The Tahoe was introduced for the 2000 model year, making it (along with its extended-length Suburban twin) the oldest design in this group. But despite that age, and despite the vehicle's last-place finish, the Tahoe is still competitive. It rides more comfortably than many of its newer competitors, and has a smooth and refined V8. Fuel economy is tied for the best in this group, though all competitors are in the same area of between 15 and 16 miles per gallon. But each of the Tahoe's strengths are either outdone or matched by at least one competitor, and it falls to the back of the class for its near-useless third row seat, for its cumbersome handling, and for its poor interior quality. In short, the Tahoe would be about average without its current flaws, but with them it falls behind its competitors. Its age is showing.

       As noted, the Tahoe was a smooth, comfortable ride. With the optional "Autoride" suspension (reviewed here) the vehicle suffers from additional ride motions compared to the standard setup, but is still better than several competitors. The Tahoe handles like a the large truck  that it is, with slow steering and excessive body roll, an aspect of the driving experience that many newer competitors have improved greatly upon. The Tahoe's 5.3-liter V8 never struggles under acceleration, and is quick enough overall, but its competitors have since gotten into horsepower wars, and compete on a higher standard there. The engine is not quiet during acceleration, but sounds pleasant overall. Wind and road noise are commendably-suppressed. The Tahoe edges out the others here in terms of fuel economy, but basically remains on their level anyway.

      Inside, the Tahoe has high and large (though rather shapeless) front seats with plenty of leg and headroom. The second row is a standard three-passenger bench; the version reviewed here came with the optional bucket seats, which are more supportive. All versions have plenty of room on large (though, like the front, shapeless) seats. The optional third row is low, hard, and cramped, and is useless for adult comfort, and the worst of any current vehicle in this class. Also, there is less cargo space behind this seat than in any of its competitors, essentially limited to groceries. Cargo space with the third row folded is more competitive, as is the vehicle's maximum cargo capacity (with both the second and third row seats out of the way), but those measurements are still unexceptional. Drivers sit high and comfortably, and even shorter ones can see out well. Entry/exit is aided by the fairly low ride height, but the rear doors are too small. The interior's quality is a low point, featuring excessive hard, cheap plastic coating the dash, and ill-fitting trim pieces detract further. Unlike several competitors, the Tahoe lacks false wood and aluminum trim to spruce up the drab interior, leaving this $40,000 vehicle with the exact same dash as a $15,000 Silverado work truck. The ergonomics at least are sound, with logical instruments and reasonably legible gauges. 

      The Tahoe earned four out of five stars for both the driver and for the front passenger in the NHTSA frontal crash test. In the NHTSA rollover resistance dynamic testing, both RWD and 4WD versions of the Tahoe tipped up on two wheels, and it was the only vehicle in this group to do so. NHTSA estimates that the 4WD version reviewed here would have a 26% chance of rolling over in a single vehicle accident, based on that dynamic test and on laboratory measurements. NHTSA has not subjected the Tahoe (or any other vehicle in this group) to its side crash test, and the IIHS has not tested any full-size SUVs in its frontal-offset or side crash tests.

     The Tahoe was the most expensive vehicle in this group, coming out $1,200 more than the next-highest vehicle, even with discounting bringing its real-world transaction price to $9,600 below the sticker. This price brings impressive feature content at least, including "StabiliTrak" stability control, OnStar, and a rear entertainment system. Unlike many competitors however, the vehicle lacks curtain head-protecting side airbags.

      Overall, there is no compelling reason to buy a Tahoe. Several competitors offer more features for the money, have quicker acceleration, nimbler handling, higher towing capacities, better interior quality, and more cargo space, and all have much roomier third-row seats. The Tahoe is comfortable and refined, but those benefits are matched in several competitors, and do not make up for the vehicle's shortcomings. Until a redesign appears next year, the best praise it can win here is that it isn't a bad vehicle. Its competitors are just better.

Pros:

-Refinement

-Ride Comfort

-Fuel Economy

Cons:

-Cargo Space

-Agility

-Third-Row Comfort

-Interior Quality

-NHTSA Rollover Test Result

Overall:

A capable SUV in most ways, but too many drawbacks leave it in last place.

Version Reviewed:

LT 4WD

Options Added to Vehicle Reviewed:

 -

Price of Version Reviewed:

$39,393

Powertrain:

5.3-liter V8

Vehicle Overview