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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  HotRodHarrys 2005 Tahoe Rocks! - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By HotRodHarry - September 11 - 2:54 pm

  My family has owned numerous Tahoe 4x4 trucks and it was about time for me to try it out. As I always loved driving theirs. Well..this 2005 Tahoe is just awesome. And I love the Bermuda Blue Metallic paint. Thanks Chevy!

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  KING OF THE ROAD: Best Family Hauler - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Z71 For4 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Looked at all the rest; minivans (Sienna, Caravan, Odyssey), crossovers (Pacifica), mid-fullsize suvs (Toureg, XC90, MDX, RX330, Armada). We kept coming back to the Z71. Safety features, cargo space and creature comforts all fit the bill. When you want to travel in style, in any climate, you cant beat the value this mature platform brings to the table. Youll find yourself jumping behind the wheel for no reason at all other than to tour the neighborhood! And...yes...for those who whine and pummel the Tahoe for its fuel efficiency...maybe you should have considered a smaller vehicle or a hybrid..hmm? Until then...leave the BIG DOGS alone!

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  Toys toy - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By toy - September 6 - 12:54 am

  Other than some minor repairs I have found it enjoyable to drive. Fuel economy doesnt exist in a vehicle this size. But it still lacks horsepower. I never liked that the truck is governed at 100 mph. But what the hey this isnt the autobaun. Truth be said this will be my last Chevy. There are better deals to be made.

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  Our First Chev - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By LuvRZ71 - August 31 - 2:00 am

  We looked at almost all of the mid/full size SUVs before deciding on the Tahoe. The looks of the Tahoe distinguish it from the rest of the pack (especially in Z71 trim), and its interior was *the* most comfortable of any vehicle we test drove. Our previous SUV was mid-size, but my wife and I have been pleasantly surprised at how easy it has been to adapt to the larger Tahoe.

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  Own it-Luv it - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By thureh - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is comfortable and attractive. On roads trips it can not be beat. The third row seat is an excellent option for people with children (they can be seperated).

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  Impressed - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Johnsay - August 20 - 2:06 pm

  My first SUV and its great. Smooth, powerful, comfortable, roomy. Outstanding gas mileage for such a large vehicle (20-22MPG). Mine has NO options yet seems extremely well equipped.

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  Tahoe - What a great SUV - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By burt13 - August 18 - 2:44 pm

  I have a 98 Tahoe which I bought in 99 with 22,000 miles. It now has 110,000 miles on it. I have had to have a few things done to it like have the brake master cylinder replaced, a new alternator and the lower gasket seal replaced. In addition the transmission slider bar snapped which needed replacing, strip down of transmission! Although I have had to replace these items over the last 6 years, the Tahoe has been great to drive, especially on our long haul trips to see family in other states. Nothing like the roominess this vehicle has. Iam getting ready to trade her in and will be sad to do so, but with the rising cost of gas these days and the currents offers now is a good time.

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  Love It...Love It...Love It... - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Vanessa - August 17 - 7:32 pm

  I love this car. Perfect for the family. It is also so much fun to drive. You feel like the king of the road or in my case queen. It is an extremely sturdy vehicle and so heavy, you really dont feel any of the bumps on the road.

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  Great truck - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By JR - August 17 - 4:36 pm

  I traded in a Trailblazer for the new Tahoe. The truck drives better than the Expedition, Armada, and Sequioa that I drove. The interior is just as comfortable as every other Chevrolet, but it looks much better. On the highway, the ride is quiet and comfortable. Off road performance is great with the locking back end and autotrac, but be sure to remove the front air-dam before going on extreme outings. If you have a boat, then the G80 differential option is a must. I got $2500 off the sticker price. I am getting 19mpg mixed with the 5.3L- not bad considering the size and towing capacity. Gas mileage is better than most mid-sized SUVs and all full sizers

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  Hot Radio/Drive Train Problems - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Debi - August 16 - 11:38 pm

  I have owned my Tahoe since December 2004. From the first day, both radios have been extrememly hot. So hot to the point you cannot keep your hands on them. Now for the past 3 months, the transmission slips, sometimes it sticks between neutral and drive. Sometimes the transmission kicks into drive, then slips back into neutral. This has been a horrible experience. The dealership cannot find any transmission problems. I have no idea why it is doing this, but, I am ready to end this Tahoe nightmare.