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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  Very good with minor issues - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By n8joes - February 13 - 9:15 am

  45000 miles and runs great. Excellent road manners for something so large and heavy, fairly comfortable, strong engine, feels solid. Tahoe fully loaded with people / gear and a 4500LB boat attached hardly breaks a sweat on road trips over flat to hilly terrain. Very sure-footed all seasons. Snow and ice no problem even with factory tires close to replacement. GM has closed the gap considerably with foreign automakers with greatly improved interior design and looks, but GM still has work to do as many surface finishes and materials (inside and out) do not do this vehicle justice. 07 Tahoe looks high quality but up close, cost cutting is evident.

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  minor annoyances - 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By oscar - February 2 - 5:37 pm

  Great SUV.17-18mpg over the 100k miles on 4.6L V-8. Great A/C. Low road noise. Pulls 23 boat well.No side airbags, yet my 2002 had em and they saved my life in a major accident in 06. Rear door speakers went out after two years, door speakers are now bad. dash and steering illumination no longer work. Fog lamps always burn out and lens covers fall off. Seem to replace headlights and taillight often. No major repair expenses. Good buy for the $.

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  30K Miles & Little Glitches - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Norcal221 - January 31 - 11:46 pm

  Had my Tahoe almost 2 years and the only problem is spontaneous oil leak that the dealer has not figured out yet. Interior cloth seats are beginning to shed as well as the carpet. The vinyl and plastic pieces grab and hold dirt, fingerprints and grime. Extremely hard to clean and gets dirty after only a few weeks. Cold mornings allow for the squeaky fan or alternator bearing but goes away after 10 minutes. 20" Goodyear tires need to be replaced . Other than that, the vehicle still looks beautiful and is still the King of the Haul. Yakima cross bars are highly recommended in lieu of factory rails much more versatile.

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  So Far, So Good - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Justin P - January 31 - 10:11 am

  This is my second Tahoe purchased new and it does exactly what I need it to do. I have had to use the stability control and it does work. LT w/ autoride is great. This SUV is now 5 years old and everything still works. It may not get 25+ mpg but look at the thing. Its a big SUV with a big engine. The transmission seems to know exactly when to shift and is holding up well with maintenance. I still love it.

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  Great Truck - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Andy - January 30 - 8:48 am

  The best truck Ive ever owned. Its very reliable, great for road trips, towing, getting around in the snow etc. I bought it with 130k and now it has 170k. I had to replace the intake manifold gasket and have the transmission rebuilt but, other than that its been small cheap stuff. One of the best things about owning one of these is parts are plentiful and cheap. It doesnt get great gas mileage (12-15) but, its a V8 Truck. I would rather put extra money in the tank than have $1k repair bills on a vehicle that only a dealer can work on.

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  It gets you where ever you have to +.... - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Kmkspfg - January 21 - 6:13 am

  This winters has been amazing hitting 6 foot drifts in roads and still going . well besides a broken grill and a after break down of distributor cap and rotor. it was fine. now the check engine light is back on but running fine but i cant afford to keep repairing.. tempted to trade for a f-150 or a dodge magnum awd. and thats bad because im a chevy guy. its a wonderful truck other words besides a few problems.. gets around way better than jeeps and what not....

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  Happy But--- - 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By SteveF - January 18 - 7:08 pm

  Overall a wonderful full size SUV that rides well, fits everything, and looks great. Dont gripe about the mpg - its what you expect with a 6,000 lb vehicle. I take it on trips more often than my 7 series BMW since its a great vehicle for travel. Only problems during past 12 months have been with drivers door squeak (still unresolved) and the battery or alternator whereby the vehicle is dead after 2-3 days of non-use. Apparently this problem is known to GM. Tomorrow is 2nd trip to dealer for this problem. Assuming problem is resolved, I highly recommend this SUV.

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  After 5 years - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By scott - January 12 - 3:36 pm

  Ive own my Tahoe for 5 1/2 years. Lowered it and put 20s on it, so the ride is excellent. Even with the 4.8 it tows my wakeboard boat fine. A couple of minor issues, but overall pretty reliable. Mileage is similar to others avg 16-17 with a max of 20. After 75000 still have original brakes with life to go...weird. Biggest disappointment is the engine has piston slap and GM said that was "normal" and wouldnt do anything. May not buy another GM because of that.

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  True American Design - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By hatcman - December 31 - 7:31 am

  I bought this truck because it is simply the best design chevy ever came out with along with the infamous 5.7 power house. I think this truck is more reliable then my past too brand new trucks, no problems, and it rides so good. I have room for family despite it is a two door but a little elbow grease and you will get in the back. Anyone thinking of purchasing one of these you will be very pleased i think, and I just hit 182,000 miles this morning and its still trucking.

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  I like it! - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By GK from LA - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Other than the typical gas hog complaints, this is one great vehicle! Chevy has refined this SUV to be serviceable and comfortable.