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 GM Truck Owner - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By C. Taylor - July 8 - 4:35 am

  For this very basic LS, I bought 18" Michelin Pilots (truck came with 16" Goodyears, I believe)- truck now gets average of 20 mpg. I put in many miles per annum - dont just accept the "myth" of poor mileage! Also, the smoother-riding, after-market tires enable my elderly parents to enjoy traveling in this high-riding limo.

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  2002 Tahoe - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Tom Whitehead - July 7 - 1:33 pm

  I have been very pleased with this vehicle. Very minor warranty work. I was thinking about buying a new vehicle, but now feel I will be unable to improve over what I have.

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  GM almost hit a home run on this one. - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Rick -NC - July 7 - 6:46 am

  Ive owned 2 other Tahoes, and by far, this is the best of the others. Great exterior design, NICE improvement on interior quality, Nice Bose system, and XM radio. The exterior finish is the best by far, of my other GM products. Ford, look out! This is Quality One!

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  Heartbeat of America - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By NickS - July 7 - 5:57 am

  I absolutely love my Tahoe 4x4. I havent had any problems with it so far. My friends have an ML320 and it doesnt compare at all. I wouldnt trade it for any foreign-built vehicle, even though Toyota and Honda make great products. I am 63" 275 lbs. and my Tahoe has more than enough room for me to stretch out. I wish the back seats had a little more room for the kids car seats though. I ride motocross and take it off-road and blast the AC in 100 degree heat - not a problem. This thing is a tank, we affectionately call it "Old Faithful"

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  Got it right GM! - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Happy in P-Town - July 6 - 3:33 am

  GM has their trucks dialed. Yes, I have a "ticking" engine, but hey, so what? After 10 seconds the sound is gone. The engine is strong and sturdy. I love the torque. Smooth, quiet, but there when you need it. Interior finishes are sub-par. Reliability is much better than my BMW X5, which is in the shop every month.

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  Nice Vehicle - 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By rick - July 1 - 12:42 pm

  I always wanted a Tahoe, and luck was on my side at my local dealer. An older getleman traded a 1996 Tahoe in for a new one. The vechicle only had 36,000 actual miles! It has been a very good and pleasant experience so far. The mileage is about 17mpg which is pretty good. The only big problem was a miss it developed. It took the dealer several days to find the problem which turned out to be a bad plug and wire. The computer stated it was a misfire and the plug was the last thing checked. It runs fine now and is a joy to drive.

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  I Love It! - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Gennifer - June 29 - 2:13 pm

  No problems thus far. A great family car, easy in/easy out. Feels very safe, which was very important becuase of the kids. OnStar is one of the best features. Air conditioner will blow you away! We added 20 in. wheels and had the driver/passengers windows tinted. Also added a DVD for the kids. We truly have an awesome car that no longers looks "stock" due to tinting/wheel size. This ride rocks.

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  Could not be happier - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Very Satisfied - June 29 - 2:10 pm

  This is the best car I have owned. Everything about the truck is awesome. I feel in control when I am behind the wheel. The handling is responsive, as well as the acceleration. I do not have to worry about being in someones blind spot, or someone not seeing me and trying to change lanes into the lane I am in. I cant begin to say enough great things about this automobile. It is a joy to drive. The removable third row and DVD entertainment package are an awesome addition when you have children on long trips. The drivers memory and heated front seats are excellent too. This is a great automobile.

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  My z71 Tahoe - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Glenn Prescott - June 25 - 10:53 am

  Well, we are very excited about our Z71 Tahoe. We love to drive it, but are not excited about the gas mileage. Getting 11.9 MPG in town due to buying low rear axle ratio for heavy towing, but other than that, its a great vehicle

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  Wow - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By lovinit - June 23 - 8:26 am

  This has got to be the best vehicle I have ever bought. I usually drive German cars. It is a far cry from what they used to be. It is just amazing. Plenty of power to pull my boat and still getting 22 hwy and 20 with the boat. Thank you Chevy, I love you guys