With family needs covered, lest we forget the needs of Chevy's core off-roaders? Chevy will soon offer a Z71 off-road package

Whether the 2007 Tahoe is gleaming in Bermuda Blue or Gold Mist Metallic, it will undoubtedly impress. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

for those seeking higher ground. The contents of the Z71 package will include a specifically designed three-piece fascia with a protective, platinum skid plate, larger tow hook openings, larger fog lamps, 18-inch wheels in place of the base 17-inch'ers, and a more aggressive looking grille. And if the 18-inch wheels don't float your boat, optional 20-inch rollers are available. If this assortment of upgrades fails to project enough personality, a total of nine exterior colours should.

Whether the 2007 Tahoe is gleaming in Bermuda Blue or Gold Mist Metallic, it will undoubtedly impress. GM has done an outstanding job of moving the Tahoe, and eventually it's full-size cousins, into a completely new

The 2007 Tahoe is the best SUV Chevy has ever built. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

realm, positioning it to do head-to-head battle with premium, upscale SUVs from European and Asian shores.

"Chevrolet introduced the SUV with the 1935 Suburban, and the new Tahoe is the culmination of more than 70 years of experience building these vehicles," said Chevy General Manager Ed Peper. "The 2007 is not only the most refined SUV in the segment, we believe it to be the best SUV we've ever built."

Personally I wouldn't go so far as to concur with Peper in describing the 2007 Tahoe as the most refined in the segment - the Jeep Commander is a heck of a contender in that field and some of the Japanese do a good job too - but I would endorse his claim that it is the best SUV Chevy has ever built.