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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  Nice and sporty Z71 SUV! - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By John - January 10 - 4:35 pm

  Our driving mainly consist of 70% highway and 30% city driving. Overall, between my wife and I driving this SUV, we are getting an average of 17.8 MPG. This is based on the computer MPG read readout. We love the the Tahoe for its overall performance, roominess, features and comfort. I read some reviews and noticed some bad reviews on the cheap plastic materials used. Okay, maybe but keep in mind this is an SUV.Its meant to be rugged not a luxury SUV like Range Rover or Mercedes. I dont mind the interior materials as-is.

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  Drive it once and youll want one - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Sandy - December 31 - 2:37 pm

  I love my Tahoe. It is my third Tahoe and I cant say enough good things about it. Drives wonderful, smooth and quiet. Radio is awesome! Gas mileage is not much different from a mini van. Gives me a safe feeling when driving it. Handles and turning ratio is great.

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  Second Tahoe - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Rick White - December 23 - 2:14 pm

  Other than my disgust with GMs fabricated guesstimate of gas mileage - says the Tahoe should get 21 mpg..what a joke. I like the ride and the look of this truck/car. My 04 Tahoe got much better mileage, but upgraded to an LT and like the interior/dash/leather seats. 3rd row seats are useless. Probably wont go with GM again - too bad for the blue collars.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jeff - December 23 - 11:24 am

  Had excellent service from this vehicle very comfortable, reliable, have spent very little for maintenance other than normal routine

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  Love My New Tahoe - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Timothy - December 22 - 6:00 am

  I am in love with this truck. I have a 2007 Range Rover that I drove everyday and I wanted another truck to drive besides my Range. I was going to get the Nissan Armada but when I passed by the Chevrolet place on my way to get the Armada I saw my gray Tahoe and I had to go look at it and drive it. Lets just say I never made it to the Nissan dealer to get the Armada.

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  The car Ive always wanted - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Harry Lawrence - December 15 - 10:00 am

  The Chevy Tahoe is a car that Ive always wanted since the revision of the car in 2000. I was able to purchase a used 2003 after being in service for only 10 months and with low milage. My wife and I absolutely love the Tahoe and it has been very dependable and lots of fun to drive. It is also very roomy and delivers fair gas milagae for such a large vehicle

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  2004 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Johnny - December 14 - 12:45 am

  I just bought this 2004 Z71 for $11k with 69.5K miles. I have only been drving it for a week and I love it. I hope to say that as time goes on. The ride is smooth and the roominess is very nice. My twins love the DVD player too. My Z71 came with 20" tires/rims and it still rides very nice. Stay tuned. I will come back and update my review in a couple of months.

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  awesome machine - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By 1pp - December 9 - 2:00 am

  the chey tahoe z71 is in a class of it own, it is realiably, powerful , handles like a sports car. with a very roomie interior with great amenidies

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  My lake cruiser - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By J.R. - December 8 - 9:52 pm

  Im happy with my 2004 Z71 Tahoe after almost 5 years. Just turned 45k on the mileage & just replaced the original tires with Goodyear Silent Armor. The ride really smoothed out. Problems: Mileage is really awful. The black painted front grill pealed (think a rock chipped it). The tire pressure monitor went haywire (I got a tire gauge). Lastly I wish the driver seat was a little more firm. My wifes Honda Pilot seat is awesome. With that said I still love my Tahoe. The room, the height, the looks, the cushy ride. Its my highway cruiser that can off-road it if need be.

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  Last Tahoe For Me - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Not Impressed - December 3 - 12:19 pm

  This was my fourth Tahoe. Purchased the Z71 and liked the body style but wish I would have kept my 2002. Cheap interior finishes, lots of road noise due to cheaper door seals. Just run it thru a car wash and open the rear hatch to see how well the seals work. Also have replaced the shocks on the rear hatch and it still doesnt open all the way. Gas mileage isnt what GM cracked it up to be. Terrible resale value! Are you kidding me it isnt worth 1/2 of purchase price after less than two years. GM could have done much better with design and quality on this one. Im afraid this may be my last domestic vehicle.