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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  A Great SUV - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By trespinosranch - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Purchased our Tahoe in 9/02. Now, with 10k miles, we couldnt be happier. It fullfills all of our needs. I removed the rear seats, as I go to the dumps alot and we dont have any kids. Its only been to the dealer for scheduled maintenance. Not one problem or flaw noted to date. It does tend to wander on the freeway at 80+ mph, with wind and irregular pavement. Otherwise, solid as a rock.

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  Great for family and friends! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Missy - July 26 - 5:40 am

  This is our first new vehicle and we are very impressed. Its nine seats are perfect for hauling everyone around.

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  chevy tahoe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By g lo - July 23 - 10:00 am

  i purchased my chevy tahoe in july 2001 . since then i have enjoyed this vehicle to the max.i have had only on minor problem,which was my rear ac divider(in head liner)which was covered under warrenty.i have took my vehicle through the mountains and city and have loved every minute of it .i recomend the tahoe with the third row(fun for kids)and is removable.

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  Early Production 03 Z71 - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By JoeMax - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Overall this is a wonderful truck. I love the size and comfort, in both the front and rear. Plenty of cargo space. Wasnt even on the market for a new truck. Drove by my local dealer and the had one out front, fell in love with the exterior styling. At the time of purchase, the 3rd row seat was not available in Z71 (it is now). One tap on the dashboard, it just reeks cheap!!!

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  Nice vehicle...lacks quality - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Notafan2011 - July 16 - 12:04 am

  Bought our Z71 Tahoe as soon as they went on sale. Still very pleased with the looks of the vehicle, but it seems like Chevrolet skimped on the interior quality, lots of hard plastics everywhere and cheap leather. However it has held up pretty well other than a jerking rear end upon take off and squeaky door panels. Current mileage is 61K, lets hope it continues to hold up. Had the Traverse been on sale when I purchased, I probably would have gotten that instead.

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  lovemytahoe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By lovemytahoe - July 11 - 12:54 pm

  This vehicle was purchased as a work vehicle as I am self employed. After four years I replaced it and kept it as a personal vehicle. It has never let me down. The original brakes lasted 70k miles. With the exception of a cheap speedometer repair at 75k miles it has never cost me anything but maintenance. It runs strong and has sports car handling. It averages 16 miles per gallon and gets 21 on the open road. It has the best a/c Ive ever had in a car and still looks like new, inside and out. I expect 200k miles out of it as I know two guys who went well over that with their 03s and were forced by their companies to replace them.

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  Love our Tahoe - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Redhead 749 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Tahoe. It is fun to drive and has plenty of power to pull our Sea Doos back and forth from the Colorado River. It is comfortable and easy to drive. My one criticism is that for the price the inside could be a bit nicer. We previously had owned 2 Chevrolet Astros. They worked for what we needed them for at the time and we enjoyed owning them but we are enjoying the Tahoe even more.

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  I love my Tahoe! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Michael - July 9 - 10:33 am

  My wife has always liked Tahoes and so talked me into getting this over the H3. Im glad she did, this truck is great! I look for reasons to drive it. GM hit a home run with this truck. I love the new chiseled look. I get lots of looks in it too. I am a new GM fan. I recommend you get one. You wont regret it at all. The truck seems very refined and somthing you want to take a long trip in. I feel totally safe driving my kids in this truck.

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  Buyer Beware - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Telesia - June 30 - 9:59 pm

  I bought this vehicle and from day one have had problems. I have the LTZ and first the sunroof and entertainment system broke on day one, they replaced it. Then the check engine light came on twice and fixed it something with the omission system covered by warranty. Then the door handle came off for no reason in my hand, not covered by warranty, dealer said this happens to Tahoes. Then intermediate steering column makes clunk noise not covered by warranty GM is aware of problem but wont recall it because not a safety issue. costs $300. I dont know about you but steering is a safety issue. No trunk space with 3rd row up. Not happy cant wait to trade it.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Richard - June 30 - 2:37 pm

  Definitely love this Tahoe. This is my second SUV. Came from a 2006 Hummer H3, which I realized was a mistake shortly after the purchase. Even thought both vehicles are GM products, the Tahoe by far is definitely a better vehicle in every category, i.e., comfort, build quality, interior, exterior, gas mileage, and ride. My girlfriend and I absolutely love to drive the HOE. Avg. city mpg is around 15.5 and hwy when cruising around 70 mph is 21. Not bad for a 5600 lb. vehicle with a V8. Plan on keeping the Tahoe for many years.