Used 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe

Powerful, roomy and versatile, the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe remains one of the most capable and recommendable full-size SUVs. Unlike a sedan-based crossover SUV, the Tahoe is built on a tough, trucklike frame. This trades some of the comfort and fuel efficiency of a crossover SUV like Chevy’s own Traverse, but it enables the Tahoe to tow up to 8,600 pounds, ideal for boats, trailers and other recreational toys. The Tahoe also stands apart from crossover SUVs and even the new Ford Expedition with a standard V8 engine, while optional 4-wheel drive grants low-range gearing for the adventurous. Ranging from nearly $50,000 to over $70,000, the 2019 Tahoe SUV’s capabilities don’t come cheap, but its pricing is similar to rivals like the Expedition, Toyota Sequoia, Nissan Armada and its mechanical twin, the GMC Yukon.

The Tahoe drives quite a bit better than you might expect for a big, truck-based body-on-frame SUV, and certainly better than its predecessors. While not quite as comfortable as a car-based crossover SUV, today’s Tahoe rides admirably. This is truer still if you opt for the Magnetic Ride Control suspension that comes on the top-line Premier trim. There’s no getting around the Tahoe’s girth that can make it a handful in parking lots and other tight spaces, but its steering is light and makes piloting this ship seamless. On the highway, the Tahoe is refined and quiet. The standard 5.3-liter V8 engine remains a gratifying powerhouse, and its 6-speed automatic transmission is a mostly smooth operator. We’ve tested the Tahoe over hill and dale and while towing off-road vehicles, and it’s always up to the task. For even more potency, the Tahoe can now be had with GM’s more powerful 6.2-liter V8, which is used in the Cadillac Escalade and has already been available in the GMC Yukon. With this 420-horsepower engine, the Tahoe RST really gets up and goes, hitting 0-60 mph in less than six seconds.

The Tahoe has earned its place as a family favorite over the years for the sheer amount of people and gear it can hold. It is also one of the few vehicles that isn’t a van that can accommodate up to nine passengers. That configuration, with a 3-across bench in front, is available only on base LS models, though. Most buyers will configure the Tahoe to seat eight or, if opting for buckets in the second row, seven. There’s even a 5-passenger Tahoe variant in the Custom model, which deletes the small third row and adds a bit more cargo space. Speaking of, the 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row isn’t all that much. That is rectified by folding the third row to create 51.70 cubic feet. Up front, most drivers will find it relatively easy to find a comfortable perch. If you’re on the shorter side, we recommend stepping up to at least the LT trim, which has a steering wheel that telescopes as well as tilts, plus power-adjustable pedals. The large 8-inch touch screen is as easy to use as any smartphone, and we also like how it rises to reveal a hidden compartment. While the column-mount gearshift lever is oddly old-school, it allows ample storage space in the center console.

Few SUVs look as SUV-like as the Chevy Tahoe. Big, blocky and bold, it is the pictorial definition of what many envision when they think of a traditional sport-utility vehicle. We like the Tahoe’s sharp-edged styling, sculpted flanks and new LED daytime running lights. The Tahoe looks wider than its GMC Yukon sibling thanks to the wide grille that blends into the headlights. Shorter drivers will love the available power running boards. Tahoe RST models add aggressive aesthetics like a black grille, mirror caps and bow-tie badges, and 22-inch wheels.

CHEVY MYLINK
Chevy’s standard MyLink infotainment system is one of the easiest to use and quicker-responding systems available. With detailed graphics and an intuitive 8-inch touch-screen interface, the system offers onboard 4G LTE Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, voice activation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. An easily navigated Navigation system is also available.

6.2-LITER V8 ENGINE
Long the domain of this big Chevrolet’s Cadillac and GMC cousins, the Tahoe is finally available with this optional engine. This powerhouse is the heart of the Performance Package available on Tahoe models with the sporty RST package, and it also adds a 10-speed transmission and Magnetic Ride Control.

For 2019 the Tahoe is available in three main trims: LS, LT and Premier. At its least expensive, a Tahoe LS includes cloth seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, rearview camera and rear parking sensors, cruise control, and the MyLink 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility and 6-speaker audio system. If you can afford roughly $5,000 more, we recommend stepping up to at least the Tahoe LT trim. It adds safety features like forward-collision alert and lane-keeping systems, plus amenities such as leather seating, power tailgate, Bose 9-speaker audio system, telescoping steering wheel and power-adjustable pedals, memory seating and universal garage-door opener. The LT trim also opens the door to options like 2nd-row bucket seats, sunroof and more.

The top-line Tahoe Premier comes with many of the amenities that are optional on the LT, including hands-free tailgate, navigation, blind-spot monitoring, keyless start, and heated steering wheel. Exclusive to the Premier are Magnetic Ride Control, high-intensity headlights, ventilated front seats, 10-speaker Bose audio, and optional power-retractable side steps. You’ll also need the Premier trim if you want adaptive cruise control. If you go with the base LS trim, we highly recommend adding the Enhanced Driver Alert Package. For just $695 it adds forward-collision alert with automatic emergency braking, power-adjustable pedals, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and more. Four-wheel drive can be had on all three trims instead of the standard rear-wheel drive, and the optional Z71 off-road package amplifies the Tahoe’s capabilities with skidplates, upgraded suspension, hill-descent control and more. The Tahoe RST edition is available on LT or Premier trims, but to add the 6.2-liter engine you’ll need to step up to the Premier. A rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray player and wireless headphones is available on LT and Premier trims.

Two V8 engines are available for the 2019 Chevy Tahoe. Most are powered by a 5.3-liter 355-horsepower V8 with high-tech fuel injection that enhances both fuel economy and power; it also features GM’s Active Cylinder Management, which imperceptibly shuts off half the cylinders under steady cruise to help preserve fuel. This engine works with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and while it’s relatively smooth, we do wish GM would offer the excellent 8-speed automatic that’s been available in some Silverado pickup models. Order the RST special edition and opt for the Performance Package, and the Tahoe gets the 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 and 10-speed automatic from the Cadillac Escalade. Two-wheel (2WD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD) with a proper low range for real off-road duty are available. With either engine the Tahoe is rated to tow up to 8,600 pounds in rear-drive form, while 4-wheel-drive Tahoe models max out at 8,400 pounds.

5.3-liter V8
355 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
383 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22 mpg (2WD), 15/21 mpg (4WD)

6.2-liter V8
420 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
460 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/23 mpg (2WD), 14/22 mpg (4WD)