2009 Chevrolet Tahoe: Road Test
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe ▼
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- MSRP: $36,965 - $53,260
- Invoice: $34,193 - $50,064
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Our road test for the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe help you decide if a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 4WD LT | 4WD LTZ, 5.3 V8 | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Note this evaluation is based on test drives of the Tahoe with the 5.3-liter V8 and previous 4-speed automatic transmission. No versions with the 6-speed automatic, 4.8, or 6.2 V8 engine have been made available for testing. Tahoes with the 5.3-liter V8 have fine power from any speed. The transmission shifts smoothly, though some testers complain of delayed downshifts. Test Tahoes showed no difference in acceleration when using E85 ethanol.
Tahoe Hybrid accelerates from a stop and passes much like conventional models, but a faint surge is felt and heard when vehicle shifts between full electric and gasoline operation.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4WD LT | 4WD LTZ, 5.3 V8 | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5 | 2.7 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a 4WD LTZ averaged 15.4 mpg in mostly highway driving. Over 11,353 miles, our extended-use 4WD LTZ averaged 14.1 mpg on regular-grade gas and 11.6 on E85. Test 4WD LTs averaged 14.5-14.8 mpg in even city/highway driving.
Test 2WD Hybrid averaged 22.8 mpg, outstanding for the class. 4.8, 5.3, and Hybrid Tahoes use regular-grade gas. Chevy recommends premium for the 6.2 V8. The 6.2 V8 and certain versions of the 5.3 V8 can run on E85 ethanol.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4WD LT | 4WD LTZ, 5.3 V8 | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6.6 |
Tahoes with 17-inch tires have carlike comfort over bumps, though they 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.
Tahoe Hybrid's low rolling resistance tires cause the ride to become more stiff. It's never harsh, though.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 4WD LT | 4WD LTZ, 5.3 V8 | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Alert reactions to steering. These are tall, heavy vehicles, so they never feel nimble. But there's no excessive body lean in turns with the base suspension, and even less with Autoride. Low-speed maneuverability is aided by a relatively tight turning circle. Brakes feel strong, but some testers want better pedal modulation.
QUIETNESS
| 4WD LT | 4WD LTZ, 5.3 V8 | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Moderate highway-speed wind rush. No undue road noise, even with 20-inch tires. Tahoe's powertrain is a model of refinement.
Hybrid is nearly silent at ignition and at rest, but a subtle electrical whirring noise is heard during acceleration from a stop and while decelerating.
CONTROLS
| 4WD LT | 4WD LTZ, 5.3 V8 | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
The gauges are generally easy to read, but some testers find the markings too indistinct for best legibility. Most controls are logically placed and operate with precision. The navigation system has a large, easy-to-read touch screen that absorbs, but does not complicate, audio functions.
Hybrid's navigation screen features a helpful energy flow display that indicates when the vehicle is in gas V8 mode, complete electric mode, or electric-assisted gas 4-cylinder mode. Likewise, the efficiency gauge in the upper left corner of the instrument panel indicates the most efficient braking range to capture regenerative braking energy.
DETAILS
| 4WD LT | 4WD LTZ, 5.3 V8 | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
High marks to upscale, contemporary cabin ambience. Assembly quality on all models tested shows strong attention to detail. Most interior materials feel high-grade, though soft-touch surfaces are scarce.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 4WD LT | 4WD LTZ, 5.3 V8 | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
Bench or bucket, the seats are supportive. Generous headroom and legroom, though the bench seat's cramped center position should be reserved for emergency situations. Available power-adjustable pedals are a convenience for shorter drivers. The rearview camera aids aft visibility but distorts distances, compromising its usefulness.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4WD LT | 4WD LTZ, 5.3 V8 | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.8 |
Spacious 2nd row in all models. As an option, the 2nd-row seats can spring forward to ease access to 3rd row, though passage is still tight, and the seats must be manually restored to their original position. The 3rd row is best left to children. Its low-to-floor cushion forces knees-up discomfort for anyone else. High step-in complicates entry and exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 4WD LT | 4WD LTZ, 5.3 V8 | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 9.7 |
Spacious with the 3rd-row seat removed. Adequate for a single row of grocery bags behind the 3rd-row seat. Folded 3rd-row seatbacks rest well above the level of the rear load floor, complicating loading of larger items. Third-row seats unlatch easily but are heavy and cumbersome to remove. Cabin storage is enhanced by large center console bin. Roomy door pockets in front, but none in rear.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 4WD LT | 4WD LTZ, 5.3 V8 | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Third-row accommodations are still best suited to children, but for smooth power, utility, and surprising overall refinement, Tahoe is a Best Buy among large SUVs. The Hybrid model's premium may seem sharp, but so are the fuel economy savings. This large SUV can achieve the fuel economy of a midsize car with no sacrifice in passenger or cargo capacity.
Total Score
| 4WD LT | 4WD LTZ, 5.3 V8 | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 77 | 75 | 77 | 72.7 |
Total Score: 76
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles
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