Chevrolet Tahoe can be equipped with Terrain Mode which you can use when traveling on very rough roads at very low speeds, such as a two-track or heavily rutted road.
Terrain Mode on Tahoe can also be used for pulling a boat out of the water on a trailer. When in Terrain Mode, the vehicle will shift automatically but will hold a lower gear longer to maximize engine torque. This mode has a unique pedal map and transmission shift pattern for better control at lower speeds and over rough terrain. This mode modifies accelerator pedal mapping, transmission shift pattern, ride height, suspension, steering, AWD, eSLD, ESC performance and TCS performance.
Automatic Vehicle Hold
When the vehicle comes to a stop on an upward grade, Automatic Vehicle Hold is engaged until the driver presses the accelerator pedal. Stop/Start and cruise control are disabled on Chevy Tahoe in Terrain Mode.
Vehicle Hold Features:
- When the vehicle comes to a stop on an incline grade in forward gear or on a decline grade in reverse gear, Vehicle Hold is engaged until the accelerator pedal is pressed.
- When the vehicle is in forward gear on a decline, the vehicle is allowed to creep down the hill when the brake pedal is released without pressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle will also creep forward on flat ground.
- If the driver seat belt is removed and the driver door is opened while the vehicle is being held, EPB will be engaged.
- EPB will engage if the vehicle is held for an extended period.
Active Braking
Active Braking during lift throttle will be engaged on Tahoe when you enable Terrain Mode. This feature automatically applies light braking to simulate heavy engine braking of four-wheel-drive low. It also applies light braking in D (Drive) until the vehicle is at idle speeds. In M1 and M2 light braking will typically bring the vehicle to a stop. Active Braking during lift throttle will also reduce trailer braking.
Terrain Mode Drive Selection
| Drive Select | Expected Vehicle Behavior | Ideal Terrain |
| Drive (L3-Lx) | Minor deceleration when off throttle and mild ability to modulate throttle; mimics performance of 4L without torque multiplication. | Grassy fields, mild two tracks, rutted roads, large rolling hills |
| L2 | Moderate deceleration when off throttle and moderate ability to modulate throttle; will bring vehicle to a stop in most cases. | Mild rock crawling, heavy ruts, short, steeper grades |
| L1 | Significant deceleration when off throttle and significant ability to modulate throttle; will bring vehicle to a stop in most cases. | Rock crawling downhill |
Terrain Mode will automatically exit your Tahoe to Tour Mode if the brake temperatures become too hot, electronic parking brake becomes inoperable or the vehicle cannot perform braking or vehicle hold.
Terrain Mode is only available on vehicles equipped with the single speed transfer case.
Terrain Mode can only be active when:
– Vehicle speed is less than 80 km/h (50 mph).
– The transfer case is in 4H.
When Terrain Mode is selected:
– Auto Engine Start/Stop will be disabled.
– The Terrain Mode indicator displays on the instrument cluster.
Frequent use of this mode may cause brake wear due to the light braking. The vehicle will automatically exit the mode if the brakes get too hot. Terrain Mode can be turned back on after the brakes have cooled.
