The great thing about the 21st century is that “family-friendly” vehicles don’t have to be boring anymore. Minivans are far less appealing now that you can haul the family around in the arguably more aesthetically pleasing SUV. Most full-size SUVs offer sufficient towing capacity, plenty of seating/cargo space, and top-notch driver-assist features. However, when it comes to traveling, many full-size SUVs fall below the fuel efficiency mark. All that size and power often make it difficult to maintain fuel efficiency, but the 2022 Chevy Tahoe finds a way to make it work.
When you need a good SUV to travel in, the new Tahoe is the ideal model. Although this model comes with three different engine options, the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine is the one that’s great for traveling due to its fuel efficiency. In rear-wheel drive, the EcoDiesel engine can get up to 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway, while the four-wheel drive option gets up to 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. By comparison, one of the Tahoe’s big competitors is the Ford Expedition, and its fuel economy ratings max out at 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. It’s safe to say that the Tahoe’s “best-in-class” fuel economy rating is no lie.
As appealing as this is, fuel efficiency isn’t the only perk that the Tahoe has over other full-sized SUV models. The 2022 Tahoe also offers best-in-class cargo space, first-in-class four-corner air ride adaptive suspension (making for a smooth ride, even on rough terrain), and much more.
Now that you know all about the new Tahoe’s main vantage points, let’s get into the fun stuff! Family traveling has never been easier than it is with the new Tahoe. We’ve got all the details on three different east coast travel destinations you’ll want to take your 2022 Tahoe.
Red River Gorge
Looking for a beautiful, nature-filled getaway? Red River Gorge in Slade, Kentucky, is a great place to take the family. The main thing you’ll want to do when you visit the Gorge is a hike––more specifically, hike to the Natural Bridge. Of course, if you think that those 2.5 miles is a bit too much for the entire family, you can also take the skylift for a small fee. The lift is an experience within itself, giving you a clear view of just how high the Natural Bridge really is.
There are several other trails in addition to the Natural Bridge Trail, so you’ll want to pack up plenty of hiking necessities: camping gear, picnic baskets and coolers, additional clothing, and the likes. This is where the 2022 Tahoe’s massive interior space comes into play. Thanks to 122.9 cubic feet of configurable cargo space, combined with spacious second and third-row legroom, the family can comfortably tackle the Gorge’s trails. In fact, the 2022 Chevy Tahoe has the first power sliding center console in its class, providing even more second-row room when needed.
The Gorge isn’t all about hiking, though. You’ll also want to check out “The Gorge Underground,” a unique, underground kayaking tour. The best part about it is that it’s family-friendly! Ages 3 and up are welcome to join, with up to 12 people in each group. For the tour, kayaks are provided. However, there’s plenty of space to do your own paddling at the Gorge. Even with a loaded vehicle, you can haul your own kayaks using the Tahoe’s available Roof-Mounted Dock Glide Kayak Carrier add-on.
The Red River Gorge is a wonderful, family-friendly travel destination that’ll get the kids immersed in nature. Whether you’re looking to hike beautiful trails or glide down the river, the 2022 Tahoe is for you.
Virginia Beach
Ready for a more tropical-themed getaway? Virginia Beach is a great family-friendly beach location. There’s a lot to do, including everything from berry picking and bike riding, to eating Royal Chocolates and heading Ifly’s indoor skydiving facility––just maybe not in that exact order.
If you don’t want to stay in a hotel, you can merge the camping/beach bum life when you’re in Virginia. There are several nearby campgrounds, including the Virginia Beach KOA Campground, and the Holiday Trav-L Park, to name just a few. The best part is that you don’t have to feel bad for lugging your golf clubs around for the trip. Between the beach and the campgrounds, you can guarantee there will be more than one minigolf location. This is where you can make up your morning t-time absence to the kids.
In addition to tourist attractions, there’s also room for some parent-friendly activities. Between the lakes and the ocean, there’s plenty of room for fishing and boating. Thanks to the 2022 Tahoe’s 8,200-pound max tow capacity (when equipped with the EcoDiesel and trailering package), you can haul your fishing boat, your pontoon, or your speed boat with ease. You can also go “glamping” rather than tent camping since you’ve got enough power to haul an average-sized camper.
The only real downside to beach trips is that most people aren’t lucky enough to live near the ocean. So, if you’re going to drive it rather than fly it, the trip can drag on. You’ll want to keep the kids entertained, which is great news if you’re driving a 2022 Tahoe. Thanks to Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Bluetooth, entertainment has never been easier. The Tahoe has a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, along with 12.6-inch color touch screens for rear passengers, so you can count on the kids staying occupied for the drive. Whether they’re playing games or watching movies, the trip should be a breeze. Just make sure to bring them headphones; otherwise, you’ll be the one who ends up getting cranky.
Hershey’s Chocolate World/Hershey Park!
Not every vacation destination has to be outdoors, and absolutely no one in the family is going to complain about visiting a chocolate factory. The best thing about Hershey’s Chocolate World is that no matter the season, there’s plenty of room for fun. Even Hershey Park stays open for all four seasons, with events that coordinate with the weather.
Hershey’s chocolate tour takes you through a winding ride where you get to see exactly how some of your favorite candy bars are made. In addition to the tour itself, you’ll get to see a 4D interactive mystery movie, and even personalize your own chocolate bar. The chocolate bar itself may not last long, but that’s what Instagram is for, right?
The Hershey Park offers amusement rides during warmer months, a special Christmas light event during the winter season. There’s even a wildlife park called ZooAmerica, which is also open during winter. Here, the kids can see everything from the Gray Wolf and Black-footed Ferrets to the Common Bat and the Arizona Mountain Kingsnake.
The downside to visiting a chocolate factory when you have children is of course, melted chocolate getting all over the place. The good news is that the 2022 Tahoe offers leather seating, making the chocolate a breeze to clean up. Thanks to remote start and automatic climate control, you can make sure the sun doesn’t destroy your tasty treats…or your interior.
There are fun things for adults to do in Hershey, PA, as well, including old-fashioned golf, the Hershey Theater, the museum, and tons of places to shop. There’s plenty to do here, no matter what the season is. Overall, Hershey Chocolate World is a great year-round, east coast vacation destination for Tahoe-driving families.
