2006 Chevrolet Tahoe: Road Test
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2006 Chevrolet Tahoe ▼
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- MSRP: $35,815 -$39,415
- Invoice: $31,696 -$34,882
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Our road test for the 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe help you decide if a 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD Tahoe LS, 4.8 V8 | 4WD Tahoe LT, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5.1 |
Always adequate, aided by smooth automatic's astute shifting, but 4.8 V8 feels taxed for towing or heavy hauling. Maximum towing capacities: 7800 lb.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD Tahoe LS, 4.8 V8 | 4WD Tahoe LT, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2.3 |
Test Tahoe 4x4 with 5.3 V8 averaged 12.2 mpg. All engines use regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD Tahoe LS, 4.8 V8 | 4WD Tahoe LT, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Base suspension affords better overall control than the optional Autoride system. It absorbs bumps better and is more sure-footed on rough pavement. Z71 is stiff, so try before buying. With any setup, high center of gravity and lots of curb weight can trigger typical large SUV pitching on wavy surfaces.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD Tahoe LS, 4.8 V8 | 4WD Tahoe LT, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
More balanced and agile than you might think, but these SUVs still drive like big, heavy trucks. Here, too, the base suspension affords better overall control. Steering is reasonably precise, but road feel could be better. Standard antiskid system enhances stability in turns. Good stopping power with firm, progressive pedal action.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD Tahoe LS, 4.8 V8 | 4WD Tahoe LT, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Wind rush not intrusive. Low tire noise for large SUVs, but still audible at highway speeds. Engines throaty but smooth in full-throttle acceleration.
CONTROLS
| 2WD Tahoe LS, 4.8 V8 | 4WD Tahoe LT, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 |
Fine ergonomics, with legible, well-placed gauges and generally clear, handy controls. Unlike Ford and Toyota, GM doesn't offer curtain side airbags in its large SUVs, and charges extra for front side airbags.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD Tahoe LS, 4.8 V8 | 4WD Tahoe LT, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 8.7 |
Substantial seats, generous room. Available power-adjustable pedals add convenience. Drivers enjoy commanding view, but tall stance can hide smaller nearby objects, and no obstacle-detection system is offered.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD Tahoe LS, 4.8 V8 | 4WD Tahoe LT, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.6 |
Spacious 2nd row in all models. Third row best left to kids. Step-in lower than Ford Expedition, but rear doors' inexcusably narrow thresholds hamper ingress/egress.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD Tahoe LS, 4.8 V8 | 4WD Tahoe LT, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 |
Space behind 3rd row is limited, but grows to expansive with rear seats folded or removed. Interior storage excellent.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD Tahoe LS, 4.8 V8 | 4WD Tahoe LT, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 10 | 7.6 |
Capable, comfortable, competitively priced, Chevrolet's Tahoe matches Ford Expedition in size, and beat Toyota Sequoia for payload and towing capacity. Lack of available curtain side airbags is a safety minus, but Tahoe otherwise offers most all the features buyers expect. They're the top dollar values among GM's big SUVs, and Best Buys overall in this class.
Total Score
| 2WD Tahoe LS, 4.8 V8 | 4WD Tahoe LT, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | 64 | 61.4 |
Total Score: 63
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles
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