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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  Complete Junk! - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By lewis - February 13 - 5:02 pm

  Every time we turn around there is a problem, since weve had it, its been in the shop 5 times. When pulling a trailer it will not hold back on hills and the four wheel drive isnt that good. The back seats are totally uncomfortable and theres little leg room in the third row.

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  Love my Z71 - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Bucky Buchanan - February 12 - 1:35 pm

  Love this truck. Used to drive an Excursion, but now have the Tahoe Z71. Much better performance, while not as big, inside seems as spacey. Better gas mileage also.

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  Loving It! - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Ruby Dillon - February 12 - 12:07 pm

  I just traded in my Mercury Mountaineer for the Tahoe and always loved the Mountaineer until I drove the Tahoe. Its so roomy and comfortable, drives like a luxury car. It has wonderful visibility and so many extra features that makes it such a great vehicle to be in.

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  2004 Chevy Tahoe LT Purchase - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Joe T. Davis Jr. - February 12 - 2:00 am

  I am overall impressed with the performance and value of the vehicle. The vehicle is solid as a rock and is as dependable as ever. I look to have years and years of service of this unit.

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  A great SUV - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Casper - January 31 - 8:36 pm

  I really love this Tahoe. I guess the ride quality is what suprised me the most. It is very smooth and just eats up the bumps and potholes. It rides much better than my Explorer. The only criticism I would have is a little bit of wind noise at highway speed that comes from the large mirrors, but that is not bad. The front seats are very comfortable and can be manipulated to fit just about anyone.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By james**** - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I looked at many SUVs, including the explorer, 03 4runner, expedition, murano, pilot, highlander,yukon, and envoy. I very seriously considered the pilot, due to previous experience with other hondas, but in the end it did not drive quite as well or have as much room, plus it seems to be one small step from being a minivan.

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  Love My Tahoe! - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By ollysha - January 22 - 11:22 am

  We love our Tahoe. The only, only, only thing we do not like about is the power button on the radio, the black is coming off. We called our dealer and we are covered under warranty but they will have to replace the entire radio. The car is strong and has good "get up and go". We got the 3rd row seat which we keep stored and put a plastic liner in the back. The rear A/C is AWESOME each row has two vents and it works fast! The CD changer in dash is sooo convenient and never skips. The 4x4 feature is amazingly easy to use. We will keep this car for a long time! We did buy small round mirrors to put on side mirrors and this made traffic easier to deal with.

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  Tahoe....pulls like an ox - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By James Levy - January 15 - 7:41 pm

  I tow my race car and trailer all over the Eastern Seaboard...weighing in at 5500 lbs, this is no easy task. I find that going up the hills of Pennsylvania, NY, WV and NC with the accelerator flat on the floor, transmission in 2nd and pulling long hills at 4200-4500 RPM is not a problem. Its fun to drive, relatively comfortable, reasonably economical gas- wise and has flawless performance...LIKE A ROCK.

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  owner - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Mary - January 15 - 1:30 pm

  Compared to a 1996 Tahoe and 1999 suburban that I previously owned, this one is the most fun! Handling is great in parking lots and has a lot of power to get by the trucks on highway. The interior is driver friendly, with controls at your finger tips!

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  Tahoe, Americas Reflection of Greatness - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By dngorham - January 6 - 3:49 pm

  Ive owned this Tahoe for a month and I have to say that the handling and 4X4 Autotrack is exceptional. All I do is just step on the gas when in AUTO mode and it senses the wheel slippage and 4wheel drive kicks in without even feeling anything. I had just bought a 2004 Ford F350 of which I only had 7000 miles on when I traded in. I had trouble with the 4wheel drive system and it was a monster to steer when in 4X4. Nothing, smooth there at all or dependable. Especially when you are getting on in years. Chevy workers my hats off to you and the American worker. If we can make a vehicle like this. No reason why we cant accomplish anything.