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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  Looking for new owner! - 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Brent Rheinheimer - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Has tow package. First three years used to pull boat. Not since. Great SUV. No rust or dents. Paint is in very good condition. Mobile One oil since first oil change. All papers on service avaiable. Life time brakes. New Full set of new tires this year. New battery 2003.

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  Its an American car!! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jason Smith - July 20 - 8:53 am

  GMC has redeemed themselves with this outstanding truck! It drives like a dream while maintaining its toughness and style. I love the interior display. Very high quality materials. Buttons are easy to reach. It looks more like a German interior design. The leather seats are very confortable. The ergonomics are very user friendly. If you want to complain about the gas, maybe youre buying a car you cant afford. Ive had the truck for two weeks now and heads turn left and right when I drive this beauty. Some people think is an Escalate or a Range Rover, people just love how good it looks.

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  The coolest mommy vehicle on the block! - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Tiger Mom - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Its a great car for carpooling kids to school, shopping for grocercies and mulch, and road-tripping to Disney World. The leather is comfortable and sporty, and the third row seat allows room for 8 passengers. But this sporty mommy vehicle is no pushover its tough enough for dad and 4 or 5 golf buddies as well! If youre looking for quality, durability, and style under $40,000 this is your truck!

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  2001 Tahoe - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By kendall221 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Overall very good.

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  Excellent Truck - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By smithpk - July 12 - 6:30 pm

  Incredible features on the "base" model. We just bought within the past month and have been happier than expected with the 4800 engine. The 3rd row is the best available - interms of leg room and 50/50 split for storage. Have used the AWD some in snow and this works great as well.

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  Great SUV - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Johnboy - July 7 - 11:13 pm

  This is a great suv - I did not know about 2007 models until I went to the showroom and saw one. I got all the stuff except the DVD player. The ride is great, the front suspension change makes this feel like a sedan. My wife know has taken control and I no longer can use this car. GM did a great job - we traded in our great 2004 Tahoe - what a diffrence. The only con is the nav/radio/rearview/control system is a major distraction - its hard to drive without looking at it and therefore taking my eyes off the road.

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  Nice Truck - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By bhusarek - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Our 2000 Tahoe has been a great truck for us. It has done everything we have wanted and more, without any problems.

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  GM needs to improve - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By cagdgg - July 1 - 2:00 am

  Its been 3 1/2 years since my wife and i bought this Tahoe. It is quite an improvment from the 1995 Tahoe LT we owned but we still have problems with this one. After owning a 1995 and 2000 Tahoes its made me second guess sticking with Chevy.

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  Tahoe Review - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By nadine - June 23 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Tahoe 1994 4x4 2DR Diesel, 1999 4x4 LT, and currently 2001 4x4 4DR Lt with Autoride. I have had wonderful experiences with all. My favorite however is the comfort of my 2001, it is an absolute creampuff, and it is all factory - no modifications, but all the bells and whistles. The gas mileage is better now with the new Vortec engines and smaller tank.

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  Some Room for Improvement - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By purewater - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven 4WD vehicles for 16 years straight now - 87 Subaru Wagon, 92 Toyota 4Runner, 98 Ford Expedition & 2000.5 Tahoe LT. While this vehicle beat the 98 Expedition hands down in many categories, i.e. handling, acceleration, fit & finish, etc. I figure for $40,000, it still has some room for improvement. Im trying to buy American made (if there is such a thing), but Im concerned that some unnamed foreigners, might be providing a slightly better value in this market segment. The Tahoe is still a global competitor (and I had the first year of the new Tahoe), but dont rest easy Chevy, the big truck market is no longer dominated by the good ol USA.