Chevy provides this important safety technology as standard Tahoe equipment along with dual-stage frontal airbags. Optional

Chevy provides StabiliTrak stability control as standard equipment on all Tahoes, along with dual-stage frontal airbags. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

airbags include roof-mounted side-curtain airbags providing protection at all outboard seating positions. In addition to deploying in the event of a side impact, these "smart" bags deploy when a roll over is imminent. A special sensor monitors the vehicle's acceleration and roll rates, triggering the roof-mounted airbags when a roll over is detected.

Because roll over incidents generally last longer than typical side impact crashes, the roof-mounted airbags remain inflated longer than conventional side impact airbags, and given the precarious trail our GM reps led us down, I couldn't be more happy with that knowledge. Knowing that GM has also included the sixth generation of OnStar communications as standard equipment didn't hurt either. In the event of an airbag deployment, it automatically notifies an OnStar advisor of the occurrence and the vehicle's location in order that rescue service response times can be enhanced.

And enhancement applies to almost every aspect of the 2007 Tahoe, regardless

Topping my chart of convenience features isn't the power-operated fold and tumble second row seats. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

of whether a 2WD or 4WD version answers the key fob's call. Chevy has tied familiar parlance to the Tahoe's three trim levels, which begin with LS and ascend to LT before peaking at LTZ. Along the way, look for the usual content increments and some that are less usual, such as remote vehicle starting, first and second-row heated seats, Ultrasonic rear parking assist with a rearview camera system, power articulating running boards (mid-year availability), just like the Lincoln Navigator, and a rear seat 8-inch DVD screen with improved features. Topping my chart of convenience features isn't the power-operated fold and tumble second row seats, but rather the 60/40 split third row bench seat that not only folds down, but can easily be removed one segment at a time. And should more seats instead of less be a family need, the 2007 Tahoe can be ordered with seating for nine.