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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  Snowed by a Tahoe - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By tim terrific - January 5 - 11:07 pm

  I have owned imports for the last 20 years. I took a chance on a new Tahoe. The size is just right for me. Great horsepower from the engine and a very nice ride. BUT fuel ecconomy stinks. The interior is cheap cheap cheap. Ive got potholders that hold better than the carpet. Leather seats have lost luster, crack and are spongy. Tailgate says open when closed been back three times to dealer. Window trim pieces now squeak. Transmission slips and brakes groan and its not even a year old!!! Heated sears are nice. Onstar is a rip off. GM wants $295.00 a year to renew it. They can keep it. LT= last time Ill spend the dough. There are better values in the market place.

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  Big Boy - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Big Dredd - January 4 - 8:41 pm

  I have always wanted a truck and I got my chance after my brother bought my Honda. I am about 60 230lbs so I needed something with some space. Picked up a fully loaded Z71 and havent looked back since. Smooth and powerful engine but mouse quiet interior. 2nd row buckets make inside look like a living room and my kids love having their own seats. Bose/Navi system are great and add a sweet touch while the Rear DVD keeps kids busy. The DVD also has input/output ports for my game systems! Very easy to drive and handles like a car but doesnt sip gas like one. BEWARE! GAS GODZILLA! I fill up every 10 or so days. I also live in the city but wow. Gonna trade up in 2007 if GM develops a Hybrid!

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  Long haul - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By xyzbill - January 4 - 8:24 pm

  This is a great vehicle - It is small enough to use as a daily driver - is easy to drive around town - easy to park and rides and handles good. Where this SUV really shines is on a long trip - just came back from a 2,480 mile vacation - my family including 2 dogs (a 7 # Chihuahua & 90 # Golden) 12 large bags, cooler and other misc. stuff all fit inside the vehicle. I guess the weight of passengers / cargo etc. was over 1,000 pounds - set the cruise on 77 MPH and got 19.2 MPG. Handled the drive through Denver / Loveland pass (close to 12,000 ft above sea level) and never even broke a sweat. From 85 degree heat in Houston to -12 in Keystone, CO the HVAC always kept the cabin the right temp.

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  my new used Tahoe - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jimmie - January 3 - 1:50 pm

  I just bought the truck from a 1 owner who kept great care of the car. It has two security systems and only 37000 miles I couldnt be happier. Love the memory seats and great performance.

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  04 Z71 Tahoe Review - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jis - December 31 - 4:47 pm

  Outstanding power, comfort and 4WD. Chose this over all others because of leather seat comfort, visibility and other consumer ratings. 10K miles on it after five months and no problems. Not even a rattle.. I drive long miles for work and the seats with lumbar support are unmatched for my bad back. Im getting about 17 mpg. Seat comfort is the best Ive seen, especially on long trips.

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  great - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By jose - December 31 - 4:11 am

  No problems, I own two Hondas and I wish that they would make something of equal size. I will buy another Tahoe

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  Best SUV ever!! - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jeromy H - December 29 - 10:30 pm

  After a long wait I finally pulled the trigger on my new Z-71 Tahoe. After trading up from a 96 2Dr. to this 2005 there is no comparison. Too many favorites to list here....

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  This is an awesome truck - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Steve Smith - December 29 - 6:10 am

  I just bought my new Tahoe, and it is amazing. All the cool features make it a classic Chevy SUV. It has a very desirable, agressive looking new style that turns heads everywhere. This truck is so much fun to drive too. Its my favorite Tahoe Chevy has made yet!

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  Excellent First Impression - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By William - December 23 - 7:07 am

  Bought this 2005 Tahoe Z-71 just over three weeks ago, after years of Ford SUVs and most recently a Sequoia. Impressed with the smooth power and ride of this vehicle, XM radio and OnStar system. Seats are comfortable, four-wheel drive system is excellent and Bose speakers are top notch. Surprisingly, the quality seems as good as the Sequoia initially, and better than the Fords Ive had (Expeditions, Explorers, an Escape and a Mercury Mountaineer). Like the conservative styling. SUVs are primarily designed to be functional, not beautiful though this is an attractive, rugged looking vehicle in Z-71 trim.

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  Better than expected - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By airtexaco - December 21 - 10:00 am

  We have a Suburban (04) and from driving them, decided to get one-my wife wanted the Tahoe and opted for the Suburban