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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  Impressed - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Skip - October 25 - 4:10 am

  First off, I traded in a Honda Pilot. It was my 11th Honda. I wanted a little bigger vehicle and looked at the Toyota, GMC Yukon Denali, and even the Escalade. I never even considered Chevy until I drove one. It rides great, and is very quiet, luxury car quiet. Im impressed by the fit and finish, on par with the Japanese imports.

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  Tahoe is a wonderful 4 wheel - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By linda spinelli - October 24 - 10:00 am

  We got our tahoe in 2000. Our son has off roaded it; and this car has not been any trouble at all. It is roomy and very very comfortable in the front or back. we look forward to purchasing our 2004. : ) As far as interior goes it is great Linda

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  heated seats - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Bradroth - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I love my tahoe. The only comment I have is that the controls for the heated seats are easily bumped on and the next thing you know your back is on fire. It is funny when it happens to everyone but you.

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  Why buy a Tahoe? - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By tjasdfsdfasd - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Tahoe is nice, but it comes at a high price. Right now the truck is at the dealer because Im getting water in the truck after I use the A/C or after driving in the rain. Carpets are soaked and stained. Should NOT have a 1960s problem in 2003. FIX IT! I have owned a bunch of Pontiacs and Chevys in the past and to be honest, Im done with GM! Looking at a Seqouia now and dumping the Tahoe. You guys should be ashamed of yourselves. Did you outsource parts from India or China???? Also had a front axle leak, knocking sound on startup and some drivetrain noises. The list goes on...

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  First Chevrolet - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By The Bubs - September 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the first GM product in our household. So far (2 months and 2000 miles), weve been *very* pleased with the ride, comfort and overall performance of the Tahoe. We test drove a Yukon Denali, Yukon SLT w/Autoride, and the Tahoe w/Z71. Both my wife and I thought that the Tahoe drove the best of the three (we also drove a 03 Toyota Forerunner, but found the interior/exterior "bland").

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  Bump - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By bama5029 - September 16 - 6:10 pm

  This is one of several Tahoes I have owned, I have vibration in steering wheel and bumpy ride, came with Bridgestone tires, the dealer has replaced the tires and seems to have solved the problem. I like everything about the 2007 Tahoe, except I think better tires should come on the Tahoe.

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  Best Vehicle Ive ever owned. - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Pon1 - September 9 - 2:33 am

  Excellent acceleration. Smooth ride. Extremely comfortable and better fuel economy than previous models. I got every option possible and they all work flawlessly. Fantastic vehicle.

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  Great car - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Rita - September 3 - 10:46 am

  I love this car. You can hardly tell you hit a bump, and the gas mileage has been great. I drive 100 miles or more a day, and it has not been as bad as I thought it would be. Everything is designed with my family in mind. Well designed!

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  An SUV that drives like a Car - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Dan16 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The commerical tells it all. When the SUV parks between all those motorcycles, is exactly how this handles. Best car I have owned, recommend it to anyone.

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  Tahoe is the way to go! - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By The Perlee Family - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I highly reccomend the Tahoe Lt 4x4. It is very very comfertable and is not only a great family car, but a fun toy too! The leather heated seats help so much with back pain. The heat eases it away. The dvd/tv is great to keep the kids busy while going on very long trips.I had a sun roof put in by the dealer which is nice. I can look up at the stars and enjoy!!! The only not so good thing is the trunk space. It is very limited, but if you dont need the very back seats you can fold them down and it makes more room. So its not that big of a deal. (The LT seats 8 and the Z71 seats only 5.) I love my tahoe !!!!