Chevy Tahoe Ground Clearance: What To Know
Chevy Tahoe by Lambodriver 2 — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Chevy Tahoe is an SUV that stands out due to its large passenger capacity, reliability, and high-quality build. With average annual repair costs, the Tahoe can last anywhere between 200,000 and 300,000 miles.
One of the most common features that buyers are concerned about is the Chevy Tahoe ground clearance. For a full-size SUV like this one, it’s important that owners get adequate ride height to match the vehicle’s large size.
It ensures that an increase in weight from passengers and cargo doesn’t cause it to rub against the ground or decrease the driver’s visibility. In this post, we’ll provide information on how high the Chevy Tahoe rides and how it compares to its competition.
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Chevy Tahoe Ground Clearance
The Chevrolet Tahoe went by the name Blazer before it officially took on its current label in 1995. For the 2021 model year, it comes in seven trim levels which include LS, LT, Z71, Fleet, RST, Premier, and High Country. All offer a ground clearance of 7.9 inches that doesn’t change as you move up the lineup.
Some of the earlier models sat a lot higher when compared to the new redesigned Chevy Tahoe. The first-generation lineup that was sold between 1995 and 1999 had a ground clearance of 10.6 inches. The second-generation model had a Chevy Tahoe ground clearance of 8.4 inches.
This then changed in 2007 when the third-generation was introduced. It came with a ground clearance of 9.1 inches, offering 0.7 inches of additional height. In 2015, this was cut down to 7.9 inches, reducing the Tahoe’s ground clearance by 1.2 inches.
Here is a breakdown of how the Chevy Tahoe ground clearance has changed over the years.
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How Does the Chevy Tahoe Compare to its Competitors?
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe goes head-to-head with several other full-size SUVs on the market. They include the Toyota Highlander, Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Armada, Land Rover Discovery, Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Land Cruiser, Dodge Durango, and Toyota 4Runner.
Here’s how these models fare against the Chevy Tahoe’s ride height.
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When you compare the Chevrolet Tahoe to its competition based on the amount of ground height that it has to offer, you realize that it ranks lower than the majority of them. The only model that offers less ground clearance is the Audi Q7. The Jeep Grand Cherokee also ranks lower but, this depends on the trim that you pick.
Higher trims in the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s lineup lead within the industry in matters of ride height. Some of the models that sit slightly higher than the Tahoe include the GMC Yukon and Toyota Highlander with a ground clearance of 8.0 inches and the Dodge Durango at 8.1 inches.
All the other competing models on our list are positioned higher. They include the Land Rover Discovery at 8.5 inches, the Toyota Land Cruiser at 8.9 – 9.0 inches, the Toyota 4Runner at 9.0 – 9.6 inches, the Nissan Armada at 9.1 – 9.2 inches, the Volvo XC90 at 9.4 inches, the Toyota Sequoia at 9.6 – 10 inches, and the Ford Expedition at 9.8 inches.
The Chevrolet Tahoe boasts plenty of great features. But, if you’re looking to get a full-size SUV based purely on ground clearance, it may not be the best choice. It rides way lower when compared to its rivals. On the other hand, people who are using their Tahoe primarily as a daily driver on flat road might prefer this. Lower right height is associated with a smoother ride and better handling.
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Activities That You Can Do with the Chevy Tahoe
- #### Towing
The Chevrolet Tahoe comes with three engine options that you can choose from. The base 3.0-liter inline six engine makes 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, the standard 5.3-liter V8 produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the higher 6.2-liter V8 churns 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. This provides enough power to tow up to 8,400 pounds of weight when properly equipped.
- #### Family trips
The Chevrolet Tahoe sits seven people. It can accommodate eight if you go for the second-row bench seat. The base LS variant can sit up to nine passengers and boasts cloth upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. The 2021 model was freshly redesigned to provide more room.
The third row now comes with 10 inches of additional legroom to make it more comfortable for taller adults. The second row can be folded, tipped, and slid to provide easier access to the third. All seats are comfortable and leather upholstery is available as an option.
- #### Off-roading
The Tahoe retains its truck-like and rugged body construction with a new independent rear suspension. When combined with the enormous amount of power and decent ground clearance that it has, the SUV becomes a reliable companion for off-roading.
No matter the engine, the Tahoe is well-equipped for most types of adventurous driving. The 6.2-liter V8 goes above and beyond to provide adequate juice for the toughest of terrains. This makes the Tahoe a worthy choice in a world where V8 engines are getting replaced by six-cylinder options.
- #### Comfortable highway driving
While the Tahoe remains larger, longer, and more spacious, it comes with an advanced air suspension setup that provides a refined and smoother ride. The body-on-frame build still feels more luxurious and pampering on the highway. This means that you get less bumpy movement and great on-road manners while driving.
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Conclusion
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe is a great vehicle for anyone looking for a reliable, spacious, and well-equipped SUV. While its ground clearance puts it almost at the bottom of the list, it still manages to match up to most of the obstacles you’ll meet on the road and move over bumps with ease.
Don’t let the 7.9-inches of ground clearance deter you. This is especially true if you’re looking for a large daily driver that you’re not planning to take off road often. That lower ride height won’t make a difference to you, and you may feel you get improved handling, gas mileage, and a smoother ride. Think about what you specifically need to get out of your SUV, and factor in the stats from there.
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