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:

• 

  THE BEST SUV OUT THERE - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By TONITAHOE - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I AM THE SECOND OWNER AND LAST OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. THIS TRUCK IS A DREAM, THE INTERIOR I BELIEVE IS THE BEST DESIGN AND MATERIALS I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH ANY VEHICLE THAT I HAVE RIDEN IN. I WILL NEVER SELL MY TRUCK. IT IS VERY VERSITILE DESIGN.

• 

  WOW!!! - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By mikenlatina - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I went from a 91 Jeep Cherokee to a 97 Ford F150 truck to the Tahoe I own now and I am totally satisfied with the Tahoe. I feel like I am driving a "tank" so to speak, but I absolutely love it. Took the wife, daughter and dog to Charlotte from Florida for the first "road trip" in the Tahoe and it was great. Tons of room!!!!It was fanatastic. I had been wanting a larger SUV than the cherokee and this fit the bill perfectly. I give it a 9. I cant say enough about the vehicle, other than now my wife wants one too. Everyone who is ever ridden in mine comment on the spaciousness (sp?) of it.

• 

  Charlies Tahoe - 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By chabea - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this SUV new and it has never let me down. It is great in snow. I got through 20 inch snow fall in 1996 when nothing else in my neighborhood could. Ive had oil changed every 3.000 miles and basic dealer maintenance - the truck still drives like new!

• 

  Pretty Good Effort - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Gump - January 2 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Effort. Chevy got it pretty close to pefrfect this time. Good build quality, great design (interior and exterior), better than expected performance, and absolutely awesome ride quality. My vehicle of choice to drive (there is a Mercedes sports car in the driveway) everyday.

• 

  My 1st Chevy Tahoe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By G. Montes - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Just want to say how pleased I am with my 2003 Chevy Tahoe. I purchased it used with 4800 miles on it. It looked brand new though. Its a pleasure to drive and the kids love it. My wife is afraid to drive it coz its just so big... Guess its all mine. Living in California where driving anywhere can take hours, now I dont mind the wait!

• 

  Tahoe - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By lilskimo - December 30 - 2:00 am

  My 2002 Tahoe has been everything I expected. Even with the smaller engine it has great pickup even on the freeway. The standard package provides so much comfort there is no need to add any extras.

• 

  As the add says, "LIKE A ROCK" - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By jenga - December 30 - 2:00 am

  The Tahoe blows away the competition (Expedition, Landcruiser, etc. with their wimpy 230hp engines). The 5.3L engine is a MUST have over the standard 4.8. Interior qualities and features are very adequate regardless of "spotty build quality" often described by J.D. Power and other groups - what do they expect? Its a TRUCK for cryin out loud! My 1st ever large vehicle/SUV and Im committed for life as long as Chevy maintains their quality standard. Hats off to "MOTOR CITY" for a job well done!

• 

  Best Tahoe Yet - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Dave - December 26 - 9:26 pm

  Im pleased with almost everything about the new Tahoe. The only concerns or objections are the navigation system, the gas mileage and the noise in the head liner. The naviagation system is the worst Ive experienced. It will often direct you to turn where there is no road to turn to. Also, the Nav will direct you and tell you that you have arrived at your destination when in fact you are about a quarter mile away. It has even sent me in the wrong direction when I was close to my destination.

• 

  So far so good - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Buck - December 25 - 9:50 am

  We picked up our Tahoe just prior to a trip with the kids to the beach. We were able to put its practicality to use right away. The new styling is very fresh and we received a lot of looks as we were driving. The 4 cyl/8 cyl technology helped us get 19 miles per gallon even though much of our traveling was through the WV and VA mountains. We opted for the second row buckets and the rear entertainment system. The kids love it. Interior is very roomy with nice conveniences. Ride is great too. We have since had the opportunity to tow a boat and the Tahoe pulls very well. Only knock thus far is a pesky vibration where the headliner and interior trim meet the driver door.

• 

  Chevy Sinks Like A Rock - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By acme - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Since I have owned this POS I have replaced Two water pumps, two starters and three altinators. All parts replaced were GM factory parts. As for the interior the dash cracked fater the first year and the seat frame broke and I only weigh 185 lbs.