Used 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe

With its attractive styling, capable interior and powerful standard V8 engine, the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe remains one of the best full-size SUVs money can buy. Because it’s constructed atop a rugged truck-like frame, the Tahoe can haul and tow far more weight than a conventional crossover SUV like the Chevy Traverse or Honda Pilot. However, when it comes to trailering bragging rights, the Ford Expedition’s 9,300-pound rating beats out the Tahoe’s 8,600-pound limit.

While not as fuel-efficient as the Ford, the Tahoe’s standard V8 falls squarely in line with similar engines offered in the Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia. There’s also an optional 6.2-liter V8 in the RST package that bumps horsepower to 420.

With prices ranging from the low $50,000s to as much as $80,000 with every option, the Tahoe isn’t cheap, but it is priced competitively and holds its value well.

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. Equipped with this 420-horsepower engine as part of the special edition RST Performance Package, the Tahoe Premier model really gets up and goes, hitting 0-60 mph in less than six seconds. The RST — Rally Sport Truck — treatment is also available without the engine upgrade on Tahoe LT and Premier models.

One of the leading reasons people love the 2020 Chevy Tahoe is its massive interior. Among its non-GM peers, the Tahoe is the only full-size SUV that can accommodate up to nine passengers, a feat made possible by the LS trim’s available 3-person front bench seat. While the Tahoe’s third row isn’t as comfortable or roomy as the one in the Ford Expedition, it still serves as a suitable perch for kids or pets. Most Tahoe models seat eight, but there is a 5-passenger version that omits the rearmost seat, saving money and gaining cargo space.

Speaking of space, with the 3rd-row in place, there’s a paltry 15.3 cubic feet left for gear. However, with said seat folded or removed, cargo capacity jumps to a massive 51.7 cubic feet.

As for passenger comfort, we think most will find the Tahoe’s seats both wide and supportive. Those who need the convenience of a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel and power-adjustable pedals will need to move up to the LT or Premier trims. Storage space is ample, thanks in part to the column-mounted gear selector that frees up 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
Of the numerous infotainment setups we’ve tested, the MyLink system in the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe full-size SUV is hands-down one of the best. It’s easy to use and navigate, with quick response times and big, colorful graphics. The system is not only compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it also offers onboard 4G LTE Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and voice activation.

6.2-LITER V8 ENGINE
Once offered only in the Cadillac Escalade and GMC Denali, the big 6.2-liter V8 is now available in the Tahoe as part of the Premier’s RST with Performance Package option. With 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, this engine can handle the biggest jobs while pushing acceleration times into sports-car territory. The engine also comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Magnetic Ride Control suspension.

For 2020 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 and advanced high-speed autonomous braking.

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 low-speed forward 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 2-(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 2020 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 Premier model 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 2WD 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), 11/17 mpg (E85, 2WD), 11/16 mpg (E85, 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)