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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  One Year Review - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Vincent - December 20 - 2:40 pm

  I have driven this car since Feb 2006 and I am returning to this site for an update. The car has run flawlessly for 12 months. It is a top notch fun to drive full size SUV. Also, purchased a 2007 X3 BMW and the 2007 Tahoes interior is superior in terms of comfort and functionality. This is a Chevy to be proud off. Would definitely recommend this vehicle.

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  Very Unhappy - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By wapiti - December 12 - 1:32 pm

  This is my 4th Tahoe & I loved all of them until this one. I liked the look of the car, 2nd row captains chairs, the DVD player. Then after I started driving it I noticed a loud noise from the drivers window, sounds like the window is open. What kind of carpet did they use where you can hardly vacuum dog hair off of it? Last winter my rear hatch would not open automatically in cold temps. Found my battery dead twice, took the car into the dealer, was told there is computer problem with this car. Hopefully that is fixed. My coolant level is always low, but dealer says there is no problem. Had door molding fixed, but it keeps separating. Now my wipers dont properly work. My last Tahoe?

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  Owner - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Charlie - December 9 - 1:40 pm

  This is a fun driving family car. Great improvement over previous model. I have owned a Tahoe since 2000 and this is the best riding Tahoe that Chevy has made. It is very roomy and dependable have not had a mechanical problem up to date. Once the diplacement kicks in and goes into V4 mode it feels the same. When I need to drive fast it will automatically go into V8.

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  Tahoe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Wiscowilly - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Tahoe seems to be very well built. It doesnt have any rattles. I sprung a wiper blade the first time I washed the front windshield,but, it was my fault and the dealership replaced it under warranty.

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  2007 Z71 - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Arl King - December 7 - 1:02 pm

  We recently purchased our 2nd Tahoe Z-71. We do like the way GM replaced stereo system and control knobs with those that will not peel, the remote access options for rear and front, the new way we can adjust the roof rack (easier now), the ease of putting the rear seats down, the new styling, and the navigation/DVD/stereo sytem.

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  Most Impressed - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Gene - December 5 - 12:54 am

  Everyday I become more impressed with the Tahoe. From extreme user friendly dashboard design and fascinating appearance I am more than satisfied I choose the Tahoe. Bose sound system is perfect and certainly will not make you even consider upgrading the sound quality. Power is very impressive for this 5600 lb beast. Gas mileage is 15.3 a tank. I did however get 18.5 on the highway when I went on a road trip. Overall gas mileage is fair at best considering you would assume if 15 is the lowest rating and 21 is the highest you would average in the middle. That is not true at all. She guzzles gas! Ride quality great and handling impressive when Tahoe is equipped with 20" wheels.

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  Disappointed after 6 months - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By 3rd Platoon - December 2 - 12:54 am

  I had a review posted on 6/15/07. I had the truck for 2 weeks or so at that point with no issues. Ive been to the dealer twice since then to have them tighten up stupid and random squeaks, rattles and other noises. I understand that a vehicle will eventually loosen up, but Ive had this car for less than 9,000 miles and its been doing this since about 2,000. Im very disappointed in the build quality, and Ive received several comments from friends to notice the weird noises. It does not speak well for Chevy. Other than that, the vehicle has been very versatile. My wife and I have taken it on several trips, and the mileage has been better than expected (21 on the road, 16 in town).

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  One Toten Tahoe - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jamie @ VISTA - November 27 - 3:10 pm

  I use my Tahoe to pull my 5,000 lb. race rig, with a Porsche on it. This vehicle is comfortable, reliable and well thought out for towing and general driving. Whether driving up hill in the mountains of PA on the floor at 4500 RPM, or crusing down the interstates of Florida at 80...this is one great vehicle. This "new version" of the Tahoe/Suburban line is so much better than my 2006 Z-71 Tahoe...and I love it. This opinion is written by a "car guy"...I race Porsches and own a company fleet of 20+ vehicles...I know about reliability and build quality... GM has done it

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  Chev 02 Tahoe - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By llester - November 27 - 10:27 am

  When I bought my Tahoe, I traded in a Ford Explorer. I knew I was going up in size, but that didnt bother me. I loved the room in this new vehicle. To my surprise, parallel parking was much easier in this vehicle than in the Ford, which was smaller. Only draw back is the steering colum in this vehicle had to be replaced which was a problem with all trucks for GMC/Cheverolet.

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  Huge improvement! - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By mark - November 17 - 6:26 am

  2008 Tahoe w/ 2LT. Compared to my 05 Yukon SLT, the new Tahoe is a huge improvement. Interior, specifically the dash, is now luxurious as opposed to looking like a cheap truck. Leather is much better quality. 3rd row seats still dont fold flat, have to manually remove. But now the 2nd row doesnt fold flat. They tumble forward to allow access to 3 row. Nice if you need it, but Id rather have the 2nd row fold flat like the older version that made the cargo area cavernous. Yukon was loud, lots of wind noise. This Tahoe is quiet and has a very smooth ride. Expert reviews complain its too soft and unresponsive. Ill take soft any day. Not doing slaloms in a 5500 lb trk. avg 16 mpg