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2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Full Review
Date Published: 11/13/08
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Review
The 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe gets a new 6-speed automatic transmission as well as additional safety and luxury features. This large SUV shares its basic design with the GMC Yukon and premium-large Cadillac Escalade. Tahoe seats up to nine passengers and comes in LS, LT, LTZ, and gas/electric Hybrid trim levels. All are available with rear-wheel drive or GM's Autotrac 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes a low-range gear for off-roading. A 295-hp 4.8-liter V8 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission are standard on the 2WD Tahoe LS. Optional on that model and standard on all other Tahoes (except the Hybrid) is a 320-hp 5.3-liter V8 with a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Previous 5.3-liter Tahoes used a 4-speed automatic. Optional on the LTZ is a 385-hp 6.2-liter V8 that teams with a 6-speed automatic. The 6.2 V8 and certain versions of the 5.3 V8 can run on ethanol-blended E85 fuel. The 5.3 V8 also includes GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. Maximum towing capacity is 8400 lb.

The 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid pairs a 6.0-liter V8 engine with an electric motor for 332 hp total. Hybrids can run on one or both of their power sources, depending on driving demands, and they require no plug-in charging. The engine pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Hybrid's maximum towing capacity is 6200 lb.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Blind-spot alert is newly standard on the LTZ. Heated and cooled front seats are a newly standard LTZ exclusive. Other new-for-2009 features include a wireless cell phone link and a backup camera that displays on both the optional navigation system screen and in the rearview mirror.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large SUVs are traditionally workhorse seven-plus passenger wagons with brawny truck-type chassis, ample towing ability, lots of cargo space, and generally poor fuel economy. These vehicles offer towing and payload ratings similar to large pickup trucks.

Our Best Buys include the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Ford Expedition. We have no Recommended picks in this class for 2009.
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2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration Audio controls
Passenger room and comfort Fuel economy
Cargo room
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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 2.8

