suspension upgrades, the Tahoe RST Performance Edition comes standard with the Luxury Package, which includes a host of active safety features and driver convenience features.
The package is priced at a starting MSRP of $8,525 and will be exclusively available on the 2023 Tahoe RST with the 6.2-liter V-8 engine. Production begins in Q4 2022 with U.S. and globally sourced parts at GM’s Arlington Assembly in Texas.
