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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  Tahoe Z71 - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By fkwalter - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Like Z71 very much. Had a Ford explorer and this is larger and towing has been great. Have 3500 lbs. camper and you do not you are towing the camper. Great towing power in mountains. Only have 3000 miles on vehicle so cannot commet on reliability yet!

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  Not surprised! - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By thdon - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Experience has been great. 16,000 and not one item for the dealer to fix. I do not care for the 3rd row of seats. I think they are unsafe and I wish I had not bought them.

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  the 5.3 tahoe is the mac daddy - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By franchiselife - December 2 - 2:00 am

  have owned various suvs including honda crv, ford explorer eddie bouer, 2002 gmc envoy, 2001 isuzu rodeo. my tahoe has the 5.3 and the 3.73 limited slip rear end with leather. that tow/haul switch, the engine power and the gearing all make towing our 6500 lb boat a breeze. i am very pleased. great value.

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  Leased vehicles are junk - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By schroeder - November 25 - 2:00 am

  Purchased Tahoe used from Russ Darrow (dont buy from there) had to replace the transmission within a year of purchase. We tried to find out if it was under warranty and got the run around from Chevrolet. Within two weeks it had electrial problems. 8 months of purchase the transmission started slipping and the rear end made a clunking noise. The window adjuster and lock mechanism fell into the door and we can not use those buttons on the passenger side. I do not like the anti- lock brakes that were designed for this vehicle. When I come to an abrupt stop the whole vehicle shakes and feels out of control.

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  Tahoe - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Utstud1 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  The Chevy tahoe is a fairly good car. It has a wonderful drive and a great u- turn. The interior could be more luxuries, but the outside is pretty nice.

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  I should have bought one years ago - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By TahoeFan - November 16 - 2:00 am

  2002 2WD 5.3L LS Black with front buckets. What a great ride! Gobs of room for people and gear, lots of power, Great Brakes! I dont mind making a car payment after avoiding that for 12 years.

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  2002 Tahoe LT - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By gindel - November 15 - 2:00 am

  We traded in our 97 jeep cherokee sport for this, and the difference (obviously) is night & day. Love the drivers seat memory.

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  Great Truck......but - 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Buckodog - November 14 - 2:00 am

  We bought this truck initially for the towing capacity. It runs great and tows our, 24 foot, 5500 lb., trailer like a dream. Only complaint on towing is the gas mileage(6-8 mpg). Comfortable to drive. Handles well. Much more like a car than a truck. Controls on drivers door could be positioned better. They are hard to find while driving. They also are easy to break(plastic).

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  Wonderful Tahoe - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By ggwes - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I have thoroughly enjoyed my Tahoe, especially on road trips. The ride is extremely comfortable. The truck has incredible power. I did not intend to get the third seat, but now we cant live without it. We can pack a ton of people in it.

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  Poor Quality and Service - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Yule-B-Sorry - November 11 - 2:00 am

  After replacing the engine manifold, transmission, starter, water pump, master cylinder, radiator all between 70-80,000 miles, my tahoe runs ok. Brakes are poor as have replaced 2 sets of rotors but am still on the original pads. The rear door leaks and needs a new gasket. This car is only used by my wife for daily trips to take the kids to school and other events. Dealings with GM customer service are like having a root canal. They are very good at the denial game. My mechanic who is now my best friend says that my problems are not uncommon with regards to the transmission, manifold and brakes. Not a car I recommend purchasing.