Chevrolet Tahoe Review

2008 Chevrolet Tahoe LT SUV Shown

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. It was redesigned for the 2007 model year to start its third generation. Many improvements were made over the previous generations, especially in the areas of interior design and materials, feature availability and ride quality. Depending on how you equip it, anywhere from six to nine passengers can be transported.

There are currently three main trim levels available: LS, LT and LTZ. The LS should suit most buyers as it does come reasonably well equipped with today's convenience features. Naturally, going with the LT or LTZ fills out the standard equipment list with more luxury-oriented items. Chevy also offers a navigation system and a rear entertainment system on most models, and all Tahoes can be fitted with full-length side curtain airbags, which became standard for '08. In terms of powertrain, buyers can choose between two V8 engines and two- or four-wheel drive.

In a road test of the Chevy Tahoe, our editors found this SUV's interior impressive. The dashboard looks modern, 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 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.

Past Chevrolet Tahoe Models

Shoppers interested in a used SUV will certainly want to check out the second-generation Tahoe, 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 current one, but it still offered room for up to nine passengers. Two V8 engines were available -- either a 285-horsepower 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. They were 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.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.