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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  LTZ 6.2 - 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By 6.2 LTZ - October 30 - 12:43 pm

  The 6.2 is so rare it wasnt even a selection in the drop down menu! This is actually my second LTZ, the first being a 2007 2WD with the 5.3. The 6.2 4X4 has loads of power but unfortunately is averaging just 13.8 MPG to the 16 MPG of the 2WD 5.3 with only a 4 speed trans (No 8/4 mode on the 6.2). By far, the best truck GM has ever produced. Not quite the ride of the Escalade (no magnetic ride control in the Tahoe), but the Caddy didnt have low range (AWD only), and really, 12K more for a slightly bigger nav screen and 6 disc changer VS single disc? A no brainer. Build quality is very good, at least equal to Ford or Chrysler.

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  Great to drive and fun to own! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Mark D. - October 25 - 6:39 pm

  This is my 3rd Tahoe and first LTZ and by far the best yet. Just hit 36k miles with only very minor issues during warranty period. Keeping fingers crossed that this will continue as more miles racked up. Overall, highly recommend this vehicle.

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  07 Black Beauty - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By LT - October 25 - 10:02 am

  Ive had my Tahoe since 10/06 - purchased brand new after trading in a GMC Denali. Missed my Denali however, the Tahoe quickly made me fall in love w/it! A few problems that the dealer quickly resolved at "no cost" from GMC. I had the trani and steering column assembly replaced. I am still experiencing intermittent starting troubles, but no stall outs. First trip to the dealer found nothing. My next thought is to write GM - cannot find anyone else with the trouble. Gas mileage is great and I regularly get 20-25 mpg on freeway-only trips. Not too shabby for something this big and powerful. Love running E85 too! Love the styling, and the interior fit and finish.

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  Still Going Strong... - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By kimij - October 24 - 7:21 pm

  Bought new in Nov 03. Always loved it. PLENTY of pick up - really gets up and out of its own way on the highway. We dont use the 3rd row often - can be a pain to install quickly (and store). No blind spot to speak of at al. Also remember having odometer replaced as a warranty issue. Small things here and there but overall a totally reliable, amazing car.

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  not likeng so far - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By POS - October 23 - 3:48 pm

  Rides and drives good. Dont use it for towing just normal driving. I have had it for about 9 months and have 116,000 on it. It had 106,000 when I got it. I have spent about 800 dollars on it (02 sensors,idler arm,Pitman arm,still needs tie-rods and balljoints + had exhaust work done twice.) and now it is in the shop again. The cam gear and distributor gear are bad. about 1,700 for parts and labor. $850 just for parts. Cant wait to git it fixed. Might make a good trade-in for something else. This is not a good dependable vehicle. Would not recommend unless u have money to burn!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  My 2003 Z71 Tahoe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Phil Miller - October 23 - 10:00 am

  This truck is as smooth as it gets. The truck has great handling with the Z71, package very low body roll in sharp corners. The acceleration is as smooth as silk hardly noticing the transmission changing gears. The breaking has also been refined with 4- wheel disc. The peddle is somewhat soft compared to the old Z71, but the overall breaking performance has been greatly improved. I do not like the dash layout as much as the old Z71. The center console is twice as big as the old Z71 and the cup holders in the front have been reduced by 50% go figure. Overall it is a great truck, I would highly recommend it!

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  Disappointment - 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Bruce - October 19 - 7:55 pm

  Our purchase of a new Chevy Yukon has been a major disappointment to me. My wife enjoys the size and ride but we have owned Suburbans for the past 20 years. The fuel mileage has been the biggest disappointment with mileage no better than 14mpg whether highway or in town. Our old Suburban got 17 - 18 on the road. Performance is also not what was expected. The engine has died in the middle of a turn and there seems to be a small miss when slowing for a turn and then accelerating. Unexpectedly thee is NO storage under the seats or anywhere. All in all, for the money, I think a Lexus, BMW, or MB may have been a better idea.

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  Horrible car - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By K Daniels - October 15 - 8:33 pm

  Purchased new Z71 with all the options. Truck now has 86000 miles on it and is falling apart. Transfer case and front differential gone, speedometer, heater fan, windshield wipers, mirror defrost, seat heater, fuel pump, U-joints, turn signals all not working. Truck needs over 5K of repairs. These are all items that should never go out, especially on a low mileage car. This is my 4th chevy truck. All others have gone 150+ miles without issues. GM is not building a product that will last and will not stand behind their product. I will not buy another GM product again.

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  The Hoe - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Sgt Gahring - October 7 - 7:14 pm

  I bought the hoe and ever since Ive loved it. Awesome horsepower with a few upgrades, "headers, K and N air filter, performance exhaust." With a fuel system flush and tranny flush I have gotten better fuel economy but for the ponies its pushing Im ok with it. Its awesome for mudding and pull offs. But if working the overdrive transmission it needs a BG tranny flush and the conditioner for protection. Ive had to do regular maintenance but what vehicle doesnt need it. If your looking for fun go with General Motors.

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  Tahoe 04 - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By mikesteph - September 30 - 10:00 am

  My 04 Tahoe has been an exellent vehicle. The 5.3L V8 has great performance and is very reliable. It is my 2nd Tahoe and I plan to buy another one in the future. I feel that Chevrolet has doon an amazing job of constructing this suv and think that it is only going to get better.