2009 Chevrolet Tahoe: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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 395-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 an LTZ-exclusive option. 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.