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 for an SUV - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By rogpa - February 11 - 5:14 pm

  It is what we expected. Tows a trailer like a dream. Heated leather seats are fantastic. OnStar is more necessary than we expected.

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  Professional grade? - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Wobblerite - January 31 - 12:44 pm

  Reliability has been low in history of this vehicle. Fuel pump at 33K, water hose quick connect corroded and broken at 40K, tranny died at 55K, Driver door handle breaking at 60K, Alternator @65K, windshield wiper circuit board @70K. Had Delco battery leak acid that destroyed battery cables. Parts counter at Chevy dealer recommended I get another brand because he had a room full of leaking batteries and Delco did nothing to redesign to prevent problem. With all this no wonder the term of endearment for this vehicle starts with "piece of". Now that everything has been replaced it runs great and I intend to keep for some time as tow vehicle for boat.

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  Love my Tahoe - 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Celtfire - January 17 - 1:24 am

  I have owned my Tahoe for about 2 years. I absolutely LOVE it. The previous owner really rode it hard but she is still truckin. I had to put a rebuilt trany in her when I bought her but Ive had zero problems outside of the normal wear and tear. I just had a baby and I call her my rad mommy wagon. You wont catch me behind the wheel of a minivan. Her interior trim rattles inside at highway speeds and the windshield pops everytime I shut the door. The rear wiper desides when it wants to work and the paint on the top center of the hood is peeling. The CD player will not play when the truck is cold. All very minor problems that are easily corrected.

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  Displacement on Demand doesnt save Mileage - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Steve - January 16 - 4:16 am

  Please dont take the MPG ratings on the window sticker as gospel. I believe mine was rated at 17/22. I was averaging 14.5. Never got above 18 MPG even during travel of all highway miles. Other than gas mileage, the truck was well built. Theyve done a good job with the 07s. This is coming from someone who swore they would never purchase an American car. However, gas was killing me. Just traded for a BMW. Just got 31.7 MPG last week on the highway.

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  SUV king - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jim - December 19 - 1:05 pm

  Pretty much an optimized SUV.There is a reason why so many people buy these trucks ! My family and I are enjoying the heck out of it ! The only issue I have is with the gearing, GM went with the 3.42 rear gear instead of the 3.73 ( which the 2004 and older units had ) I the intrest of fuel economy. Drivability however has been sacrificed at certain cruising speeds.The truck is not turning enough RPMs in top gear, and provides a sluggish feel below 75 MPH. Which is problem considering there are not to many places that allow you to drive that fast ! However, @ 85 MPH I think Im only turning 2200 RPMs, talk about a highway cruiser !!!

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  Better than expected - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By billy wheeler - December 17 - 12:50 pm

  I admit that this Tahoe was not my first choice. I wanted an Armada, but the wife did not want to wait while I saved. We compared it to the Expedition, and it was not an option for us, plus the 3 benches sold the wife on it. We got the 5.3l engine and I am very happy with it. I have installed a K&N FIPK on it and a Flowmster 40 series. While the 40 series is a bit resonant for my taste, the overall improvement (there was an obvious one) was WELL worth the resonation. I have towed a couple of compact vehicles on trailers with the Tahoe and there was little impact to the gas mileage. I wish that the drivers seat design had been designed better, but it isnt TOO uncomfortable for long rides.

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  Love my new Tahoe - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By rlaurent - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I shopped and shopped for the Tahoe that I wanted. I wanted the dark gray exterior with tan leather interior. I finally found it in samll dealership a two hour drive from my home. we settled a deal by fax and phone. They stayed open late so I could drive down and get it. drove it back enjoying all of the new features, XM radio, adjustable pedals and loving the smell of that new leather. I love how high I sit (my other car being an Audi A4) i really can not say enough about how much I love this new vehicle.

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  Love my Tahoe - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Margaret Wise - December 1 - 11:31 am

  I pull a small travel trailer and was driving a Buick Rainier. I just love the Tahoe, but was afraid it was too big. We had Suburbans and a Yukon before this, but this handles so much better, you would swear you were driving something the size of the Rainier. All my previous experiences with full size SUVs has been put to bed. This is fun, easy and a real kick to drive. Not to mention the looks it gets with its great style and presence.

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  Great for trucking around kids! - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By TC - November 22 - 12:32 pm

  This is the third new Chevrolet vehicle that I have owned and I have been very happy with it. You sit up very high and can see the entire road and everything that it is ahead of you. The ride is very comfortable and handles extremely well especially on the highway at upper speeds. My wife was opposed to a mini van, so we looked at the Toyota Seqouia, Honda Pilot, before deciding to purchase this vehicle. On several occasions we have sat 4 adults and four children comfortably. If you need some space to hall around a family and their gear this would be an excellent choice.

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  dream car - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By kelly007 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle, except black gets too dirty