Chevrolet Tahoe Review

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 impressively matched the wants and needs of large American families.

The Chevrolet Tahoe faced little competition when it debuted, popularizing the full-size SUV by being a smaller and more maneuverable version of the giant Chevy Suburban that established the segment. Chevy described the Tahoe as a "rugged, multipurpose family vehicle that's at home on and off the road," and the manufacturer has always seen to it that the vehicle is sturdy enough to live up to this promise.

Today, however, there are more choices than ever. To keep the Tahoe competitive, Chevy recently performed a full redesign and improved the Tahoe in just about every regard. The truck's interior, in particular, is considerably better in terms of quality and design. The latest generation is certainly the best yet, and earlier models are still prime candidates for shoppers in the used SUV segment.

Current Chevrolet Tahoe

The Chevrolet Tahoe is a traditional full-size SUV built on a truck platform. Depending on how you equip it, anywhere from six to nine passengers can be transported.

The expected three main trim levels of LS, LT and LTZ are available. The LS is well equipped with dual-zone climate control and full power accessories. Going with the LT or LTZ fills out the standard equipment list with more luxury-oriented items. Feature highlights, depending on trim, include a power liftgate, heated second-row seats, an integrated brake controller, Bluetooth connectivity, heated and cooled front seats and a blind-spot alert system. Options include a navigation system and a rear entertainment system on most modes. Safety features include stability control and front side as well as side curtain airbags.

Ample power comes by way of a 5.3-liter V8 (now E85-compatible) with 320 horsepower, matched to a modern and efficient six-speed unit. There is a choice between two- and four-wheel drive.

In reviews, our editors found the Chevy Tahoe to be a capable and comfortable performer with an impressive interior. The cabin's design is cohesive and classy, switchgear operates elegantly and materials feel high-quality. Occupants have plenty of room to stretch out and the ride quality is comfortable. Noted downsides include the lack of a fold-flat feature for the third-row seat and a hefty curb weight that dulls handling, acceleration and fuel economy. Much of this commentary also holds true for the Tahoe's slightly more upscale twin, the GMC Yukon.

Used Chevrolet Tahoe Models

The present generation of the Tahoe debuted for the 2007 model year, offered in three trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ. Buyers could initially choose between two V8s: a 295 hp 4.8-liter and a 320 hp 5.3-liter, both matched to a four-speed automatic. For '09, a 6.2-liter V8 with 395 hp was available. A six-speed automatic was also introduced that year and was fitted to the 5.3 and 6.0 V8s. The front side airbags were unavailable prior to 2010.

Though stability control was standard, side curtain airbags were standard or optional -- depending on trim -- until 2008, when they became standard across the board. For 2009, the formerly optional third-row seat became standard on all Tahoes and the 6.2-liter, 395-hp V8 option debuted, as did a six-speed automatic transmission, the latter standard on the bigger engines. Notably, this Tahoe generation marked a big improvement in terms of interior design as well as materials and build quality.

Shoppers interested in a used Chevy Tahoe will certainly want to check out the second-generation model as well, which 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. From 2000-'04, General Motors' full-size utes (including the Tahoe, the Yukon and the larger Suburban) were either top or runner-up picks for full-size SUV in our Edmunds.com Most Wanted awards.

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.