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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  2002 Tahoe LS 4x4 w/ 5.3 - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By bug! - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Great power,smooth ride and lots of space! I have also been getting good gas mileage (18-20.5 mpg). However, I am dissapointed in the interior. The fabric on the cushions of my seats was not sewn well at all. Also, after riding in a Toyota Sequoia, I realize how small and relatively uncomfortable the Tahoe back seat is. Also, despite its weight and wide tires (265/70 R16), it gets blown around in the wind. When you have a substantial side-wind, you get a lot of leaks in the door and along the floor. One more thing, the bench seat option doesnt have a good range of adjustments for the seats. Short drivers might have a hard time. Im 61" and I keep the seat as high as it will go.

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  love my tahoe - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By dardson1 - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine during the $2002 rebate and for invoice less the rebate. The only options on mine is the 285hp engine, rear liftgate, and raised letter tires. At exactly $28k plus TT&L this truck is a bargain. Im getting right at 15mpg city (with fairly conservative driving.) It is quiet, smooth, and very well done. I had a 96 Tahoe. Almost loved it but the brakes were terrible and the design was sloppy. GM has nailed these new SUVs, and I am very pleased. If reliability proves good, Ill call it just about perfect.

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  Happy - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Kayaker712 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful vehicle. I love the solid feel and the 5.3 Vortec is a dream in traffic gob and gobs or low end torque. The truck is solid and feels like a bank vault on wheels going down the road.

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  Great Ride - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By adjmcloon - March 29 - 2:00 am

  I actually had settled on an Expedition and was shopping around when I decided to try the Tahoe. What a difference! The ride and power were a huge step up from the Expedition. The interior seats are soft and comfy, and I love all of the gadgets. I tow a trailer regularly (2-3 times a week) and I was amazed at how well the "tow/haul" mode worked. I was thinking that it would just turn off overdrive, but actually it changes the shift points to allow the vehicle to act like it does when its unloaded. Also, the autoride feature is the bomb- it levels out the vehicle suspension when its under load. Gas mileage is much better than the Ford.

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  Best truck driven on the road today... - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By whitt - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I drove all kinds of trucks Z71 is the most fun yet and people love to see what it is on the road

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  Far superior to the competiton - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jon Dillingham - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This is an outstanding vehicle Ive really loved mine. It is a bit marginal on power but even saying that it is far far superior to the competion which is dismal to marginally adequate at best. I glad I own mine, a few little things have gone wrong but I jsut have good things to say about it I wish my lease wasnt up

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  Z-71 4WD - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Arizona Tahoe Z-71 - March 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a 2001 model,purchased new 5/01. Dealer sales and service practices are excellent. No problems with the vehicle after 10 months. We use it on trips out of town 6 or 7 times a year. Other than that it is a daily commuter vehicle for a short drive to work. I have towed a small motorcycle trailer and it tows perfectly. We traded a 96 Yukon and this vehicle is just the next generation and more useful as the Yukon was nly a 2 door GT.

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  Our Tahoe - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By David/Nina - March 17 - 12:25 pm

  The Tahoe has really opened up our eyes to Chevrolet. As current BMW owners (2), we considered BMW and Acura. We bought the Tahoe and are pleased with our choice. Well built (so far), good looking and large enough to haul "stuff".

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  WOW - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By ULTIMATE REVIEWER - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I was a proud Ford Expedition driver for many years. I have been working in the Automobile industry for more than five years and after driving the new 03 Tahoe, I can easily say that it stands in a class by itself. The 4x4 system is by far superior to the expedition. (And yes I have driven the 2003, I just traded it in for the 2003 Tahoe) Very impressed with the vehicle.

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  2002 Tahoe LT w/Autoride - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Rhet - March 15 - 4:18 pm

  Overall this has been the best vehicle I have ever owned! Power, Comfort, and Reliability.. its all there! I test drove an LT with out the Autoride option, and one with... for the difference in price, the Autoride option is WELL WORTH the extra money! VERY SMOOTH RIDE!