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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In Love with my car!! - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
By Betz-BOO - September 16 - 2:00 amI feel SOOOOO safe when I drive my 2004 Chevy Tahoe. The comfort of this vehicle is like NO OTHER car I have ever had. I especially adore the DUAL temp and the ease of getting in and out of the car, and the location of all the buttons. They are all in very convenient spot so that you dont have to take your eyes off the road for more than a second. I also feel extra safe with my On-Star Program and built-in cell phone. I know that my passengers and I could get help immediately if anything were to tragicly happen.
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Seats - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
By Nona Brewer - August 17 - 1:36 pmThe only suggestion I could make to improve the Tahoe, is to put in fold down seats. Can be awkard carrying large items and the 3rd row seats are so heavy to remove, especially for a woman. I love the Tahoe and its my second. I traded in a 2003 for the 2007.
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We love our 03 Tahoe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
By Dingbats - July 5 - 10:00 amSo far it has changed my mind about the poor reliability of GM products. The ride is exceptional. The 3:42 rear end gives great fuel economy for a vehicle of its size - so far we have gotten 18 - 21 mpg. Exterior fit and finish excellent. Super comfortable seats. Handles better than most cars. Great for the dirt roads leading to our lake house.
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Chevy - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
By Destra - June 23 - 2:00 amThe Tahoe is a great SUV but it has poor fuel economy and its not too comfortable in the third row.
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Too many problems - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
By Mike - June 16 - 5:00 pmMy 2007 Tahoe was one of the 1st to be released and I have had multiple problems with DVD, rear view mirror, door molding, power locks, and folding seats. But main issue is with the poor reception of the FM & XM radio. I have had the Tahoe serviced 3 times for the radio and they cannot fix the problem, it may be the poor placement and engineering of the FM & XM antenna in the rear back glass. Radio fades in and out when passing by power lines, trees, building, drive-thru windows. Very irritating, especially when I paid more for the premium Bose system.
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Love My Tahoe!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
By suv mom - June 12 - 10:00 amI am a former Landrover owner and happened to have a new 2004 picked out when my husand asked me to "please take a moment and just test drive the tahoe" and that was the end of my Landrover ownership years! The tahoe drives so well, I just dont want to ride in any other vehicle - and with all of the room I always volunteer to drive my friends around town. I own the version with the captains chairs on the second row and this makes the third row seating very accessable and comfortable. I have owned many vehicles and this is by far my favorite - drivability, safety, towing ability, interior design, great looking exterior.......
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I Love It - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
By itouchroses - June 11 - 4:43 pmI have always wanted the Tahoe and I am glad I waited. The new 2007 body and interior are superior to previois models. Though I bought the LS, it is still btter than the 05 Equinox LT I traded in.
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Outstanding! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
By SJS - June 10 - 10:23 pmOverall thrilled by quality of the 2007 Tahoe. Leased LT1 w/dealer installed leather. Feels and drives great. Just took 500 mile ride back and forth to VT. Never so comfortable in a car. Quiet, smooth w/excellent sound system. Much more for the money than Volvo XC 70 we traded in. However, dont be fooled about gas mileage. Although almost 19 MPG on highway (cruise control at 65 mph through mtns), appx 13 mpg around town. Cant think just MPG. Must think MPG per passenger.
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great if you find a good one update part 2 - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
By Blewis - May 17 - 10:23 pmshould have just got a motor for my old one this on good till the under hood fuse box gos bad then kills your battery yea that was fun for longer drives the seats dont have much foam could be worse not a fan of the oil burning 5.3 do some research mine will burn all its oil between changes a lot kind of freaky got a 97 with 350,000 miles it burns less oil cant beat that old 350
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Review #37 - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
By Jason - April 12 - 11:13 pmThe Chevrolet Tahoe is a great car to drive. I have the LTZ with evrything in it so it is a very fun truck to drive. Not only is it nice on the outside but the inside is also very nice. It is a very smart truck and the navigation and evrything else is reliable in getting you where you need to be
