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:

• 

  Sweet ride - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By C Curtis - October 14 - 12:03 am

  I have the LTZ 4X4, overall a great truck. Looks are outstanding and the interior is very refined. Engine sounds nice.

• 

  Purchased new in 2006 now 10 years old - 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Frank Galka - October 11 - 1:23 am

  Still performs like new.Get 16.5 MPG on trips 13.0MPG local.Comfortable to drive,feeling is safe & secure.Smooth riding even @ 75-80MPH 97000 Miles on it in 10 years.Serviced regularly.No Major Problems or setbacks.Will purchase new again. Just passed 104000 miles,still running good since I purchased it in 2006.Still have it serviced regularly by the dealer I purchased it from.Minor repairs.Had to replace heater fan & leaking seals on differential.$750 for repairs,mostly labor cost. Just passed 109000 miles,still running good since I purchased it in 2006.Still have it serviced regularly by the dealer i purchased it from.Just replaced all 4 wheel brake pads & rotors. A little rust on rear bumper right corner otherwise paint job is still like new.

• 

  Reliable. Interior needs redesign - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By downtown - October 4 - 11:04 pm

  My Tahoe has been great, I love the size, but I have a few suggestions. Its been a great, reliable car. But I will not get another until they fix these things. I am looking at an Infinity QX56.

• 

  Great SUV - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Walt Lee - September 25 - 11:23 pm

  This is my third Tahoe & this is the best of all, from top to bottom. good gas mileage, engine shifts from 4cyl to 8 cyl very smoothly. I had a 2004 Lexus LX470, & I like the Tahoe a lot better.

• 

  Awesome - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By John Quinn - September 14 - 11:41 pm

  Ive owned my 2004 Chevy Tahoe Z71 for about 8 months. Ive put approximately 12K on the odometer. Ive used it for just about everything, from normal city/hwy driving, towing my trailer, to several off road 4x4 adventures. Ive never had any problems other than the odometer stop functioning, and it was replaced free of charge by Chevy. It has handled every conditon, and drives like a Cadillac, smooth and easy. I have 305-70R16 Dunlope/Remington tires mounted on Centerline rims. I get approx. 18 mpg hwy and 15 city on good days driving the speed limit on cruise control.

• 

  SAtisfied - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By xxxxxx - September 14 - 10:00 am

  13000 miles, no problems, very comfortable with lots of power. Nice ride. tows a 8,000 lb boat without any problems. 18.5 mpg is better than my last Durango, but not by much.

• 

  Im SOLD! - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By wouldyacouldya - September 14 - 10:00 am

  My Z71 has been a dream come true. I have had a Ford Supercrew and a 7 series BMW within the last 2 years and could not get total satisfaction from just one vehicle. Have sold both vehicles and now have just one vehicle and it is a Z-71 Tahoe. I am now totally satisfied. A very complete vehicle!

• 

  Best SUV on the Planet!! - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By richohaa - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 1997 Tahoe for a 2003 model. What a truck!! The LT model has every amenity on the planet! It is the most comfortable, best handling, and sleekest looking SUV anywhere. Dont even bother looking at another SUV...The Tahoe is simply the best. RAS

• 

  LS Should Mean, "Lousy Seat" - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Tony - September 5 - 6:56 pm

  Worst vehicle I ever owned. Steering intermediate shaft needs lubed every 3000 miles. Engine knocks when first started. I get maybe,12 MPG. Seats are the worst I ever had the misfortune to sit in. If ninety % use their vehicle for transport of the driver only, why dont these idiot engineers design a vehicle that a person over 52" can get comfortable in. I mean does it make sense to cram a person in a cocoon shaped drivers compartment with their feet stuck in one position, the floor curved, so their feet are never on a flat surface, a steering wheel that will not adjust fwd and aft, seats that only adjust the bottom half, arm rest that stick in the air when top half is reclined.

• 

  Great Looks... Little annoyances... - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By So Far So Good - September 5 - 1:36 pm

  I have owned the 2007 Tahoe for a month now. The looks of the Tahoe sold me, plus the idea of another child. I love driving the SUV. It is smooth, powerful, and drives nicely; not like a truck. Does anyone else get the Wind whistle noise around the driver side mirrors at highway speeds. Its annoying!