2017 Chevy Tahoe Review
2017 Chevy Tahoe Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review

byMark Takahashi
Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Pros
- Seating for up to nine passengers
- Standard V8 engine assures plenty of passing power and a substantial tow rating
- Nicely trimmed cabin is one of the best in the class
- Available two-speed transfer case gives the Tahoe better than average off-road capabilities
Cons
- Maneuvering in tight spaces is challenging
- Loading cargo is difficult due to high floor
- Less overall cargo capacity that many other full-size utility vehicles
- Engine doesn't respond to gas pedal inputs quickly enough
What’s new
For 2017, the top trim level is now called Premier instead of LTZ. New features include low-speed automatic braking paired with the existing forward collision warning system, a teen-driver management system and a reminder to check the backseats for child occupants. Cooled seats have now been replaced with ventilated seats, and the rear entertainment system input has been updated.
Vehicle overview
The 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe is a throwback to the not-so-distant past when SUVs were based on trucks and the "utility" in SUV was paramount. So if you need a vehicle that can haul up to nine people and tow as much as 8,600 pounds, the Tahoe is the right kind of SUV. Most shoppers nowadays, however, are more concerned with comfort and everyday drivability, which are a couple of the Tahoe's weaknesses.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$204/mo for Tahoe LS
Tahoe LS
vs
$239/mo
Avg. Large SUV
It comes as no surprise that the truck-based Tahoe drives much like a truck. Handling, comfort and maneuverability all take a hit from the emphasis on durability and utility. More modern crossover SUVs are based on passenger cars, which often makes them drive more comfortably and get better fuel economy.
Even among other body-on-frame, full-sized SUVs, the Tahoe falls short, achieving only middling scores overall. As a result, we encourage shoppers to check out the Tahoe's competition before fully committing. Rivals include the Toyota Sequoia and Ford Expedition, both of which offer similar levels of capability along with a few other unique features.
Standard safety equipment for all 2017 Chevy Tahoes include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control (with trailer sway control), front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. An airbag between the front bucket seats (when so equipped) offers additional protection in side-impact crashes. Also standard is a teen-driver management system, a reminder to check the backseats for child occupants, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and the subscription-based OnStar system, which includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle assistance and turn-by-turn navigation.
Optional safety equipment includes front parking sensors, forward collision warning with low-speed automatic braking, lane departure warning and intervention, a safety-alert driver seat (which vibrates on either the right, left or both sides to warn drivers of danger), rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.
In government crash tests, the Chevrolet Tahoe received four out of five stars for overall crash protection, five stars for front- and side-impact protection and three stars for rollover protection. In Edmunds brake testing, a four-wheel-drive Tahoe LTZ came to a stop from 60 mph in 126 feet, and a two-wheel-drive LT stopped in 121 feet. Both are short distances for this class.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
The 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe is a truck-based SUV that can hold up to nine passengers and tow your average boat with ease. As a daily driver, however, it lags behind more modern car-based utility vehicles when it comes to ride quality, interior space and efficiency.
Driving
The 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe's 5.3-liter V8 is certainly capable when it comes to hauling a full load of people and cargo. It has the potential to deliver authoritative acceleration, too, but the delayed responses from the gas pedal often make the Tahoe feel slower than its horsepower suggests.
At a time when car-based crossovers have taken over the SUV market, the Tahoe clings to its truck-based underpinnings, which is good for those who intend to tow trailers and boats. But anyone using the Tahoe as a daily driver will face trade-offs in comfort and drivability. The suspension ably smooths over larger road imperfections and undulations, but shakes and shudders are noticeable over smaller ripples and bumps. The available adaptive Magnetic Ride Control suspension might improve things a bit, but only marginally. On the plus side, the cabin does remain pleasantly quiet on the highway.
The Tahoe's truck origins are even more apparent when it comes to handling and maneuverability. It's best to take it slow around turns because there's simply no way to mask the size and weight of this vehicle. It's not very maneuverable in tight spaces either, so multiple-point turns are common.
