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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  Still the One - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Cowtown, PA - August 10 - 12:56 pm

  Continues to impress even as the miles pile up---over 80k at the time of this review---normal maintenance only. Wouldnt consider any other brand of large SUV. Plan to keep it for the long haul.

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  Built like a tank! - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Kara - August 9 - 7:36 pm

  On 7-31-2010, we were rear ended by a tour bus that was doing AT least 60 on the interstate, we werent up to speed yet, the bus pushed us several feet, that truck and the good grace of God saved our lives! there were 5 of us in that truck including my son, Im so thankful we were in it instead of my car! We loved that truck and will miss it. We are looking for another in as good of shape as it was, Im thinking of trading my car for one!

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  I can not believe this failure - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By John - August 5 - 7:17 pm

  Bought my 2007 new and within 1,500 miles had to replace the radiator cooling fan because of a bearing failure. Dealer could not believe this failure and said this was a first. At 19,000 miles a bearing failure caused my transmission to fail. I do not drive this SUV off road. I drive this to work and back with a total of 26 miles a day. I have taken (2) trips and now I would be afraid going out of town. I will be trading this joke in very soon. I will not buy GM again. Oh and again (Dealer could not believe this failure and said this was a first). Same statement Following a transmission replacement. If you like to look at this SUV then this is the SUV for you. If want to drive this SUV then

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  Very disappointed - 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Anna Cozzone - August 5 - 8:36 am

  The driving would be great if it did not stall in the middle of driving down the highway or road! They do not want to admit there is a BIG problem. There are other people with this issue!

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  4 1/2 years of great driving - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By MtnsAndBeach - August 4 - 12:04 am

  Was an early adopter of the 2007 4wd after driving 2001 LS 4wd. Interior improvements were huge, exterior styling and finish great. I have had zero major issues with this rig. The interior still looks new. The biggest issue I had was the driver side exterior mirror whistled between 35 and 45 mph. After three "fixes", they finally replaced the mirror to solve the problem. Still driving on first set of brakes,mileage is 15.2 around town and 19 on trips, even over mountains in Oregon. On flat freeway, best mpg so far is 21. Of course, if you your foot is heavy expect 12 mpg, but that is you not the rig. Towing has been great. Would have to thing hard to come up with a serious complaint.

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  Great Vehicle - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By SS-ZULU - August 3 - 12:41 pm

  I am a 56 youthful year old male, living in New Jersey and who regularly travels to North Carolina with the comfort and reliability of my 1997 Tahoe. Also, I own a 1986 & 1987 Mercedes Benz 560 SEL, but when I leave to go to work or travel, its my 1997 Tahoe that receives the assignment. Did I mention that I stand @ 6 1/2 feet tall and enjoy full comfort of leg and height room. Power is good and fuel economy presents no discouragement for a daily driver. Clean and sleek body lines on my midnight blue Tahoe, demands road and curb appeal and evening relooks upon entering my home at days end. If you own one, my comments are understandable, if you do not, its an experience at your lost. BYE BYE !

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  12 years, 157,000 miles, 1 owner - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By FC - July 31 - 2:26 pm

  The title speaks for itself. Im the original owner of this truck. Bought it back in 98 with 11 miles on it. It now is pushing 160,000 and shows no signs of slowing down. I plan on keeping this truck until the wheels fall off. Every time I think of selling or trading it in for something with better mileage, it proves its usefulness, whether it be hauling a load of furniture, pulling a stump in the backyard, towing a trailer, or it snows! I could go on and on about the virtues of my Tahoe. Its taken me across the country many times, and still goes to the grocery store and work every day. Finally starting to show a little rust on the rockers, but thats to be expected.

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  Never again - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Texas Sam - July 28 - 1:55 pm

  I have bought many new GM products and have been pretty pleased but this 07 Tahoe is the biggest bag of crap I have ever owned. Every month my dashboard gets another crack in it, AC/heat does what it wants to do, power seats are a joke at best, wires for rear defrost have come un-soldered from the window, it locks and unlocks when it feels like it, a new battery every 9 months to a year and the latest is $2k spent repairing the rear end because of incorrect ring and pinion alignment. This bag of crap has only 45k miles on it. Way to go gm! Never again!

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  Been a Great SUV - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Bammer - July 27 - 9:21 pm

  Have 73,000 miles and still runs and operates great. A minor emission hose is only problem so far - and that was under warranty. Otherwise keep up with maintenance and no problems. Drive it everywhere and haul people and goods. Would be nice to have folding third seats, but I keep them out mostly anyway. Engine is good performer and mileage is decent. Interior layout is nice but some plastic is cheap (power outlet covers broke off). Light color carpet shows dirt too easily and cant get fully clean. All around been very happy with this vehicle. Drive it right and follow maintenance schedule!

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  Great SUV - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Great SUV - July 25 - 5:00 pm

  Bought this vehicle used w/ 21,000 miles on it and have now had it for over 4 years and now it has almost 83,000 miles on it. Have had only two minor problems with it, the push button 4x4 went out and had a problem with the steering shaft. Im debating trading this vehicle, but I hate to so bad. I keep it clean and it just still looks and drives so good. Nothing Ive test drove looks or drives as sweet as my Tahoe. This is a great vehicle. Wish I could afford a newer model.