Used 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe

The most popular full-size SUV in America has been completely re-done for the 2007 model year. The extensive re-design includes improved chassis and steering, a quieter, more upscale interior and segment-leading fuel economy thanks to the new line of Active Fuel Management-equipped V8 engines. As the bestselling full-size SUV since the previous redesign in 2001, the Tahoe has long had a lot going for it, including top rankings in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey. Though the exterior styling is a bit less distinctive than the previous version, the Tahoe is still handsome, and its ride quality and overall responsiveness are markedly improved.

The new GM full-size SUV platform gives the new Tahoe a markedly better ride-and-handling combination than its predecessor. The fully boxed frame (for more chassis stiffness), coil-over-shock front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering result in a surprisingly maneuverable and tractable vehicle. We were also struck by the Tahoe’s quiet cabin and its inviting, upscale interior. The 5.3-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management puts its 320 horsepower right at your command thanks to a wide torque curve, and you never notice when the engine switches between eight- and four-cylinder operation. By using this technical wizardry, the two-wheel-drive version of the Tahoe achieves a 22-mpg EPA highway mileage rating, which is best in the class. (Later in production a 4.8-liter V8 will become the standard engine in the two-wheel-drive Tahoes.) The two-wheel-drive Tahoe is tow rated at 7200 pounds, while the four-wheel drive is rated at a stout 7700 pounds. We also praise the fact that Chevrolet has made its StabiliTrak electronic stability control system standard on the Tahoe, because it is potentially life-saving technology that can significantly reduce single-vehicle accidents. Additional new safety features include roof-mounted head side-curtain airbags with rollover protection.

The Tahoe has definitely moved up a notch or two when it comes to interior refinement and luxury, as befitting a vehicle that can cost $40,000 or more. Leading the list of new-and-improved features is the clever power-release fold-and-tumble second-row seat. This makes gaining access to the third row of seating as simple as pushing a button, as the seat immediately folds out of your way. Heated second-row seats are also available (why make the kids second-class citizens?), and other niceties include sonar-based rear parking assist, rearview television parking assistant and touchscreen-operated navigation system. The instrument panel with LED backlighting is fit for a luxury sedan.

The face of the Chevrolet Tahoe is its most distinctive exterior feature. The new design features a twin-port horizontal grille that flanks a bold Chevrolet "bow tie" symbol. The flared fenders, power bulge on the hood and large wheels and tires (up to 20 inches in diameter) speak to an understated but substantial presence on the road. The steeply angled windshield, wraparound fascia and faired-in headlights help contribute to a best-in-segment 0.363 coefficient of drag, which translates into enhanced fuel economy. Even though the Tahoe is both long (202 inches) and wide (79 inches), it is still easy to handle and easy to park.

Smooth, quiet ride
With its new frame, suspension and steering system – plus additional sound dampening – the Tahoe offers a luxury-car-like ride.

Active Fuel Management
Helping you have your cake and eat it too, the Active Fuel Management system, which cuts the operation of four cylinders when they are unneeded, enhances fuel economy.

Instead of the previous two trim levels, the Tahoe now comes in three – LS, LT and LTZ, with the LT level further divided into three groups of LT1, LT2 and LT3 – and that means the vehicle can be configured from well-equipped to super-luxurious. Even the LS model is equipped with features such as tri-zone manual air conditioning, anti-lock brakes (ABS), cruise control, six-way power driver’s seat, StabiliTrak stability control system and tire-pressure monitoring system. The LT group adds (depending upon it being LT1, LT2 or LT3) such pluses as tri-zone automatic air conditioning, power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, remote vehicle starter system, leather seats, audio system with six-disc CD changer and MP3 capability, ultrasonic rear parking assist and universal home remote garage door opener. Stepping up to the new LTZ trim nets you 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, heated second-row seats with power release, heated windshield washer fluid system, locking rear differential, power liftgate, RainSense intermittent front wipers, split-bench two-passenger third-row seats and Autoride rear air-assisted load-leveling.

The three trim levels should allow you to get the equipment level you need, but the Tahoe can also be "optioned up" in a wide variety of ways. Among key options are an engine block heater, cross rails for the standard luggage rack (to make it functional), rear-seat entertainment center with DVD player, roof-mounted head-curtain airbags, Flex-Fuel E85 capable engines, Bose premium nine-speaker sound system, rearview camera system and a couple of choices of navigation/sound system combinations that can include MP3 and DVD compatibility. A choice of two- and four-wheel-drive models and a variety of axle ratios are also offered.

While we expect the 4.8-liter V8 to be more than adequate, we recommend the 5.3-liter V8 engine. It offers significantly more power and torque (pulling force) with very little penalty in fuel economy.

4.8-liter V8
290 horsepower @ 5400 rpm
290 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A (2WD), N/A (4WD)

5.3-liter V8
320 horsepower @ 5300 rpm
340 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 (2WD), 15/21 (4WD)

5.3-liter V8 Flex-Fuel
320 horsepower @ 5300 rpm
340 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/21 (4WD)