2023 Chevrolet Tahoe
Overview
With tons of space inside for passengers and cargo, the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe is big in all the ways you want it to be—but it feels more agile on the road than other large SUVs. Three engine options are available, and the Tahoe delivers decent towing capacity with any one of them. The entry-level engine is a 355-hp V-8 but a beefier 420-hp V-8 is just a check-box away on the order form. Unlike past generations of the Tahoe, a six-cylinder diesel inline-six is now also available. Three-row seating is standard and even the base LS trim comes equipped with popular infotainment and driver-assistance features. Off-road adventurers will find the Z71 model best suited for their interests, as it includes a two-speed transfer case, an adjustable air suspension, and meaty all-terrain tires. A more refined experience can be found in the pricier Premier and High Country models, but if you’re not careful you’ll find yourself paying Cadillac Escalade money for a Chevy. If you need even more room for cargo, consider the even bigger, mechanically similar Chevrolet Suburban, which we review separately.
What’s New for 2023?
The 2023 model year brings three new paint options for the Tahoe: Silver Sage Metallic, Sterling Gray Metallic, and Radiant Red Tintcoat. An optional black grille is now available and it swaps the traditional Bowtie logo for all-caps letters spelling out the brand name. Premier and High Country models can now be optioned with GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving feature.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We think the mid-level RST and Z71 models hold the best value, with the former being flashier and the latter being geared toward adventurous folk. We prefer the Z71’s standard four-wheel drive, rugged appearance, and exclusive off-road equipment. We’d also upgrade from the standard 5.3-liter V-8 to the newly available 6.2-liter V-8, which brings an extra 65 horsepower and 77 pound-feet of torque. Our Z71 would also be equipped with the Z71 Signature package, which includes a whole host of desirable features. The highlights include blind-spot monitoring, a heated steering wheel and second-row seats, memory settings, a panoramic sunroof, a power-folding third row, and upgraded towing equipment.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Tahoe has been powered by a V-8 for its entire life, and that continues for this latest generation. However, its standard 355-hp 5.3-liter and available 420-hp 6.2-liter blocks are joined by a 3.0-liter diesel six-cylinder engine. While the oil-burner has the least horsepower of the three, its 460 pound-feet of torque matches that of the bigger V-8. Every Tahoe is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or all-wheel drive. We tested the off-road-oriented Z71 model with the standard V-8, which also has a two-speed transfer case that provides traditional four-wheel drive, 20-inch wheels wrapped with all-terrain tires, and underbody protection. Our example had adequate acceleration, a firm brake pedal, and an impressively quiet cabin at highway speeds. The Z71 package also brings air springs (that allow the Tahoe’s ride height to be automatically and manually lowered or raised) and adaptive dampers, which are standard on the upper-echelon Premier and High Country. The latter and the RST model both ride on glitzy 22-inch rims for added curb appeal.
More on the Tahoe SUV
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The most fuel-efficient Tahoe features the available diesel engine, with ratings of 21 mpg city and 28 highway. The standard 5.3-liter V-8 is estimated to be slightly thriftier in the city than the optional 6.2-liter V-8, but both are rated at 20 mpg on the highway. We tested a diesel-powered Tahoe on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and observed 27 mpg. For more information about the Tahoe’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The full-size Tahoe boasts a spacious interior, with what feels like acres of space compared with smaller, mid-size SUVs. Three rows of seats are standard, and the second-row seats slide fore and aft to provide flexibility that enables adults to sit comfortably in the wayback. The Tahoe’s interior packaging also provides a low, flat load floor thanks to its independent rear suspension; the cargo area with the second and third rows folded balloons to 123 cubic feet. And we managed to fit six carry-on suitcases behind the third row. While we like that Chevy replaced the old column shifter with a push-button-and-slider setup, the motorized, retractable center-console lid seems gimmicky, especially since the control switch is located on the roof. Thankfully, the rest of the Tahoe’s interior ergonomics are less egregious.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
Placated passengers translate into relaxing road trips, and the Tahoe’s robust infotainment and connectivity features help ensure that translation. Every model is outfitted with a 10.2-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. In addition to its myriad interior charging ports, the three-row Chevy offers an optional Bose stereo system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with two 12.6-inch displays mounted behind the front seats.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Chevy offers several high-tech towing assists in addition to its loaded roster of standard driver-assistance technology. GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving feature is available as an option on the Premier and High Country trim levels. For more information about the Tahoe’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Although the Toyota Sequoia offers better complimentary maintenance, Chevy’s limited and powertrain warranties are identical to those of every other SUV in the full-size class.
Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$76,175 (base price: $60,495)
ENGINE TYPE
pushrod 16-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
325 in3, 5327 cm3
Power
355 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque
383 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): control arms/trailing arms
Tires: Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT, 275/60R-20 115S M+S TPC Spec 2369MS
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 120.9 in
Length: 210.7 in
Width: 81.0 in
Height: 75.9 in
Passenger volume: 178 ft3
Cargo volume: 25 ft3
Curb weight: 5866 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.5 sec
100 mph: 20.5 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 8.4 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 4.1 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.5 sec
1/4 mile: 15.8 sec @ 89 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 115 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 184 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.63 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 14 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 18/16/20 mpg
More Features and Specs
