Chevy expands SUV lineup with performance Tahoe RST and possible return of the Blazer model

Chevy has made a few tweaks to its big Tahoe sport utility for 2018. Notably, a 10-speed automatic transmission to help with both performance and efficiency. Base price for the new Tahoe is $47,500, but that figure can quickly climb when options and trim packages are added to the sticker price.

The '18 Tahoe follows a roll-out of redesigned smaller Chevrolet SUV models last year. The compact Equinox has become a huge seller, second only to the Silverado pickup in the Chevy line. The third generation Equinox ups the game in a very competitive arena. Same goes for the mid-size Traverse. It grew a bit in its first major redesign, making more room for the three rows of seats inside. It's definitely a solid people hauler.

But if you need something bigger to haul more or do some serious towing, the Tahoe stands out even more this year. Also standing out for the Tahoe is a new RST Edition. A big 6.2 liter V8 means horsepower, and torque figures top 400. It even gets huge Brembo performance brakes behind large wheels and tires, and a genuine Borla exhaust for a deep rumble.

Just as SUV sales continue to soar, Chevy's lineup is quite complete through the size spectrum. Starting with the compact Trax, which is barely an SUV and more like a wagon. Then the Equinox, Traverse, Tahoe, then the "big daddy" Suburban. Basically, from extra-small to extra-large.

For just about every vehicle maker today, having as many choices in SUV sizes and types means more customers. And for Chevrolet, a wide variety today could be enhanced even further by bringing back a name from the past.

You might remember the Blazer, Chevrolet's stand-out off-road SUV for many years. Well, the Blazer may be coming back! No, it won't be like the classic in true off-road capability, but more likely a crossover SUV to rival the Ford Edge. It would slot right between the Equinox and Traverse - in both size and price - pulling a name with a lot of value off the shelf. Chevrolet will supposedly bring the new Blazer out as a 2019 model, possibly unveiled at the upcoming Chicago or New York auto shows.

Purists might have wished for a new Blazer that's like the old one, a capable two-door 4x4. But in this day and age, that role falls to the Tahoe, which actually evolved from the former full-size Blazer in the 1990s. Still, in the near future you could once again buy a brand new Chevy Blazer. At least in name.