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:

• 

  Great used vehicle !! - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Chvylvr - October 24 - 8:18 am

  I have owned almost every chevy truck they make. From a 93 and 02 suburban to an 03 and 09 silverado. They were all great trucks but I have to say the 01 tahoe is the most functional for my needs in the group. Not overly large fairly nimble good cargo space and room for 6 people (no 3rd row). The 5.3 liter moves this truck well. It is so smooth and you can hardly hear it idle. Got it with 93k with original Trans, rear etc. It has a good amount of rust underneath but nothing unusual for the northeast salted roads. No body rot at all and paint still shines like new. Not bad for a 14 year old truck. A new tahoe would be around $50k. I paid $5k for this one. Ill be due for another tahoe sometime around 2029 and Im sure Ill get a good deal on a 2015 then.

• 

  08 Tahoe LT - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Bryce Holloway - October 8 - 7:18 pm

  Starting with the cons, the front end clearance is similar to a car, I recommend a leveling kit, the locks are garbage. However it is a very smooth ride even with the 20" wheels. The fuel economy has not gotten worse or improved, still sitting at 15mpg city/hey combined. Towing is acceptable, strong power while towing and transmission stays cool during long hill pulls. I recently camped in the back of it for a weekend for a race event and was impressed with the cargo room (me being 6 tall) I slept comfortably. My only recommendation is to life the front end and beef up the brakes if youll be towing quite a bit. Also, expect to replace faulty locks. Overall, Im impressed with this purchase.

• 

  Blind spots and poorly designed console - 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By everclimber - May 26 - 1:33 pm

  Ive owned 5 different tahoe/suburbans over the last 30 years. Stay away from the 2015 model. This vehicle has gotten fatter and has new blind spots. You can no longer look left to see cars on the drivers side-you must use your mirrors to see cars near you. The rear wiper stops in your line of vision, before swiping again, instead of returning to its normal starting place. There is no GPS, only ONSTAR. I use my phone GPS, but it rarely connects with the sound system. It turns out, this is a known issue, and will only work properly if you do not have the radio on! The bluetooth rarely connects. Ive had the backup camera and console go completely blank numerous times-dangerous!

• 

  Super Smooth riding 2015 Tahoe - 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By joegraham - April 22 - 4:54 pm

  Only 1000 miles on the truck so far so Im still in the honeymoon phase,but I really like this truck. Ive owned Honda, Acura and Audi. Next to the Audi this is the smoothest driving and best looking vehicle Ive owned. 5.3 has plenty of power to move it. Trans is a little squirrely on downshifts. Sure MPGs could be better,but 16 and 23 on highway is spot on. Recently traded in a 2014 MDX Tech which I hated. Full of hard to use tech. Tahoe however is hi-tech & easy to use.The nav system flat out works. Understands voice commands,typing in address is as easy as it can get. Real-time weather app for road trips. third row is tight, and capt chairs should slide. overall very happy w Tahoe!

• 

  2007 Cheney Tahoe LT - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By rolland93 - March 13 - 2:32 pm

  Bought this truck about six months ago it has been reliable safe and fun to have and its more fuel-efficient than our old expedition. Its plenty a room but beware if you buy one make sure you get the bang for your buck I have an LT but I also have a customer that has the same year LT as I do and he has features unlike mine , sunroof GPS , 4X4 an automatic footboards.

• 

  124K and still Reliable - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Scott Sierzega - February 24 - 12:18 pm

  My 2007 Z71 Tahoe has needed minimal mechanical attention. 1st set of Brakes and Tires were at 75 to 80K miles (and I tow a Boat in summer months). At 100K I had the Rear Differential, Front Differential, Transfer Case, Transmission, and Anti Freeze fluids and Filters changed. As well as Spark Plugs, Wires and Serpentine Belt. All as preventative Maintenance. At about 110K my Driver Side Wheel Bearing replaced, and about 120K my Passenger side Wheel Bearing replaced. This truck is as beautiful as any 8-9 yr old Truck can be. This vehicle has NEVER left me stranded or been towed due to mechanical failure. My opinion, Paint and Interior have outlasted anything in its year range.

• 

  Saved my Dads life - 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By pb4128 - December 25 - 8:13 am

  I am the car guy in the family. I have always been a fan of Chevy trucks, and I talked my Dad into buying his 2010 Tahoe in August of 2010. He planned on keeping it until the wheels fell off little did we know that it would meet an early death, but it truly saved his life. Last year, just before Christmas, another driver lost control of their vehicle and came flying across multiple lanes of traffic on the highway and t-boned the drivers side of my Dads Tahoe while he was driving 60 mph. I lowered the suspension 3 inches when he bought it, so that probably contributed to it not flipping. Every airbag deployed, yet the damage was just moderate. No other vehicle could have performed as well.

• 

  New and improved yet one BIG GAP - 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By vticeman1 - September 17 - 7:30 pm

  Ive owned 3 Suburbans prior to downsizing to the Tahoe. I selected the LT model, full leather, heated seats and steering wheel….. etc. The electronics on this are pretty detailed yet it does NOT have navigation. Totally unacceptable for a $60k vehicle. Nav and texting on screen are available in Chevys very inexpensive sedans, yet to acquire such sought after technology in the Tahoe, you need to spend another $8k. Complete BS. THIS may be my last Chevy.

• 

  2005 chevy tahoe - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By georgefelix - August 27 - 10:56 am

  The only problem was the poor quality on the factory radiator , mix the coolant whit the trans fluid and the transmission broke down at 96 K miles , I do replaced the radiator and transmission &1500 cost part and labor , other wise , the truck is perfect family car , and still running whit no issues .

• 

  What a truck! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By al3310065 - April 1 - 9:44 am

  Shocked to find all these negative reviews! Bought my 2007 LTZ 4wd used 2 years ago, and it has been ROCK SOLID! It had 70K (or 50,000mi.) and Ive driven it 30K in 2 yrs (now has about 65,000mi.) Im hoping it continues strong as it continues to age. For now: looks like new and drives like new! Everybody thinks my truck is fresh off the assembly line. MOST of the mileage was done while pulling my 6000lbs camping trailer, so its not being babied. Only had to replace suspension compressor for air ride, and the rest has only been REGULAR maintenance.