Overview & Reviews

Few SUVs since the mid-1990s have been as popular as the Chevrolet Tahoe, and it's not hard to see why. With room for up to nine passengers, V8 power and plenty of available amenities, the Tahoe has traditionally been a go-to choice for large American families.

The Chevy Tahoe faced little competition when it debuted, popularizing the full-size SUV by being a somewhat smaller and more maneuverable version of the giant Chevy Suburban that established the segment. Today, however, there are more choices than ever. In particular, large crossovers are more efficient, easier to drive and more versatile inside. The Tahoe remains competitive, though, especially among those who need the added capability of towing.

Current Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a traditional full-size SUV built on a truck platform. It's been fully redesigned for 2015. Major updates for this fourth-generation model include added safety and technology features, improved fuel economy and a fold-flat third-row seat. Depending on the configuration, it will accommodate anywhere from six to nine passengers and tow up to 8,600 pounds.

Three trim levels (LS, LT and LTZ) are available. The LS is well equipped with tri-zone climate control, full power accessories, Bluetooth connectivity, a color display with rearview camera and three rows of seats, the rearmost folding into the floor. Going with the LT or LTZ fills out the standard equipment list with more luxury-oriented items. Feature highlights, depending on trim, include adaptive magnetic shock absorbers, a power liftgate, power-adjustable pedals, power-actuated second- and third-row seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats and an integrated brake controller.

Standard safety equipment includes stability control, front side as well as an innovative front center (between seats) airbag and three-row curtain airbags. Available safety technology includes adaptive cruise control with forward collision alert, lane-departure and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert and a vibrating safety-alert seat. Options include a navigation system and a rear entertainment system on most models.

Ample power comes by way of a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8, matched to a modern and efficient six-speed automatic transmission. There is a choice between two- and four-wheel drive, with the latter available with either a traditional two-speed transfer case or a single-speed unit without low-range gearing (not available with Max Trailering package).

In reviews, our editors found the Chevy Tahoe to be a capable and comfortable performer with a welcoming and, for its class, upscale interior. The ride quality is comfortable and handling surprisingly composed, but you'll find the ride comfort deteriorates with either of the available 20- or 22-inch wheels, even with the adaptive suspension. Also, larger crossovers tend to be more maneuverable and responsive. The cabin's redesign and modern connectivity are welcome, as the Tahoe is now competitive with its rivals. Another significant change is the integrated fold-flat third-row seat, the downside of which is an elevated floor into the cargo area.

In total, if you're mostly looking to carry a bunch of people, the Tahoe isn't the best choice. However, if you also need to tow or venture off-road with a real four-wheel-drive system, the burly Tahoe continues to make a lot of sense in an anachronistic category that continues to dwindle.

Used Chevrolet Tahoe Models
The third generation of the Chevy Tahoe spanned the 2007-'14 model years. Compared to earlier Tahoes, it represented a marked improvement in terms of drivability and interior design, as well as materials and build quality.

Initially for this Tahoe, Chevy offered one of two V8s: a 4.8-liter (295 hp) or a 5.3-liter (320 hp). Both engines came with a four-speed automatic transmission, but the 4.8-liter V8 was paired with rear-wheel drive only. For a single year in 2009, a 6.2-liter V8 with 395 hp was available. A six-speed automatic was introduced that year and was fitted to both the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8s. After that, the Tahoe came exclusively with the 5.3-liter engine and six-speed auto and either RWD or traditional 4WD with low-range gearing.

Trim levels for this 2007-'14 generation were LS, LT and LTZ. Feature content varied somewhat through the years, but typically the LS came standard with 17-inch wheels, cruise control, stability control, full power accessories, dual-zone climate control and a six-speaker sound system. For a time, the LT model was split into three sub-levels: LT1, LT2 and LT3 with progressively more convenience or luxury items such as heated leather seats, power-adjustable pedals, remote vehicle start, tri-zone automatic climate control and rear park assist. The LTZ remained the most well-appointed and typically came standard with 20-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, navigation, ventilated front seats and a premium sound system. Sporadically, Chevrolet also offered an Off-Road package.

This generation also experienced a steady infusion of standard or optional technology: we recommend going with a 2009 or newer model for equipment like Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port (2010) or hard drive-based navigation. Other key changes for this generation involved safety feature content. For the 2007 model, side curtain airbags were optional on some trims, while front side airbags were unavailable prior to 2010. Another noteworthy change involved the 50/50-split third-row seat, which was optional for 2007 and '08.

Overall, we found this versatile and ever-improving generation of Chevrolet Tahoe to be desirable for a full-size V8-powered SUV. Car-based crossover SUVs became much more popular during this time, and they're worth consideration given the advantages in fuel economy, handling and ride quality. Yet the Tahoe remained a capable and comfortable, if slightly large, daily driver throughout. Our one main criticism involved the Tahoe's third-row seats. At more than 50 pounds each, they were heavy and cumbersome to remove. And when folded inside the truck, they did not offer a flat cargo floor. The third-row seats were also a favorite of smash-and-grab thieves.

