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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  2007 Tahoe LTZ - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By obravada - May 18 - 7:00 pm

  I actually look forward to driving my 2007 Tahoe LTZ. It is the most reliable vehicle that I have ever purchased from GM. I have not encountered any problems to date having purchased the vehicle in July 2006.

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  verry good - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By gmangggg - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but good things to say about this well made vehicle.

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  Fantastic - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By NYShorty - May 5 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my used Tahoe in March of this year.I have to say Im not disappointed.About a month after I purchased it I drove from New York to Florida and back without a problem. It took some getting used to but once you get comfortable with its size its smooth sailing from there. She drives smoothly on the highway and equally well on local roads.I was also surprised at the fuel economy.I was expecting to have to stop for gas at least 6 or 7 times and wound up only stopping 3 times.With gas prices these days that was a definite bonus. Its very spacious with lots of cargo room.I was able to fit the contents of a 1BR apt in it.I have no complaints.

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  My Chevy - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Markizel - April 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. Gets great gas mileage for a big vehicle and is comfortable to ride in. It has an extremely smooth ride. Rides like a car, even though it has the heart and soul of a truck.

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  Best in Class - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By jowhel - April 26 - 11:43 am

  Took a trip to Nashville the week after we got our LTZ and enjoyed every minute of it. The ride, comfort and performance was superior. Weather conditions turned bad unexpectedly with a snow and ice storm, we just slowed down and reached our destination safely and without a lot of stress. Boy, did we get a lot of attention at Operyland- the Tahoe that is!!!

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  Robbs review - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By cmccollegepark - April 25 - 10:00 am

  The Tahoe is like riding on a cushion of air. Its sporty enough for tailgating, classy enough for sunday services, and rugged enough to haul drywall, plywood, and alll my tools. With the flat folding second row and removable third row, I can haul plenty without a trailer. It is the perfect vehicle for family, work, and play.

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  tahoe of the northland - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By DEP - April 18 - 2:00 am

  My Tahoe has done everything I have asked it to do. Only complant is the fuel economy seems to be much worse than I expected. I was hoping for 18 on highway and 15 in town, but I get 15 highway and 11-13 in town.

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  1999 taheo - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Taheoman379 - April 13 - 2:00 am

  great Vech. i would buy another & another over a ford anyday!

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  Reliability Problems - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By TahoeTrannyFailed - April 4 - 3:00 am

  This truck has reliability problems of certain components. Steering sensors have failed twice, fuel pump once $900, transmission $3500. This truck has 75000 miles on it and never pulled a trailer, nor been used off road. Fuel pump and transmission will fail without warning and leave you on the side of the road. Steering sensors cause the truck to turn off the road or into the oncoming lane, but atleast you can get back to town to the shop. I paid 1997 prices and received 1977 reliability. If buying one be sure to get an extended warranty and a cell phone to call tow truck when it breaks down on the road.

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  regret this buy - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By izzyb - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had problems literally from the start. I have had 3 or 4 different radios installed (I lost count) because a cd got stuck, then the clock stopped keeping time. This took months for the service department to figure out what the problem was. Apparently it was a very unusual problem, and since then I have had countless others. Will not buy another one!