Interior
Inside the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe, there's a wealth of space for passengers in the first two rows of seats, and materials quality is above average for the class. Despite its size, visibility is decent, and the standard rear parking sensors and rearview camera reduce the stress of maneuvering in tight spaces.
Taller drivers will easily fit, but the base LS trim's lack of a telescoping steering wheel might extend their reach more than they'd prefer. The second-row seats, whether a bench or the optional buckets, are just as roomy, but the folding mechanisms limit the range of adjustments. The third-row seats are flat with thin cushioning by comparison, and the high floor significantly reduces legroom.
Cargo capacity isn't great for a vehicle in this class — there's only 15.3 cubic feet available behind the third row, 51.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a maximum of 94.7 cubic feet with both rows folded flat. Not only is the space limited compared to the competition, but the load floor itself is inconveniently high in order to house the folding third-row bench seats. This makes loading bulky cargo more strenuous, especially for smaller people.
2017 Chevrolet Tahoe models
The 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV with seating for eight passengers in most configurations. It is offered in LS, LT and Premier trim levels. An optional 40/20/40-split front bench seat increases passenger capacity to nine but is only available on the base LS trim.
Standard features for the LS include 18-inch alloy wheels, active grille shutters for improved aerodynamics, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, cruise control, remote keyless entry, remote ignition, rear parking sensors, a trailer hitch receiver with wiring harness, side assist steps and roof rails.
On the inside, you get tri-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat (six-way front passenger seat), 60/40-split folding second- and third-row bench seats, a tilt-only, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a teen-driver monitoring system, a convex mirror to monitor rear seat passengers, OnStar emergency telematics with navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a household power outlet, the MyLink infotainment system, an 8-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, a six-speaker CD player with mobile apps, HD radio, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, five USB ports and auxiliary audio input.
The optional Enhanced Driver Alert package adds forward collision warning with low-speed automatic braking, a vibrating safety-alert driver seat, automatic high beams, lane keeping assist and power-adjustable pedals.
The LT trim includes all of the above, along with a power liftgate, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, a telescoping steering wheel, driver-seat memory functions, an auto-dimming rearview camera, a universal garage door opener and a nine-speaker Bose audio system.
The optional Luxury package adds a hands-free tailgate opener, power-folding mirrors, an auto-dimming driver-side mirror, foglights, front parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, keyless entry and ignition, heated second-row seats, power-folding second- and third-row seats, a heated, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a wireless charging pad. The Texas Edition package is equipped identically but adds unique badging and crossbars to the roof rails.
The Premier trim includes the Luxury package and adds 20-inch wheels, xenon headlights, an adaptive Magnetic Ride Control suspension, ventilated front seats, second-row bucket seats (reducing seating capacity to seven), a navigation system with real-time traffic, 12-way power front seats and a 10-speaker Bose premium surround-sound upgrade.
The LT and Premier trims are eligible for the Sun, Entertainment and Destinations package that includes a sunroof, navigation for the LT trim, extended satellite radio and traffic service, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Adaptive cruise control, power-retractable side steps and a head-up display are also available on the Premier trim.
Offered on all trims are 22-inch wheels as well as the Max Trailering package that includes a different rear axle ratio, an electronic two-speed transfer case (on 4WD models), a trailer brake controller and an auto-leveling suspension for non-magnetic suspension vehicles. The Z71 Off-Road package is available only on the LT trim and adds all-terrain tires, unique cosmetic elements, tubular side steps, underbody skid plates, an off-road suspension, an electronic two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, front parking sensors and rubber floor mats.
Many features offered on higher-trim models are available on supporting trims as options.
Powering the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe is a 5.3-liter V8 engine that produces 355 hp and 383 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only available transmission. Rear-wheel drive with a locking rear differential is standard, and four-wheel drive with a single-speed transfer case is available as an option. A two-speed transfer case comes with the Max Trailering and Z71 Off-Road packages.
