There’s a bold new look for the 2007 Tahoe, with the all new GMT900 platform which will be shared with all GM full size SUVs and trucks. In the dash, the gauges look custom, in black background, and the control knobs feel good with grippy rubber.

The new Active Fuel Management Cylinder Deactivation shows in the dash when switching from V8 to V4 ” and the process is all so seamless you wouldn’t know it if you didn’t look at the indicator in the dash. This is part of reason this new Tahoe gets 21 highway mpg EPA rating on the 4×4. Even with a bolder bigger nose, the Tahoe has 8 percent less drag as wind resistance. The dash has more digital info with a tire pressure read out and tranny temp gauge. This SUV is tighter, a more precise build with closer tolerance on sheet metal and doors; even the dash reflects GM’s commitment to improve quality.

The flex fuel 5.3L engine is not as fast at the old one (or so it seems to me) but in tow mode, it picks up acceleration. The cup holder moves forward and back to fit your needs. The door handles have a softer grip. The Tahoe passes my hat test; a truck should fit a cowboy hat.

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The cruise control is in the steering wheel. I first saw Ford put cruise control buttons in the wheel in 1973. But for decades GM has put it in the blinker control along with too many other switches. I never liked it there, and am glad it is finally in the steering wheel.

The interior looks great with a lowered dash, custom gauges, and clean lines. The little hump over the dash looks sculptured.

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Third row seats lift out like a suitcase and slides on a track with handle. The LTZ power lift gate is fun to play with. The backup camera in GPS screen is one of my favorite features. The Auto Level with air shocks is good for towing and hooking.

Remote start makes sense here in Colorado, I need to finish my coffee while I remote start the Tahoe out my window.

The Tahoe has the capacity to use E85 fuel, which was the big buzz word at the Detroit Auto Show this year. I think every GM press conference I’ve been to this year talked about E85. I’m all for farm-grown fuel.

Standard Stabilitrak electronic stability control should be in everything, and is in the Tahoe as well. This automatically keeps the Tahoe going the same direction you steer it even when slick conditions try to change directions. Premium Smooth Ride suspension gives you automatic leveling which works fast for leveling your third row relatives or your trailer. The second row seats with head rests block your vision, though, as well as the big C-pillar. So take time looking for your blind spots on the right side.

The 5.3L Vortec with 320 hp/340 ft-lb. torque has a 3.73 axle ratio, which is my choice giving you 7,700 lb. towing capacity. It still has basically the same 4-speed automatic. The Caddy and Denali get the 6-speed auto. Also there to help the mpg is an electric cooling fan, variable displacement AC compressor for 3 to 5 percent increase in fuel economy and electric power steering, eliminating the pump, hoses and hydraulic fluid. Can you believe that? No power steering fluid to check!

The new look is selling well. There is even a digital dash readout for tire pressure, tranny temp and more.

I pulled this Hart Medallion 3-horse aluminum horse trailer with the ’07 Tahoe. Don’t they look good together? The Tahoe has rear coil springs as do most SUVs now so be sure to use a weight distributing hitch when towing over 5000lbs.

Thanks to Transwest Truck RV for the Hart trailer http://www.TrailerWest.com and to Sonshine Acres for “Rock” Buckskin stallion http://www.Sonshineacres.net .

Kent Sundling (alias “Mr. Truck”) spent 20 years wearing out pickup trucks as only a farmer could. With over 1 million miles pulling trailers, Mr. Truck has a unique collection of truck and farm stories that will educate and entertain. Mr.Truck gave up his bib overalls and John Deeres in his quest to save the farm and moved to the big city to sell trucks. After selling trucks for 10 years, this farmer now writes for eight magazines and owns over two dozen Web sites, helping folks find the “Right Truck.” If you have a question for Mr. Truck, you may contact him at his Web site, http://www.mrtruck.net.