Acceleration

4WD LT w/leather	4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys.	4WD LTZ w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.8

Tahoes with 5.3-liter V8 have fine power from any speed. Transmission shifts smoothly, though some testers complain of delayed downshifts. No opportunity to test with 4.8 V8. Towing capacity is 7700 lb.

Ethanol-blended fuel, called E85, is available in most states and can be less expensive than regular-grade gasoline. E85 can be used in versions of the Tahoe with the 5.3-liter V8. Test Tahoes showed no difference in acceleration when using E85.

Fuel Economy

4WD LT w/leather	4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys.	4WD LTZ w/nav. sys.	Class Average
3	3	3	2.7

Test 4WD LTZ averaged 15.4 mpg in mostly highway driving. Over 7044 miles, extended-use 4WD LTZ averaging 14.1 mpg on regular-grade fuel, 11.6 on E85. Test 4WD LTs averaged 14.5-14.8 mpg in even city/highway driving. Tahoe uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

4WD LT w/leather	4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys.	4WD LTZ w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	6	6.4

Tahoes with 17-inch tires have carlike comfort over bumps, though suffer some floaty motions over dips and swells. LTZ's standard Autoride suspension quells some float, but doesn't add demonstrably to ride comfort. Its 20-inch tires transmit minor road imperfections more readily than the 17s.

Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD LT w/leather	4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys.	4WD LTZ w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	4	3.7

Alert reactions to steering. While some testers say the steering is too sensitive at highway speeds--especially with 20-inch tires--all agree it lacks the sloppiness that plagued the 2000-2006 generation. These are tall, heavy vehicles, so they never feel nimble. But there's no excessive body lean in turns with base suspension, even less with Autoride. Low-speed maneuverability aided by relatively tight turning circle. Brakes feel strong, but some testers want better pedal modulation.

Quietness

4WD LT w/leather	4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys.	4WD LTZ w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	7	6.5

Moderate highway-speed wind rush. No undue road noise, even with 20-inch tires. Powertrain a model of refinement.

Controls

4WD LT w/leather	4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys.	4WD LTZ w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	6	6	6.4

Large gauges, but some testers find markings too indistinct for best legibility. Most controls logically placed, operate with precision. Navigation system, however, absorbs too many audio functions, complicates what ought to be simple adjustments. It also suffers small, fussy controls that require familiarization. High marks to upscale, contemporary cabin ambience. Assembled with attention to detail. Most interior materials feel high-grade, though soft-touch surfaces are scarce.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD LT w/leather	4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys.	4WD LTZ w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	9	8.7

Bench or bucket, seats are supportive. Generous head, leg room, though bench seat's cramped center position should be reserved for emergency situations. Available power-adjustable pedals a convenience for shorter drivers. Rearview camera aids aft visibility, but distorts distances, compromising usefulness.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD LT w/leather	4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys.	4WD LTZ w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	8	7.7

Spacious 2nd row in all models. With $425 option, 2nd-row seats spring forward to ease access to 3rd row, though passage is still tight, and seats must be manually restored to original position. Third row best left to children; low-to-floor cushion forces knees-up discomfort for anyone else. High step-in complicates ingress/egress.

Cargo Room

4WD LT w/leather	4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys.	4WD LTZ w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	8	8.6

Spacious with two rows of seats. Adequate for single row of grocery bags behind 3rd-row seat. Folded 3rd-row seatbacks rest well above level of rear load floor, complicating loading of larger items. Third-row seats unlatch easily, but are heavy and cumbersome to remove. Cabin storage enhanced by large center console bin. Roomy door pockets in front, but none in rear.

Value within Class

4WD LT w/leather	4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys.	4WD LTZ w/nav. sys.	Class Average
10	9	8	7.6

Chevrolet's 2007 redesign of this large SUV addresses the most egregious flaws of its predecessor: sloppy steering and subpar interior appointments. Third-row accommodations are still best suited to children, but for smooth power, utility, and surprising overall refinement, Tahoe is a Best Buy value among large SUVs.

Total Score

4WD LT w/leather	4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys.	4WD LTZ w/nav. sys.	Class Average
69	67	65	64.1

Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		55
Average Score		64
High Score		70