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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  Great truck, interior has flaws. - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Was1 - August 26 - 8:46 pm

  Once you learn how to drive it, with a very light foot, and get the 22 mpg most of the time, that feature alone is worth everything. SanFran/Sac on a 1/4 tank. The seats are comfortable, and has every feature imaginable.That said, this truck seems to me designed without any of the engineers ever driving it. First off, the cup holders do not hold a 1.5 liter bottle of water. Lower gauges are unreadable in daylight. They got rid of all the little places to put stuff. Used to have a coin holder in my old one, now a have a baggie of change. For the price there is a lot of road noise. I guess its light to keep the mileage up. The other person is right about the outside air coming in.

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  False advertising re mileage - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By james e. nicholson - August 12 - 12:23 am

  The hype about the engine dropping out 4 cylinders to conserve fuel clearly suggests to the buyer that the shift would occur when the car reached highyway crusing speed. In fact, it only reduces to 4 cylinders when one lets up on the accelerator. Therefore, in a 500 mile trip, the car gives you the last 50 yards(as you stop )in the 4 cylinder mode

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  White Z71 - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By chxtwo - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my Z71 Tahoe. I think the summit white is an eye catcher color. It provides a very comfortable ride for everyone. Its easy to clean....It does very well in the snow. I cannot complain about anything so far except for maybe the gas mileage, but the ride is worth it!

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  Forget the 2003 Tahoe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Falige - August 11 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the 2003 Tahoe LT in October of 2002. It is now March 2003 and the truck has had to be repaired TWICE!!!!!!!!!! AND to top it off we have to take it back to have a part put in it that had to be ordered. I am totally disgusted after spending that much money for something that is UNRELIABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Rate it - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Larry Carpenter - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive! Good V8 performance. Very comfortable. Trailers very well. Fit and finish are great! Second Tahoe Ive had and this 02 is Great!

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  07 Chevrolet Tahoe - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Joey Frey - July 30 - 11:26 am

  The Tahoe is my second large SUV purchase. The other being a Navigator. There is little comparison between the two. The Tahoe is much more refined, with much better fit and finish. Fuel mileage has just been a bonus that makes me enjoy this purchase that much more. We really enjoy the style, comfort, handling,and overall appeal the new Tahoe has. It makes me belive that GM is really getting it right! We did upgrade to the LTZ model, the 20" rims are nice!

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  Excellent Full Size SUV - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By tturner2b - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been a dream to drive. Very responsive for a full-size truck. I test drove all the full size SUVs and this is the one to get. Priced attractively for what you get and quality has come a long way from the mid-1990s. Perfect balance between truck toughness and car comfort.

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  Great SUV - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Zeb - July 29 - 2:13 am

  The fit and finish of the 07 Tahoe is fantastic. The improved fuel efficiency is nice but not all that noticiable. This truck performs like a much smaller car. If we were to go back six months we would still have chosen to purchase the 2007 Tahoe.

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  northeast driver - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By vikki l - July 18 - 2:00 am

  The Tahoe was intimidating to me at first, after a few drives I find it to be a pleasure to ride in and drive. It handles like a dream, my car requires more hands on driving than the Tahoe. I was in a terrible snowstorm with it and I was stuck to the road the entie trip home, everyone around me was not! I feel very safe when I am in this SUV, and and very happy to own it.

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  Best So Far - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jonesy - June 3 - 4:16 pm

  I looked at everything out there from mid-size to crossover to large and the Tahoe just cant be beat for the money. I put 1000 miles on it the day after delivery and loved every inch of it. Weve only had it a month now with no regrets and lots of smiles. Ive owned GM vehicles most of my life and I always research the market before any new purchase, GM came out a winner again. Keep up the good work!