Some see this as an essential luxury feature.
The Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe are veritable cash-cows for GM. To keep the full-sized duo competitive, both received a host of updates for the 2022 model year, with the V8-equipped models receiving a new 10-speed transmission, among other things. Sadly, the semiconductor chip crisis saw many automakers remove features from vehicles, and these SUVs were no exception.
Previously, Chevrolet cut heated and ventilated front seats from both models. However, this spec constraint has been lifted. As of April 18 production, all 2022 models usually equipped with the luxury feature will regain heating and ventilation functionality. The constraint was placed upon 2022 Tahoe and Suburban models built between March 14 and April 17.
Before the chip shortage, heated seats were equipped, as standard, on all trim levels apart from the base LS. Ventilated seats remained the reserve of the plusher Premier and High Country. Interestingly, the latter remained unaffected by the production constraints. Vehicles produced without the luxury feature received a window sticker indicating that features are missing.
These affected SUVs are eligible for a credit, although customers who took delivery of a vehicle affected by the chip-related constraint will be able to have heated and ventilated seats retrofitted at a Chevrolet dealership this year. Hopefully, the reintroduction of this feature is a sign that GM and the auto industry are finding ways to better navigate the chip crisis.
The Tahoe and the Suburban aren't the only GM products to see features cut due to the global chip shortage. Previously, luxury brand Cadillac has had to cut heated seats and Super Cruise from the CT4 and CT5 premium sedans. The range-topping Escalade was similarly afflicted, with Super Cruise also unavailable for some time.
Thankfully, the brand brought the feature back and recently made it standard on all models but the base Luxury trim. Elsewhere, the Suburban received a price hike to mirror the updates bestowed upon the 2022 model. For the most part, the Bow Tie brand's largest offering still represents great value but some models, such as the Premier trim, saw as much as $800 tacked onto the MSRP.
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