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:

• 

  Flawless - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By cc6 - July 29 - 8:40 pm

  I bought the Z71 in July of 2002 and havent regretted it a day since Ive owned this truck. Great engine. Quiet and comfortable. Handles snow with ease. Its an overall great SUV. I will buy another.

• 

  I want another one - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Cliff - July 26 - 5:31 pm

  This is my second GM SUV. The first was a 1999 Yukon. When It hit 80,000, I had to trade for the new body style. This has been the best truck I have ever owned. I am currently holding out for the new 2006.

• 

  Bad fuel economy 2004 Tahoe - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By jennifer - July 25 - 3:03 pm

  This is my third Tahoe. In the past, Ive gotten about 20 mpg on my daily commute, and have been very satisfied with the performance. This new Tahoe gets 12-14 mpg! Very disappointed. Dealership has checked vehicle, nothing they can do. Fuel economy will be the top priority in my next vehicle purchase, the Tahoe wont make the cut. Cant even trade at this point because of the flood of rebates and "employee pricing" out there - Ive had it for 7 months and owe $12K more than someone can buy a NEW one for! Makes it impossible to get rid of!!

• 

  99 Tahoe - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jack Wilson - July 22 - 4:29 pm

  Very comfortable SUV, excellent visability, easy to drive with no rattles, and lots of space for storage. Routine maintenance at dealership, new set of Michelin tires ( P 235-75R-15-105 S ORW ) at 34,000 miles.

• 

  Seems like a "One of a kind" SUV - 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Rudys - July 21 - 2:48 am

  We bought it new, and it still looks like new, on the outside. Even though its 9 years old, it makes rattling noises like a rattlesnake inside. The exterior looks like a classic, well- built beauty! As for the interior, seems that Chevy ran out of money, and put cheap plastic everywhere. Whats with the sound system anyway? It sounds like all of the speakers are blown. Has anyone had trouble with the rearview mirror? The mirror keeps falling off of the windshield.

• 

  My 2003 Tahoe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By greggars - July 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the most enjoyable and fun vehicle that I have ever owned. I thought my 1990 Suburban was a great truck, but the Tahoe is even better.

• 

  Awesome - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By sjenkinzz - July 17 - 10:50 pm

  Having had a couple Tahoes, this one by far is the best of them all. The looks, quality are far and above any SUV Ive owned.

• 

  Tims big Red Tahoe - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Tim - July 16 - 1:43 pm

  This my first Chevy SUV, which is all Ive have been talking about getting for 5 years. I love my Tahoe. Its big enough for our family, plus keeping all my work gear in the back. Our son cant wait to turn on the DVD player. I, on the other hand, cant wait to use the GPS system on our first road trip to somewhere that we have never been before. My wife loves its roomieness plus the fact our son can watch his DVDs and we can still listen to the XM radio. I will buy another Tahoe down the road.

• 

  Well Done GM! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Kevin Palmer - July 15 - 8:53 pm

  Great handling, quiet interior. Navigation is a plus. The third row seat is pointless since it gives you almost zero storage behind them. Fuel economy is fair at 16mpg avg after 10,000 miles .Drives great on a long trip and feels just as at home on the beach. LTZ pkg is the way to go. Just do some homework before you buy! You can search local GM dealers inventory online and then request a price via internet. Right off the bat youll save 10% off MSRP.This car is not your old Suburban. Its been completely redone!

• 

  Jet Black - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By John Early - July 13 - 1:20 am

  So far everything has been great..the fuel economy isnt that bad, its a very confortable ride, and the air conditioner will freeze you out. Great sound system, and OnStar is an asset