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 6.3

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 6.1

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 5.9

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 8.8

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 9.8

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 7.9

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 71.6
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
62
Average Score
71
High Score
79
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2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/03/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD LS 4-door wagon $35,730 $32,693 $950
4WD LS 4-door wagon $39,790 $36,408 $950
2WD LT 4-door wagon $38,080 $34,843 $950
4WD LT 4-door wagon $40,930 $37,451 $950
2WD LTZ 4-door wagon $47,365 $43,339 $950
4WD LTZ 4-door wagon $50,215 $45,947 $950
2WD Hybrid 4-door wagon $50,455 $46,923 $950
4WD Hybrid 4-door wagon $53,260 $49,532 $950
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LS
Powertrain
4.8-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensor, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual controls, rear air conditioning and heater, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, cloth upholstery, front split bench seat, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, 2nd-row split folding seat, 3rd-row 3-passenger split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails, side steps.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer-hitch platform, 7-wire harness, full-size spare tire, 265/70R17 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, 6-speed automatic transmission, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
LT adds to LS:
Powertrain
Flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, 6-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front bucket seats, center console, rear radio controls, cargo cover.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
LTZ adds to LT:
Powertrain
Limited-slip differential.
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system, blind-spot alert.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tri-zone automatic climate controls (including rear controls), leather upholstery, heated/cooled 12-way power front seats, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), power-release folding 2nd-row heated seats, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, driver-side automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up mirrors w/turn signals, rain-sensing wipers w/heated washer fluid, automatic day/night rearview mirror, remote engine start, universal garage-door opener, power liftgate.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Automatic shock absorber control, load-leveling suspension, 275/55R20 tires, polished alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
Hybrid adds to LS:
Powertrain
6.0-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, electric drive motor, continuous variable automatic transmission (CVT), limited-slip differential.
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tri-zone automatic climate controls (including rear controls), leather upholstery, heated 6-way power front bucket seats, center console, Bose sound system, rear radio controls, navigation system w/voice recognition and traffic information, rearview camera, driver-side automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid mirrors w/turn signals, universal garage door opener, remote engine start, 115-volt power outlet.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: roof rails.
265/65R18 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
2LT Option Pkg.
LT
$2,525
$2,310
Rear-obstacle-detection system, tri-zone automatic climate controls (including rear controls), leather upholstery, power-adjustable pedals, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, remote engine start, universal garage-door opener.
Convenience Pkg.
LS
$1,000
$880
LT
$1,060
$880
LT w/navigation system
$610
$506
Rear-obstacle-detection system, power-adjustable pedals, rearview camera, automatic day/night rearview mirror, remote engine start.
Luxury Pkg.
LT
$3,085
$2,561
Heated front and 2nd-row seats, 10-way power front seats w/power lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), power-release folding 2nd-row seats, Bose sound system, power folding mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, and passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, mirror-mounted turn signals, automatic day/night rearview mirror, rearview camera, power liftgate. Requires 2LT Option Pkg.
Sun, Entertainment, and Destination Pkg.
LT, LTZ
$4,790
$3,976
Navigation system w/voice recognition and traffic information, rearview camera, power sunroof, DVD entertainment system. Replaces in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer w/single-disc player. LT requires 2LT Option Pkg.
Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
LT
$1,830
$1,519
Limited-slip differential, heavy-duty air cleaner, unique exterior trim, wheel flares, side steps, tow hooks, skid plates, off-road suspension, 265/65R18 on/off-road tires. Requires 2LT Option Pkg. NA w/polished alloy wheels.
Trailering Pkg.
LS, LT, LTZ
$230
$191
Heavy-duty engine and transmission cooling. 2WD LS requires 5.3-liter V8 engine. NA Hybrid. Std. w/6.2-liter V8 engine.
Powertrain
Flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation
2WD LS
$1,000
$830
Includes 6-speed automatic transmission.
Flex-fuel 6.2-liter V8 engine
LTZ
$1,095
$909
Limited-slip differential
LS, LT
$295
$245
Special axle ratio
LS, LT, LTZ
$100
$83
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
LT, LTZ
$2,500
$2,075
Includes voice recognition, traffic information, rearview camera, automatic day/night rearview mirror. Replaces in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer w/single disc CD/MP3 player. LT requires 2LT option Pkg., Bose sound system.
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
LT
$250
$208
Includes rearview camera. Requires 2LT Option Pkg.
Tri-zone automatic climate controls
LT
$195
$162
Includes rear controls. Requires power sunroof or DVD entertainment system.
Power sunroof
LT, LTZ, Hybrid
$995
$826
LT requires tri-zone automatic climate controls and universal garage-door opener or 2LT Option Pkg.
DVD entertainment system
LT, LTZ, Hybrid
$1,295
$1,075
LT requires tri-zone automatic climate controls or 2LT Option Pkg.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
LT
$295
$245
Bose sound system
LT
$500
$415
Universal garage door opener
LT
$120
$100
Requires power sunroof.
2nd-row split folding seat
LTZ
$0
$0
2nd-row bucket seats
LT
$590
$490
Requires 2LT Option Pkg.
Heated power camper mirrors
LS
$240
$199
Power-deployable running boards
LTZ
$1,095
$909
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
LS, LT, LTZ
$75
$62
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer brake controller
LS, LT, LTZ
$200
$166
Requires Trailering Pkg.
265/70R17 white-letter tires
LS, LT
$125
$104
Polished alloy wheels
LT
$1,795
$1,490
Includes 275/55R20 tires.
20-inch chrome alloy wheels
LTZ
$2,390
$1,984
22-inch chrome alloy wheels
LTZ
$3,855
$3,200
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2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Chevrolet Tahoe 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 116.0
Overall Length, in. 202.0
Overall Width, in. 79.0
Overall Height, in. 77.0
Curb Weight, lbs. 5560
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 108.9
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 26.0
Seating Capacity 9
Front Head Room, in. 41.1
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.3
Rear Head Room, in. 38.5
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 39.0
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  ohv V8 ohv V8 ohv V8 ohv V8/electric
Size, liters/cu. in. 4.8 /293 5.3 /325 6.2 /376 6.0 /364
Horsepower @ rpm. 295 @ 5600 320 @ 5200 395 @ 5600 332 @ 5100
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 305 @ 4800 340 @ 4200 417 @ 4300 @
Availability Standard Standard Optional Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
       
4-speed automatic 14/19 --/-- --/-- --/--
6-speed automatic --/-- 14/20 12/19 --/--
CVT automatic --/-- --/-- --/-- 20/20
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Chevrolet Tahoe 4-door wagon
4WD Rollover 3
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5
Rollover Resistance 3
Side Impact, Driver 5
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 5/100,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 6/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 5/100,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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