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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  Get better mileage - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Ann - October 6 - 2:03 pm

  We just bought our Tahoe and I absolutely love it! I have to remember to take it out of all wheel drive when I first get in, so that Im not using to much fuel. In doing this, it takes me from 15.9 to.. the best so far is 20.6 mpg. But, the average is 19.7. Hope this helps someone. Not all of the 2004s Ive noticed are like mine. Mine has 3 buttons to the left of s/w. 4 Low, All wheel and the T/C. I hit the T/C before putting in gear, this is what helps with the MPG.

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  Tahoe Strong - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Steve-O - October 3 - 2:28 pm

  I really enjoy my Tahoe. I purchased it because I need a 4wd vehicle to get me to and from the fire station during snowstorms. I have been impressed so far. Besides the gas mileage, Im very happy with it so far. It has over 120,000 miles on it and I feel comfortable driving it across country. Although I am a light foot when I drive on the highway, I still only average 17. That said, I love it and I bought it knowing what kind of milage a 5.7 v8 gets.

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  BEST IVE EVER OWNED - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By JOHNNY10 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I CANT TELL YALL HOW HAPPY I AM WITH THIS TRUCK WOW..........

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  Freds 07 Tahoe LTZ - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Fred Vasquez - October 2 - 1:33 pm

  The 2007 Tahoe LTZ is a surprise to just about everyone on the planet. GMC actually got a redesign right! I have yet to find a problem or a reason to complain about anything. From experts the only downside they mention are in reference to the third row seats. Some actually say they are heavy or difficult or cumbersome to remove for added cargo space. This is far from correct. You place your hand on the handle and they roll, Yes roll right out. The rear view camera also must be mentioned.( Its perfect!) I my self cant believe it but this vehicle IS a 10!

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  the fox - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By foxy315 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  just a lot fun to drive and for the quietness i recommend the lt over the z71

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  Drive it and youll believe in it - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Tahoe believer - September 21 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is very comfortable to drive and handles the road very well.It accelerates very quickly when needed or brakes just as well.It has a great list of options to choose from as well as a great list that is standard equiptment.When i drive the vehicle at reasonable acceleration i cant com- plain about the milage i get after all it is a heavy and very safe vehicle.

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  Happy - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Happy - September 19 - 7:33 am

  This is an excellent vehicle. I use it to tow a boat and it does so with ease! it even tows in 4-cylinder mode! My fuel economy is great, I get 24-25 highway and 17 city. (the trick is not to accelerate quickly and try to keep under 3500 rpm) Interior fit and finish is a huge step for GM, though nothing compared to BMW, but still is an interior worth buying. The exterior is beautiful and visibility is improved greatly. It doesent feel as big as it is when driving. Overall, an excellent vehicle. Dont buy any oter SUV.

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  Rock Steady..One Owner...60k miles - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Peter C. - September 17 - 3:25 pm

  Bought it new after exhaustive research and have loved it since day 1. No major (or for that matter even minor) repairs - just oil changes and other regularly scheduled maintenance. Have 2 little kids and 2 dogs so its been on some long vacation road trips and been perfect for that and for just tooling around town. Easy to drive and not afraid to go "off-road" (Im in Arizona-partly rural area). Been in it for over 3 years now and am still in the honeymoon phase - just a great vehicle! Get about 18mpg overall.

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  03 Tahoe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Shirley D. - September 12 - 10:03 am

  While not the most gas efficient, considering the size, I still get an average of 17 mpg. I love it, its comfortable, reliable and safe. Outside of the general oil changes, tire rotations and one recent brake job and a/c repair, I have not had to do anything to it but drive and enjoy it. Recommend to anyone. Good quality vehicle. Bought used in 03 with 35,000 miles, I now have over 119,000 on it and it is still going strong, looks and runs like new! Hope to keep it a few more years!

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  Chevy Tahoe LT - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Sentinel - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I just bought the Tahoe LT and I quickly fell in love with it. It has a great interior and exterior design. The entertainment system is the highest in quality, and the comfortof the ride is impressive for an SUV. This vehicle has everything to make it a complete and luxurious SUV.