There are many excellent options if you’re interested in buying a new full-size SUV. One of the most popular is the 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe. As a result, many potential buyers have questions about the best versions of the Tahoe to buy. A commonly inquired-about trim is the Z71 model, which is off-road-oriented. Some experts think this is the best version of the Chevy Tahoe to buy. Here are three reasons to buy the 2022 Chevy Tahoe Z71.

The 2022 Chevy Tahoe Z71 has a mid-tier price with excellent features

First, the starting price of the 2022 Chevy Tahoe Z71 is $64,695, according to Car and Driver. This makes it the third-most costly version of the full-size SUV. Both the Premier and High Country trims are much more expensive but pitched as more luxurious. However, the Z71 takes features from all lower trims and adds off-road capability. Of course, the off-road features don’t just help with off-roading. Most are features any driver would like to have on a regular basis.

According to Edmunds, the Tahoe LT and LS have LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, forward collision mitigation, lane keeping assist, parking sensors, a hands-free liftgate, a wireless charging pad, leather upholstery, a nine-speaker Bose audio system, and much more. Then, the Z71 trim adds standard four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, all-terrain tires, a front skid plate, tow hooks, and a unique front fascia to improve the approach angle.

A more powerful available engine

Next, one of the highlights of the range-topping High Country trim is the more powerful engine. It gets a standard 6.2-liter V8 that makes 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Every other trim comes with a standard 5.3-liter V8, good for 355 hp and 383 lb-ft. However, did you know buyers can option the Z71 to have the more powerful engine too? This means a Tahoe Z71 is available with standard four-wheel drive (the only trim to do so) and an optional 420 hp engine.

The only downside of the engine lineup is the availability of the diesel offering. It’s a 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel that makes 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. It’s optional throughout the entire lineup, except for the Z71 model. Chevrolet does not offer a diesel for the off-road-oriented Tahoe. We’d recommend getting the Z71 with a beefier engine.

The 2022 Chevy Tahoe High Country is too expensive

If you’re searching for a full-size SUV that provides more value, the 2022 Chevy Tahoe Z71 is one of the best available. Although the range-topping High Country trim is tempting, it’s too costly for our taste. At $74,295, the luxury trim only gains a surround-view parking system, head-up display, and a special grille over its predecessors. If you’ve optioned the Z71 model with a 6.2-liter V8, you’ve already got the best feature from the High Country model.

Lastly, more options can turn any trim into a luxury model. For example, the Max Trailering package, a panoramic sunroof, a rear entertainment system, adaptive cruise control, and an air suspension are all available to lower trims for a fee. With these items, the Z71 remains more affordable but is just as luxurious as the High Country trim.

Reasons to buy a Chevy Tahoe Z71

In conclusion, there are several reasons to buy a 2022 Chevy Tahoe Z71. The full-size SUV comes with plenty of standard features, including excellent off-roading capability for the price. In addition, the engine is upgradable to the same one that comes standard on the highest trim level. Lastly, upper trims like the High Country model are far too expensive. Optional features allow the Z71 to do more for less.