The previous-generation Chevrolet Tahoe was built for the 2000-'06 model years. Through most of this period, our editors considered the Tahoe to be one of the best full-size SUVs available. This second-gen Tahoe was a little bit smaller than the third, but it still offered room for up to nine passengers. Two V8 engines were available -- either a 285-hp 4.8-liter or a 295-hp 5.3-liter -- as were 2WD or 4WD. For most of its history, the model came in LS, Z71 or LT trims. The Z71 was designed for improved off-road performance.

Generally, our editors were impressed with the power from the V8 engines and the truck's maneuverability, but put off by cheap interior materials and spotty build quality. Shoppers placing a priority on safety will want to look for a Tahoe with the optional stability control system; Chevrolet started offering it in the 2003 model year on trucks with the larger V8.

Previous to this was the first-generation Chevrolet Tahoe offered from 1995-'99. It could carry a maximum of six passengers, large amounts of cargo and best of all would fit in most garages. This was the only generation that offered both two-door and four-door models. The two-door versions were also available with a 180-hp turbodiesel V8 instead of the 255-hp, 5.7-liter V8.

User Reviews:

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  disappointment - 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By jim o - December 27 - 12:06 pm

  Worst tahoe ever. Took away front tow hooks, 373 gears,low range ,removable back seats, body panel are thin as a pop can . Dents easily. Body trim panels blew off in car wash. Computer went out. AC went out. Back door leaks. Constantly gear hunting and shifting. Terrible for town driving. Backup camera is useless on the radio screen! Door handles very cheep. Interior molding cheep end scratch and smudge easily. Lots of cabin issues on bumpy roads, uncomfortable rattling ect.

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  Horrible car - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By K Daniels - October 15 - 8:33 pm

  Purchased new Z71 with all the options. Truck now has 86000 miles on it and is falling apart. Transfer case and front differential gone, speedometer, heater fan, windshield wipers, mirror defrost, seat heater, fuel pump, U-joints, turn signals all not working. Truck needs over 5K of repairs. These are all items that should never go out, especially on a low mileage car. This is my 4th chevy truck. All others have gone 150+ miles without issues. GM is not building a product that will last and will not stand behind their product. I will not buy another GM product again.

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  not what I expected - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By monay - March 21 - 3:11 pm

  The brand new Tahoe is not what I expected. I took my first trip in my Tahoe to Reno where I experienced the throttle sticking whenever I would press all the way down on the gas. I actually had to use my foot to push the pedal back up. Thats not safe at all. The interior cloth seats collects so much Lent. Now Im looking into replacing with leather which is costly. Another complaint is the plastic lighter covers are so cheap that two of mine have already fell off. I think for how much the Tahoe costs they have should of been built better. The older tahoes look a lot better than the 2007-2008. I take the blame. I should of did my homework before getting locked into a car that Im not happy with.

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  Dont do it! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By James - October 11 - 1:28 am

  Well where do I start. Of course I understand i bought this suv used from a private party in USED conditions. I purchased this truck about 2 months ago with 180,000 on it currently has 186,000 on the dash as of yesterday. Seeing how this is my first suv and Chevy I was hesitant on getting it in the first place. I have the LTZ model and every light on the dash has come on one time or another. Last night the check engine light and Stabilitrak light was flashing randomly driving down the highway. Googled the issue as soon as i got home and was given everything from loose wires to bad battery , could be fuel module, sensor on the brake pedal for the cruise control. So i read some more on the subject and 10 other things that it could also be causing this to happen. Here is a list of stuff that stopped working in the last month : drivers side running light is out, the rear hatch and glass dont open when you push the button, the air shock system is junk, tps on both front tires went out, air bag sensor isnt working, i can go on and on. Im learning that Im just one of many people with all the exact same issues that this has happened to. I drove Ford trucks before this and was giving Chevy a chance thinking this was a nice car. I was so WRONG. Im gonna have to put it up for sale take 2 grand loss and go find another Ford truck. I will never in my life buy another Chevrolet again as long as Im alive. Save your money and time dont buy a 2007 Chevy Tahoe at all.

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  Complete Junk! - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By lewis - February 13 - 5:02 pm

  Every time we turn around there is a problem, since weve had it, its been in the shop 5 times. When pulling a trailer it will not hold back on hills and the four wheel drive isnt that good. The back seats are totally uncomfortable and theres little leg room in the third row.

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  dont make the same mistake I did! - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By cokbiter - August 13 - 10:00 am

  On the 6th day of ownership of my tahoe..the compresser to the a/c locked up. And the exact part that caused the problem was not cover under chevys "bumper to bumper" warranty, so i had to shell out $296 to fix the air! On the day I was suppost to pick it up the dealership called me in the morning and said it was ready. So I had my boss drop me off at the dealer. The mechanic blew the compresser at 10am and no one had contacted me to give me the heads up on keeping my rental! Can you belive that with simular equipment as the tahoe, the sequoia with the same milage has about $8000.00 more resale value over one year!

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  DONTCALL - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By DISSATISFIED - April 17 - 2:00 am

  BAD SALES, BAD CAR, BAD RIDE, ROTTEN PRICE

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  Junk! - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By POD in Houston - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Anyone buying a Tahoe needs their head examined! What a piece of pricy JUNK!!!! After spending over $7 Grand in the last two-1/2 years on repairs, Ill never buy another GM vehicle again, even if I have to walk!!!! Buyer Beware!