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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  WDQ - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By ZCVXc - December 1 - 10:00 am

  BEST VEHICLE I EVER PURCHASED !!

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  g ms junk - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By jim j - November 30 - 6:48 pm

  Tailgate shows open when closed. Dealer has had it 3 times. Not fixed. Certified letter went to gm a few days ago. No answer yet. When car is shut off after heating up, the shield above the muffler BANGS for several minutes after. Dealer 3 times, not fixed. Signal seeker radio only stops on 1/2 of the stations available. Dealer 3 times, not fixed. No control of lights when opening doors without them coming on. I like control. NO door, except drivers, can be opened with key. Drivers seat back cannot be tilted when back seat is down. Poor gas mileage. My Cadillac get twice as good mileage as tahoe.

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  No Probs So Far...knock on wood. - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By CrowneRoyal - November 29 - 3:07 pm

  I have only had my Tahoe for 8 weeks, but I must say that it is a better vehicle so far than any of my past cars. I love the way that the TV folds down at the punch of a button, therefore the kids can watch TV or play a game without my having to pull over to turn it on. The gas mileage had a lot to improve on, however, I was told that 12-15 mpg was normal for a truck of this size. I look forward to having my truck for many years to come.

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  Like a knock, it was loud as it could be - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By The knocker - November 28 - 9:38 am

  Ive been bitten by the piston slap GM engine at less than 25k miles. The dealership is hesitant to do anything other than give me the "carbon-top runaround." Id be wary to ever own another GM product. The warranty isnt worth the paper it was written on. At this point the dealers refuse to look at the truck when I tell them that the engine is making noise. Sadly, my next vehicle purchase (Jan 05) will be affected by this unfortunate situation.

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  Two thumbs up! - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Tom Welds - November 28 - 8:14 am

  Excellent ride.. tough on fuel..

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  My 2005 Z71 - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By dammitjim1 - November 24 - 12:00 am

  I have always admired the look of the Z71 Tahoe, particularly in black. So when GM offered me the Pull Ahead option on my 02 Trailblazer LTZ lease, along with some other financial incentives, I jumped at the chance to acquire the Tahoe. After a test drive and a bit of negotiation, I drove my new Z71 home. The ride, comfort and handling are outstanding - equal to or better than any car Ive ever driven. Very surprising for such a large vehicle. The sound of XM radio coming through the Bose speakers is awesome, and the kids love the DVD. This is still the "honeymoon" phase. If the reliability holds up over the 48 SmartBuy period, Ill probably be driving a Tahoe in 2008.

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  My Z71 Tahoe kicks ass, I love it !!!!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Big Mike2 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  In a perfect world I wish I could configure the rear area for sleeping. You know, unexpected rain on a camping trip or when ya have a few too many at the tavern.

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  Tahoe - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Dennis Horner - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I will buy another without question.

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  Tahoe time - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Judy Kovitch - November 13 - 10:11 am

  Overall a solid car. Few minor problems easily resolved. Great extra features, comfortable on long trips, easy to manuever, looks great. Roomy & easy to change configuration from a passenger car to hauling. I am short, my husband is tall, it is easy to adjust drivers seat for either.

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  Spend a lot of time in this car. - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By ChrisM - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Pacing about 45K miles per year and avg. 15.8 mpg city / 16.7 mpg hwy. Plenty of interior room, both as occupant and storage. Good sound system.