Properly equipped, a rear-wheel-drive Tahoe can tow up to 8,600 pounds. Four-wheel-drive models top out at 8,400 pounds.
In Edmunds testing, a four-wheel-drive Tahoe in Premier trim accelerated to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, and a two-wheel-drive LT reached 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. These times are strong, but other SUVs in the class are even quicker. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 19 mpg combined (16 city/23 highway) for two-wheel-drive models and 18 mpg combined (16 city/22 highway) for four-wheel drive. These estimates are better than its primary competitors.
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe.
5 star(39%)
4 star(19%)
3 star(12%)
2 star(14%)
1 star(16%)
64 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Luxurious Tahoe
Dan, 04/17/2016
2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
We traded for our Tahoe LTZ after owning a 2012 GMC Yukon XL wanting a more nimble size and updated technology. The Tahoe has really met and exceeded our expectations. It is a very luxurious vehicle and is loaded with technology that exceeds any large SUV from Ford or Lincoln. In fact is has the luxury and technology of most expensive luxury cars. The Tahoe is extremely quiet inside … and the front and second row seats are quite comfortable. For four people, the Tahoe is a perfect touring vehicle, comfortable, capable and usable. The third row seating is useless however. Not only is there no room between the second row and third row seats, but the floor is also about 4-5 inches below the seat cushion. I question why GM did not utilize an independent rear suspension system like the Ford Expedition and the Lincoln Navigator to alleviate this problem. Also by building the foldable third row seat on top of the solid rear axle, they also lifted the floor of the cargo area in the back of the Tahoe to a ridiculous height to where it is difficult to lift luggage in and out. It also limits the amount of volume you actually have for luggage and cargo. Ford and Lincoln have been building their SUV's with independent rear suspensions for years and the result is lots of usable space with an actual comfortable third row seat. That is the biggest complaint we have with the Tahoe. But for driving, comfort for four and all the luxury they have, it is a hard SUV to beat. We test drove Expeditions and Navigators right along with the Tahoe and we chose the Tahoe. It drove and handled better and was much quieter on the inside. Also the unique ability to have OnStar and Wifi only cinched the deal for us. A close to perfect SUV but limited by design.
4 out of 5 stars
The TAhoe Owner
The Tahoe Owner, 02/22/2016
2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
I have to admit GM did a good job with creating this 16 Tahoe, I originally had it is cousin the 2010 Yukon but got rid of it and I love it but figured it was time for a change; so I bought 2016 Tahoe LS; the other models were out of my budget. Overall, I am happy with the 16 Tahoe. I would have bought the 15 Tahoe but for a some reason General Motor thought it was a good idea to have … a cell phone like screen in the LS models and not a screen that we can actually see plus the fact that in order to really utilize a navigation app (which I may add did not come with) had to plug your phone into the cigarette lighter to project the navigation tool you want to use on this IPhone like screen. By far, in my opinion was FUBAR design.
The 2016 Model however has a bigger screen and the navigation system however the navigation system is offered through ONSTAR which in a way is crazy because it forces you to really have a contract with ONSTAR; so in discovering this, I asked the question after the fact, what if you don't want to afford ONSTAR, there (dealership) said you can can plug it into a USB defice and project the visual on the BIGGER screen the comes with the LS models.
Overall, that is the only flaw that I have with the 2016 models; however I did give it a passing thought about getting the LT and LTZ models but after really thinking about it and test driving the other two, there was not really a whole lot of differences, except for leather seats, a couple extra speakers and a tow package.
