Chevy Tahoe Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision


in Car Comparisons
Red Chevy Tahoe

Source: Flickr

The Chevy Tahoe is a full-size SUV offering three rows of seats and plenty of enjoyment for passengers and drivers. Of course, no car is without its flaws. If you’re interested in a vehicle as large as the Chevy Tahoe, it’s helpful to have a well-rounded perspective of the machine. Carefully consider the available Chevy Tahoe pros and cons first.

The Chevy Tahoe has benefits like a quiet interior and excellent room in the third row, but it also has less value in the higher trims and some awkward controls in the cabin. While some might not take issues with the flaws, others could see them as a reason to avoid the Tahoe altogether. Let’s dive in and see what the Tahoe has in store.

What We Love: Chevy Tahoe Pros

Benefits come in all parts of the Tahoe, from the space to the riding experience. Let’s cover some of the best available items in the Chevy Tahoe pros and cons.

Hushed Interior

The first item we love about the Chevy Tahoe is the hushed interior. You might not associate a quiet driving experience with a large car, but you’ll find it in the Chevy Tahoe. The vehicle keeps the cabin at a low volume on the highway, so no one has to deal with irritating sounds or lower their conversation volume at higher speeds.

The interior isn’t something everyone notices, but you will take issue if you have a large SUV that makes a ton of noise when it picks up speed. The Tahoe is gracious and gentle with its passengers and keeps the engine sounds to a minimum with an excellent, soundproof cabin.


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Solid Third-Row Room

One of the biggest struggles of a large SUV is that the third row tends to be small. Most of the time, kids are the only ones who can fit comfortably, and adults must squeeze to sit back there. Although the room in the third row of the Tahoe isn’t incredible, it’s much more practical than other competitors on the market.

The main reason the third row is practical is because the second row can slide forward and backward. If those in the second row are willing to push themselves forward to provide a few more inches for those in the back, all three rows can bring space for adults. The Tahoe is a winner in the effort it puts in for the third row - a rarity among three-row SUVs. 

Smooth Ride for Size

Finally, you might expect the Tahoe to have a rough driving experience due to its size. However, that isn’t the case - drivers and passengers will be shocked by how smooth the ride is for the size of this three-row SUV. It’s smooth and offers plenty of mobility to ensure the person behind the wheel can feel as confident as possible.

Other additions to the Chevy Tahoe include optional all-terrain tires and adjustable suspension to benefit the driving experience even more. Prepare to be amazed by how well the Tahoe knows how to handle the weight on top of its wheels. It’s a star in this category compared to other competitors.

What We Dislike: Chevy Tahoe Cons

As there are some benefits, there are also some clear disadvantages in areas like the value and the fuel efficiency. Let’s tap into the darker side of the Chevy Tahoe pros and cons.

Less Value in Higher Trim

Unfortunately, we feel that the higher trims of the Chevy Tahoe offer less value than the lower trims. Those who put more money into their investment won’t get as much out of the car as those who purchased the cheaper trim varieties. It’s best to stick with the lower trim options with the Chevy Tahoe.

The price point between the lowest and the highest trim is nearly $20,000, so it’s critical to carefully consider the features you’re getting before putting any money down. We’d suggest sticking with the lower half of the available trims, in particular the Chevy Tahoe RST and Z71.


HOW LONG DO CHEVY TAHOES LAST?

If you’re planning to buy this full-size SUV, you’re probably asking: how long do Chevy Tahoes last? Being aware of the lifespan of your Chevy Tahoe offers several advantages.


Awkward Cabin Controls

The controls in the cabin are also a little awkward to use. The combination of touchscreen selections and physical knobs can make it nearly impossible for a driver to accurately hit all the necessary buttons. They aren’t positioned well for anyone to effectively use.

Awkward cabin control can, unfortunately, make the car feel cheaper than it is and make for a frustrating experience. It will take some time to adjust to these control systems, which might not be everybody’s cup of tea.


THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE CHEVY TAHOE

If you plan to buy a used Chevy Tahoe, reliability is a crucial feature every buyer should consider. Know that not all model years are reliable, or at least less reliable than others. So which is the most reliable Chevy Tahoe year?


Limited Fuel Efficiency in V-8 Powertrain

Finally, and perhaps one of the worst parts of the Chevy Tahoe, is the limited fuel efficiency available in the V-8 powertrain. According to caranddriver.com, the Chevy Tahoe gets 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. While these numbers aren’t terrible, they aren’t the best in their category and could hinder those who need to take longer trips in the Tahoe.

Fuel efficiency also drops the more people and cargo are added to the system. If you’re looking for a three-row SUV selection with plenty of ability in its category, the Chevy Tahoe might not be the right choice for your life. It offers many limitations with the V-8 powertrain which can hinder some drivers significantly. 

Final Thoughts

There are several significant Chevy Tahoe pros and cons to consider before investing. The Chevy Tahoe has access to a hushed interior, a solid third-row room, and a smooth side for its size. However, it also provides less value in the higher trims, awkward cabin controls, and limited fuel efficiency in the V-8 powertrain.

We hope this information was valuable! Some troubles come with the Tahoe, but it’s a practical investment. Some may turn away at the sight of the Tahoe cons, but others might not be disturbed by them. Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine if the Tahoe will be valuable in your life.



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