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 happy customer - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By holley - May 26 - 3:33 pm

  This is the first SUV Ive owned, but I do have a 01 Silverado truck and use an 05 Yukon company vehicle. I love this Tahoe. It has very comfy seats and rides like a cruiser not a truck. I love the new exterior design and the dash/interior is very appealing. Ive had a little bit of trouble getting the inside temp to feel regulated (seem to feel a draft on my left leg while driving) but controls are still very new to me. I wish I had the auto fold side view mirrors, probably only because Im still taking it to the car wash a lot! Not many vehicles Ive ever been extremely excited about but, so far, so good on this one!

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  Tahoe LS with 5.3 - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Al the Duke - May 23 - 10:00 am

  With the 5.3, excellent power. On the road, very very quite, solid ride and excellent cornering. With others, easy conversation at all speeds and road conditions. Excellent sound system (bose option). Minimum 18 mpg at highway speeds, and up to 20 and 21.

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  Nice truck but had problems - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By jocatch - May 23 - 7:38 am

  Had for 7 years. At 24,000 miles needed a new engine because of oil consumption. At 88,000 needed a new transfer case. A few small problems like passenger side seat wouldnt slide forward and passenger door lock wouldnt work all the time. Some times passenger side seat back wouldnt lock in upright posistion.

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  Blessed to be driving my Tahoe - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Lovinmytahoe - May 22 - 9:52 am

  We have been looking for a vehicle for about 6 months.I previously owned a Chevy Blazer with about 200,000 miles, so we definitely got our money worth.We know we wanted something American Made, so we looked at the Tahoes & Yukons. By far the Tahoe is the best out there! We werent necessarily looking for all the bells and whistles, but we sure found it. We ended up purchasing the LT Autoride fully loaded, and wow, what a GREAT ride! We took my parents (who have always owned Cadillacs) and they said that it rides BETTER than a Cadillac! It is so quiet and smooth, but yet so powerful.

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  2000 Tahoe Burns Mobil 1 - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By SmokinTahoe - May 4 - 3:23 pm

  Purchased a 2000 Tahoe new, was going to try and keep for 10 years. It has been using a quart of oil every oil change, and now up to about a quart every couple months poor GM, I guess they desire for the others guys to un-plug the life support.

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  2002 Chevrolet Tahoe - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Cindy - May 3 - 2:41 pm

  This 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe is the third Tahoe I have owned and the sixth SUV I have owned. Prior to purchasing my first SUV which was a Chevy two door Blazer I drove sports cars. I will never own another car, the Tahoe is the best, most reliable vehicle I have ever owned and I have owned a total of sixteen cars in my life.

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  Not the best truck - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Dennis - April 26 - 8:02 am

  We bought it with 65,000 miles on it. It was never used for towing or off road. We have had to replace the transmission, fuel pump/sending unit, alternator. Still have to replace A/C lines to rear A/C. They rusted. Imagine that...they are run along the inside of the frame. the blinker switch is bad, there is a sensor in the steering column that senses the speed of your turning and boosts the power steering as needed. It boosts on its own once in a while. Scary when you are driving through a curve. The 4 wheel drive service light comes on now and we already had some sensors replaced a few months ago. I cannot figure out why the transmission would fail before 100,000 miles.

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  Not bad but not good either. - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By truck owner - April 19 - 2:42 pm

  I have been the original owner of my 2001 Chevy Tahoe Z71. I have had minimal trouble with it. I now have 100,000 miles on it and am starting to expeience some difficulties. The window motors are starting to burn up and the windshield washer motors are starting to crack and fail due to freezing. I have concerns about the transmission. It has been known to slip and I am the last one of all of my friends that has not had the transmission rebuilt. I have done all regular maintenance and I change the oil every 500 miles. My complaints are not with fuel mileage as I have the 5.3L motor and I average 15-16 mpg and I have more room than a 4Runner that get about the same mileage. Poor handling!

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  Love that truck! - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By larryz4 - April 18 - 11:26 am

  I use the Tahoe mainly for towing a trailer so I dont put a lot of miles on it annually. I love each and every time I climb into the truck. It is so comfortable and a joy to drive.

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  My Car - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By charcol grey - April 17 - 10:44 pm

  I just bought my Tahoe in January of this year and I would have to say that this is my best truck, suv, car Ive ever had and I have had many cars (lol). I love the way it drives and the space in the rear seats. My kids have enough room for their things too. So I just want to thank Chevrolet for making my dream car.