2014 Chevrolet Tahoe

Overview

The 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that seats up to nine passengers in three rows, can tow up to 8,500 pounds and gets an impressive estimated 21 mpg highway fuel economy. Mostly unchanged for 2014, an all-new Tahoe debuts for 2015, available in early 2014. Competition includes the Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia, Nissan Armada, and Tahoe's corporate sibling, the GMC Yukon.

What Experts Think

Need to carry nine people, tow a boat or a good-sized trailer, navigate a variety of tough roads or drive in all types of weather conditions? According to the automotive reviewers, the 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe can accommodate all of these requirements - and then some.

Granted, the design is showing its age. That's all going to change with the 2015 Chevy Tahoe, due in early 2014. For now, however, auto critics are mostly in the camp that the Tahoe is great for what it does best. Those who don't need the size or towing capacity may be better served with a smaller SUV or crossover.

"There is no doubt the Chevrolet Tahoe can accomplish a variety of tasks, and will do anything its reputation would indicate it can handle. It's not the most efficient thing on the road, though not bad for its size, and, within reason, the Tahoe will not let you down." (Kelley Blue Book)

Since there are few changes to the Chevy Tahoe for 2014, some of the reviews, like this one from Edmunds on the 2013 Tahoe, are still appropriate. "A smaller sibling to the massive Suburban, the Tahoe manages to combine broad-shouldered toughness with a refined demeanor, making it a good choice for those who take long road trips with their toys in tow."

Consumer Guide remarks that the Tahoe's basic design is old, dating back to 2007 and also comments that the full-size SUV's third-row seat lacks the accommodations and cargo flexibility of newer rivals. Still, say the editors, "Tahoe's powertrain performance, ergonomics, and overall refinement are...impressive for its class."

"A sleek dashboard and flush-mounted buttons give the Tahoe a carlike interior." (Cars.com-2013)

Consumer Reports notes that the Tahoe has "a compliant ride, good interior quality, and comfortable seats," but the V8 engine is "unrefined and has an appetite for fuel."

What Owners Say

On the few review sites where owners have posted comments on the 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe, opinions are mostly positive. After all, note the posters, the Tahoe is great for carrying large numbers of people and for towing. It's also comfortable, handles well, is fun to drive, well built, good fuel economy for its size, and you can't beat it for winter driving.

Complaints include the price, gas mileage, and shocks that can be a "little touchy."

Model/Trim Lineup

The 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe is available in L, LT and LTZ trims in either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive combinations. Standard seating is eight, but with an optional bench front seat, the Tahoe can seat nine.

Standard equipment on the Tahoe LS includes manual dual-zone air conditioning, a six-way power driver's seat, and Convenience package that includes power-adjustable pedals, remote start and rear park assist with rear-vision camera and inside mirror with camera display.

The Tahoe LT, meanwhile, adds tri-zone air conditioning, power-adjustable pedals, heated front seats, Bose nine-speaker audio system and ultrasonic rear parking assist.

The top-level Tahoe LTZ includes 20-inch aluminum wheels, heated and cooled 12-way memory front seats, 10-speaker Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound audio system and AutoRide rear air-assisted load-leveling.

Numerous options are available to deck out the Tahoe according to taste or need. Among the options are a Z71 Off-Road package, Side Blind Zone Alert system, rearview camera system, a navigation system, a radio that includes CD/MP3 and XM NavTraffic compatibility, a rear-seat entertainment center with DVD player, and an engine-block heater.

Various other options are available for axle ratios and Trailering packages for both two- and four-wheel drive models.

Performance

The standard and sole powertrain in the 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe is a 5.3-liter V8 engine that delivers 320 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a standard six-speed automatic transmission. The engine employs variable valve timing, Active Fuel Management (deactivates four cylinders when they are not needed), and FlexFuel capability.

The engine-transmission combination results in an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city21 mpg highway fuel economy in either two- or four-wheel drive. Critics note this is one of the higher ratings in the full-size SUV category. Using E85 (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline), the fuel economy is estimated at 11 mpg city/15 mpg highway.

The former Tahoe Hybrid is no longer available.

Properly equipped (requires the heavy-duty Trailering package), the Chevy Tahoe can tow up to 8,500 pounds.

Interior

Among the motoring press, most reviewers like the build quality of the 2014 Chevy Tahoe. Materials have a nice appearance, although some complain that there are some hard plastics.  The big SUV is definitely showing its age, with testers looking forward to the all-new design coming for 2015.

The standard seating is for eight passengers, with cloth upholstery and front seats that are power-adjustable. An available front bench seat brings seating up to nine. For a more upscale look and feel, the Tahoe offers optional leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, and reclining second-row bucket seats.

Most critics note that front seats are comfortable and offer good support, and headroom and legroom are quite sufficient, but they aren't pleased at the lack of a telescopic steering wheel. Power-adjustable pedals make it easier for shorter-stature drivers to find a comfortable driving position.

Exiting the third row is easily-enough accomplished: fold the middle bench forward with the touch of a button or walk between bucket seats (if the Tahoe is so equipped).

Controls and navigation, according to testers, are straight-forward and easy to use. Some reviewers remark that the Tahoe's speedometer markings are "too indistinct" to easily read at a glance.

As for cargo, the Tahoe can hold up to 16.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 60.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 108.9 cubic feet with the third row removed and second row folded down. A common complaint, however, is that the third row requires taking out in order to maximize space, unlike competitors that offer fold-flat third row seating. Storage bins throughout the cabin are considered good.

Safety & Reliability

As a family SUV, the 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe, say the auto critics, is a very safe and well-equipped vehicle.

Standard safety features include a full complement of advanced airbags (front, side and curtain), StabiliTrak, electronic stability control, traction control, electronic brake force distribution, antilock braking system (ABS), integrated turn signal mirrors, and daytime running lights. In addition, OnStar security and concierge services are standard across the Tahoe lineup.

Other available safety features include adjustable pedals, rearview camera system and Side Blind Zone Alert system.

In government crash testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe earned a four-star overall rating, which includes five stars for frontal and side crash testing and three stars in rollover testing.

There is no reliability data available yet on the 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe. The 2013 Tahoe, however, had a four-circle score in the J.D. Power Predicted Reliability rating. Four circles is "Better Than Most."

Consumer Reports says that Chevy Tahoe reliability has been average.