2020 Chevrolet Tahoe

There’s not much to the Chevrolet Tahoe’s formula: Rugged, truck-based and big. All those things work in its favor as it proves to be a dependable, cargo-hauling, family SUV that can tow up to 8600 pounds.

The exterior and tech have become more refined and upscale over the years. Still, the song remains the same, which may be a turn-off for some buyers that want more advanced and tech-forward options such as the Ford Expedition, not to mention the mid-2020 arrival of Chevrolet’s new 2021 Tahoe.

The Tahoe offers buyers three trims: LS, LT and Premier. While the full-size SUV gets expensive quickly, the most basic models still bring all the utility of the pricey versions without destroying the bank.

The standard powertrain is a 5.3-liter V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission that delivers 335-horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. A 6.2-liter V8 paired to a 10-speed automatic is an option on Premier trims. It has 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Available with either rear- or all-wheel drive, the Tahoe is based on the stout underpinnings of the Chevrolet Silverado truck.

The base LS includes front buckets seats, a tow/haul mode, keyless entry, an 8-inch touchscreen with a 4G LTE mobile hotspot as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. A Max Trailer Tow package that boosts the Tahoe’s tow rating 6,600 to 8,600 pounds on the rear-wheel drive version costs $580.

The Premier offers heated seats in the second-row seats that fold flat in a 60/40 split. Passengers will find plenty of room, but there’s less padding than expected for a near-luxury SUV. Headroom also is generous thanks to the Tahoe’s straight roofline. The third row is suitable for small adults and children, though a high floor will make the seating uncomfortable for most people. (Increased third-row legroom is one of the primary selling points of the new 2021 Tahoe.) 

The upgraded 6.2-liter V8 engine delivers more than enough power to motivate the large SUV with authority. The engine produces a glorious sound at full chat and has the sub-six-second zero to 60 mph times to match. The 10-speed automatic transmission also slips though the gears without commotion.

The Tahoe’s truck-based architecture does make for a bumpier ride than many might expect. The optional 22-inch wheels with low-profile tires don’t completely ruin the ride, but the standard 20-inch wheels with tires that have a taller sidewall would smooth things out and be a more sensible choice for most buyers. The Premier trim’s magnetic ride control (active dampers) takes the sting out of the 22s, but the standard suspension setup does a commendable job of keeping the big SUV planted and under control in most typical situations.

That big 6.2-liter V8 and the Tahoe’s remarkable size don’t do much to help it win in the fuel economy department. EPA rated at 14 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway (23 mpg for two-wheel drive models). Tahoe owners will find themselves stopping more than they’d like and the 26-gallon fuel tank will cause a little pain at the pump.

Despite the amount of space between the driver’s seat and the center screen 8-inch screen, its wide viewing angles and bright colors make it visible and usable on the move. The infotainment software is intuitive and easy to use. The Tahoe’s big rubbery buttons and Bose’s Centerpoint sound system (in the Premier) sounds much better than its 10-speaker setup would suggest, filling the Tahoe’s cavernous interior with loud, high-quality sound.

The IIHS hasn’t given the Tahoe a safety rating, but the NHTSA gave it four out of five stars. There are quite a few standard advanced safety features for every Tahoe; forward collision alert, front and rear parking assist, lane change alert with blind-spot monitors, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and low speed forward automatic braking comprise the package.