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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Ex Explorer Owner - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
By ECC - May 24 - 8:30 amIve only had my Tahoe a couple of weeks but I love it. Its a BIG difference as far as room and ride than the Explorer I had. Ive owned everything from Fords to Hondas and everything in between.I think Im a GM man now. I looked at the Expedition but Im glad I only looked.
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Clarissas Tahoe - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
By Clarissa - May 6 - 10:00 amI recently bought a 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe. I love this SUV. It drives comfortably and is very nice looking. I have had it for about four months now, no problems or regrets whatsoever.
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Top Notch - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
By TX AG - April 25 - 2:40 pmI traded my 04 Suburban LT 4x4 last week for the LTZ 4x4 and there is NO COMPARISON. GM got it right...the Tahoe is awesome. My first tank of gas (in stop and go traffic in Dallas) netted 17.3 mpg...what a pleasure vs. the 13 mpg on the Suburban. Like everyone else, my only knock is the rear cargo area. The permanent tracks for the 3rd row seats are a bit annoying when the seats are removed, but there are MANY more features that overshadow this minor issue. Great SUV!! Rides like a luxury car!!
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Terrable seats and gas consumption - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
By swavek - March 25 - 10:00 amThis truck gave me sticker gas expectation on highway only. In the city it achieves 9 and change miles from gallon. This is my first new car, so I am trying not to step on it too hard. Between highway and city driving Ive got 10.6 miles per gallon !!!?... But thats O.K.. The real problem I have with the seat. So far Ive made 2700 miles and already have terrible low back pain from the seat. Id like to know if the seat is ergonomically correct. It feels like something is missing in the low back support. I hate the way breakes work. Feel like pushing the pedal through the floor but car is steel moving. Plus I can hear squealing while breaking already.
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Finest Full Size SUV Ever! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
By Matt Cobos - March 7 - 2:20 amWow! The 2007 Tahoe is one fantastic vehicle! I owned a 2003 that I traded in for the new model. Fit and finish of this one is superb, nicer interior, front end looks way better than the Yukon. Steering and braking is more responsive, interior is the quietest at freeway speed, better fuel economy and flex-fuel capable to boot! Side curtain aribags for all three rows of passengers, stabilitrak with roll-over avoidance, OnStar, and the best brakes in the segment make it one safe vehicle (5 Star frontal crash test rated, anticipated 5 star all around!). Flat towable and low maintanence! A host of options generally found only in European luxury sedans let you own the finest SUV out there today!
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07 Tahoe - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
By Angler70 - March 5 - 9:23 pm3rd row seats are useless unless you are a midget or child. Room is really compromised since they only fold up, and although removal is easy, putting them back in is a chore. They are quite heavy, and is you are not careful, you can scratch the plastic items in the back.
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My Taco(Tahoe) - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
By Bev - February 26 - 6:11 amI brought this sub used. Since Ive had it,I thought it was going to be to big for me to drive. But once I got use to it. Thats all that it took. My 1997 Tahoe,as my husband call it the Taco. Been the best suv we have had. Ran great, plenty of room, road comfortably. I would reckamen this suv to every one.
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Good Vehicle, Paint Issue - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
By waterboy1979 - February 22 - 5:30 amI loved this vehicle until I washed it the other day. I have put 1600 miles on the vehicle and loved every mile. I noticed when I washed it the other day there were small rust spots everywhere. I looked at another white one and it has the same problem. Taken it in to the dealership tomorrow.
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favorite suv - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
By stevens family - February 10 - 10:00 ami love the way it drives and looks i feel safe in it and my family fits just right in it with plenty of room
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Gently used Tahoe! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
By ELIZABETH DAVIS - February 7 - 7:03 pmGently used Chevy Tahoe. Hardly driven out of state. Great condition inside and out. Navigation, DVD, auto start, back up camera & park assist! Mostly driven back & forth to work since kids now have their own vehicles.