5 out of 5 stars
Just bought Tahoe
Christina E, 03/03/2017
2017 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
Honestly. We haven't bought a GM product in over 7 yrs. which my husband has had 2 Ford leases and I personally have had Honda minivans. We since bought a Tahoe and I am so in love. I am 4'11" and he is 6'4.5". I have test drove one a few years back and decided not to get it. The braking is amazing. It doesn't feel like I'm driving a big truck, which is a big deal to me. It also is such … a smooth ride im impressed. The touch screen is super responsive, acceleration is a bit slow but that's the v8. But this also shifts down to a v4 at stop lights. (So cool) and when you shut off the engine it tells you to look in the back seat (kids safety). We searched for a second row bench (we have 3 kids) and all the seats are the same size. Meaning the middle seat is also very wide (and could fit an adult). I just had to say how much I am in love with this vehicle, they have done such a great job and we are not regretting buying it at all!
5 out of 5 stars
LS Model is a perfect fit for most people
Saleem, 05/05/2016
2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
UPDATE: One of the black plastic pieces on the outside of the door popped off from the wind. It was easily fixed with a stronger glue. No other issues since then. This is still a great vehicle and still recommend to others interested in buying a Tahoe.
ORIGINAL: Before buying this SUV you should really come to grips that you are not purchasing a sports car or sports type SUV. With that … being said, I have purchased 11 vehicles over the years and I am completely satisfied with my purchase of the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LS. The only difference between the base LS and the top of the line models is basically leather and a few extra gimmicks such as heads-up display. If you can live without the extras, the LS is the way to go for price point. Superior comfort and the cabin is surprisingly quiet. I'm 6'4" and have plenty leg room in the front and rear seat of my Tahoe. If you're in the market for a nice large SUV with plenty of room and towing capacity, I recommend looking at all trim levels of the Tahoe before jumping at the LTZ or LT because the LS might be able to satisfy what you need and save you over $20,000.00.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe, so we've included reviews for other years of the Tahoe since its last redesign.
2017 Chevrolet Tahoe video
TRAVIS LANGNESS: I'm Edmunds editor Travis Langness and this is an expert rundown of the 2017 Chevy Tahoe. For 2017, the Chevy Tahoe gets a new collision warning system, teen driver management system, and a reminder to check the back seat for child occupants when you get out. You know, it's got all the great things going for it that you'd expect out of something that's this big. It can seat up to nine passengers, it can tow a lot, up to 8,600 pounds. It's actually got some pretty good off road capability, especially with the Z-71 packages. But, you know, as you'd expect with a big SUV like this, body on frame you're going to get something that's not necessarily as efficient as a lot of the crossovers that are out there. Fuel economy is going to suffer. And actually, when you consider how big this Tahoe is, it's not as roomy on the inside as you'd expect. The cargo capacity is a bit limited, that lift over height in the rear is kind of difficult to get big heavy items, strollers over, maybe when you're going out, you know, shopping, and picking up a lot of stuff at the store. Trying to put it in the trunk there's going to be a little bit harder. And also, that nine passenger configuration is only available on the base trim of the Tahoe. So as you see on the inside of this one, there's three seats in the third row, two in the second row, and two in the front. So you're going to be a little bit limited as to what standard and optional features you can get if you do want to have a car that seats nine people. Up front though, the fit and finish is good. The interior of the car feels nice enough. The Chevy MyLink system is a good operating system, works well with voice commands. There's a lot of small item storage. IF you've got a lot of kids, and you're going on a long road trip, there's a lot of places to store stuff in here. Up front the knobs, the dials, all work well with gloves on, big chunky steering wheel. But another downside of a vehicle this big, it's not as nimble, doesn't handle as well as some of the crossovers out there. Bottom line the 2017 Chevy Tahoe has a lot of space, room for up to nine, and big towing capacity, but it's going to be less refined than some of its rivals. You might want to check out competition like the Toyota Sequoia, or the Mazda CX-9. For more Edmond's expert rundowns click the link to subscribe.
2017 Chevrolet Tahoe Expert Rundown Review
Looking for a truck-based SUV that can hold up to nine passengers and tow your average boat with ease? The 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe might be a good match. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.
2017 Tahoe Highlights
LS
Base MSRP | $47,215 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $204/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover22.9%
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