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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  2002 Tahoe - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By DMeyer - February 5 - 3:28 pm

  This is my second Tahoe. My first was a 97. This truck is hands down a much better truck. I have 55k on it and have had no problems. I tow a boat and have used for off road purposes while hunting. Also we use for our trips to CO for ski vacations. In all conditions it has been a great vehicle.

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  Woodside - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Woodside - January 31 - 2:05 pm

  We enjoy our Tahoe very much, just wish we could afford a new one. We travel with friends and they too like this vehicle because of the comfort and the ability to see better from it.

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  better than my Benz - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By newport mom - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Is the best car I ever had, great for moms on the go.

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  I love my Tahoe! - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Nyckeee - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Great Truck! Bumper to Bumper warantee is amazing!

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  Cant Beat A Tahoe - 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Taylor - January 18 - 11:11 pm

  The Tahoe looks awesome because it is awesome. I got my Tahoe after doing lots of research and deciding it could not be beat. I got it fully loaded except 4WD which I hope I will not regret. It has performance like no other but the drawback is the gas mileage. I was only getting 15 miles to the gallon but now I am getting 17 with the K&N Airfilter. The Bose speakers are the best.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Leroy - January 17 - 3:03 pm

  Only had one problem so far and it was in the first 500 miles. Had a bad squeak in the left front due to a dry (no grease) tie rod. Dealer replaced tie rod have had no more problems. Current mileage 13200

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  I really like mine - 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Sheri - January 15 - 5:59 am

  I have the LT model and I love it. It handles really well. Turning radius and parking are not a problem. After reading the comments on sore bottoms, I feel like the seats could be more comfy, but Im not certain if Im noticing something I otherwise wouldnt have. I have to say, that the seats are much more comfortable than the ones in the Toyota Sequoia. Maintaining the legroom, it would have been nice if there was more cargo space w/out having to fold down the rear row of seats -- I didnt want a full lenghth Suburban. The styling is elegant, if not trendy. And speaking of legroom, the drivers seat has plenty of legroom, this is important if you are tall like me.

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  Finally ... An SUV I Can Enjoy - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By pchamp - January 13 - 8:08 pm

  I have never owned a vehicle this large before, but it doesnt drive like a big truck. I find myself actually enjoying road trips with my family of 7.

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  Most Comfortable SUV Ever - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By CJHAYGOOD - January 11 - 6:01 pm

  I love driving this horse. it is a cofortable cruising truck as well as a get up and go truck. The V8 kicks in smooth and the fuel mileage is not bad. We have added a few features along with the VCR. All the omforts of home with the exception of a bathroom. Chevy builds them tough, however they also realize that women prefer the comfort factors offered in the Tahoe.

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  Forget the Gas Prices - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Z71 - January 9 - 3:57 pm

  This is 2006 and this is my first rig. I bought my 2002, Z71 and I can only kick myself in the behind for not getting an SUV earlier instead of tooling around in sedans or sports cars. Not only is it a good looking truck that other people love as well as I do, but the ride is fantastic! Im 64 with very long legs and I have never felt more comfortable on long drives. I was blessed with the Delco sound system which after several test drives in other Tahoes was the best. The system BOOMS crystal clear! Nice, quiet engine, power and room when you need it. When the 2nd row seat is folded down it looks like a small living room. Snow storms in Kansas City, MO.? Like a hot knife through butter!