Chevrolet Tahoe Reviews

The Chevrolet Tahoe helped popularize the full-size SUV format since its introduction in 1995, marrying the capabilities of a truck with the passenger space of a large wagon.

2015 to Present: Chevrolet Tahoe

The fourth-generation Tahoe debuted for 2015. Styling was further refined from the old model, boosting efficiency and upping the premium quality. Engines, however, were largely unchanged. A 5.3-liter V8 is the only engine offered, which comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and standard two-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive.

The base Tahoe LS can be had with seating for up to nine, along with full power features, tri-zone automatic climate control, power front seats and a third-row seat that folds flat into the floor. The Tahoe LT comes with leather upholstery, power-adjustable pedals, forward collision warning, a Bose audio system, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system. Top LTZ models get 20-inch wheels, cooled front seats and magnetic shock absorbers.

For 2016, a larger touch screen with MyLink was added to the list of standard equipment, along with Apple CarPlay. A head-up display was also added to the list of available features.

The Chevy Tahoe can be cross-shopped against full-size SUVs like the Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia, Nissan Armada and the similar GMC Yukon.

Earlier Chevrolet Tahoe Models

The Tahoe was introduced in 1995 as a replacement for the Chevrolet Blazer. It was fully redesigned for the 2000 model year. A third-row seat option was the big news for the new model, although the second-generation model was comprehensively renewed with more power and refinement. The two-door model was dropped, leaving a four-door Tahoe as the only configuration.

The second-generation Tahoe got either a standard 4.8-liter V8 with 275 horsepower or a 5.3-liter V8 with 280 horsepower. All models come with a four-speed automatic transmission and either two-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive. The second-generation Tahoe was offered in base, mid-grade LS and leather-lined LT trims.

The Tahoe was largely unchanged for the 2001 model year. A new suspension system became standard on all 2002 Tahoe models, while power-adjustable front seats also came on the Tahoe LS.

For 2003, the Tahoe got revised interior trim to incorporate new options such as a tri-zone climate control, a rear entertainment system and second-row captain’s chairs. Stability control was a new option on models with the 5.3-liter engine. New wheel designs and an available tire-pressure monitor were the main changes for the 2004 Tahoe.

A navigation system was a new option for 2005. General Motors’ OnStar telematics system, a tire-pressure monitor and stability control became standard for 2006, which was a short year for the Tahoe as a redesign for 2007 was on the way.

The third-generation Tahoe debuted as a 2007 model. Its lines were softened slightly, but this updated model also offered a bolder front end and improved aerodynamics. Available engines include a 5.3-liter V8 with 320 horsepower or a 4.8-liter V8 with 290 horsepower. All had a four-speed automatic transmission, with either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

Entry-level Tahoe LS models came with features such as aluminum wheels, stability control and power windows, locks and mirrors. LT models generally had a power driver’s seat, upgraded trim and leather upholstery. The top LTZ trim had 20-inch wheels, heated seats, side air bags, a power tailgate and air suspension. A navigation system, backup camera and rear entertainment system were options on higher-end models.

Side air bags were made standard on all 2008 Tahoes. A six-speed automatic became standard on the 2009 Tahoe with the 5.3-liter V8, and a new 6.2-liter V8 with 395 horsepower became an option. Bluetooth, ventilated front seats and blind-spot monitoring were also newly available features. The previously optional third-row seat also became standard on all models.

All Tahoes got the 5.3-liter V8 in 2010 and some equipment levels were adjusted as the lineup was simplified. The Tahoe then went basically unchanged until 2014, awaiting a new design that debuted for the 2015 model year.