With up to nine seats, the Chevrolet Tahoe—a short-wheelbase version of the Suburban—has enough space for an entire baseball team. All models use a 320-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and have a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. Despite these capabilities, the big Tahoe is rated for a reasonable 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.
What's New for 2014
Chevrolet beefs up the Tahoe's list of standard features with power-adjustable pedals, a remote vehicle starter system, rear park assist and a rearview camera.
Choosing Your Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevrolet has unveiled a redesigned 2015 Tahoe, so your first choice is whether to wait for its arrival or opt for the outgoing model. If you choose the old design, remember that it's a buyer's market—dealers should be willing to discount and Chevrolet should have appealing incentives, especially as the release of the 2015 Tahoe approaches.
The Tahoe has only one engine and transmission, but you can choose between rear-wheel and four-wheel drive. Unless you'll absolutely need traction at all four wheels, we see no need for the extra cost and weight.
There are three trim levels—LS, LT and LTZ—and prices climb substantially with equipment level. The base LS starts at $43,600, while a top-of-the-line LTZ commands $56,255.
LS
Although better-equipped than other entry-level models in Chevy's line-up, the base LS won't have everything the typical Tahoe buyer expects. Standard features include a rearview camera, dual-zone manual climate control, a satellite radio with AM/FM/CD and USB port, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a remote starter system.
If you need nine seats, this is the only Tahoe with that space—a center console on the LT and LTZ models drops standard seating capacity to eight.
LT
An LT enters the near-luxury class with a Bose nine-speaker sound system, leather seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. An optional rear-seat entertainment system is available, and features a DVD player with remote control, overhead display, two sets of wireless headphones and auxiliary jacks.
Also available at this level is a Luxury Package with second-row seats that are heated and have power-release, a power liftgate, a universal home remote and heated side mirrors.
The Sun, Entertainment and Destinations Package—optional only on LT and LTZ models—include extended SiriusXM radio and XM NavTraffic service, a power sunroof and the rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
LTZ
It's not quite an Escalade, but an LTZ offers almost everything you'd expect in a Cadillac: heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, a Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound system, and navigation with touch-screen operation are among the top-of-the-line features.Choose your Chevrolet Tahoe >>
CarsDirect Tip
If you’re sold on the outgoing body style—or getting the best possible deal on a full-size SUV—the 2014 is your last chance to buy this Tahoe before redesigned 2015s roll into dealerships sometime later this year.
