The first Chevy Tahoe entered the market in 1995 as a two- or four-door SUV with a 5.7-liter V8 under the hood. Five generations later, the Tahoe is much bigger and more luxurious, still with a powerful (but more efficient) V8. What does that mean for you? Well, when you’re loaded down with kids and/or sports gear, that puppy is still going to get moving and hold its speed well.
If you’re looking for an SUV that can tow and carry seven or eight people, the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe is well-suited to that task. When properly equipped, the SUV can tow up to 8,400 pounds, which could be anything from a few snowmobiles on a trailer to a 33-foot camper with poundage to spare. You might consider the optional turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine if you regularly tow a boat or camper long distances, as you’ll find that may save you money at the pump.
Hallelujah for door pocket small-storage space; the Tahoe provides plenty. And that’s a good thing because the console doesn’t hold as much as you might hope. With all the seats in place in the rear, the Tahoe offers 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s three more feet than the full-size Toyota Sequoia SUV and nearly two feet less than offered by the Jeep Wagoneer. Those who are looking for extra room for cargo might consider the Ford Expedition or Jeep Wagoneer L – both of these SUVs provide 10 cubic feet or more above what the Tahoe can give.
Car seats are not a problem in the Tahoe or its sibling SUV, the Suburban. These vehicles are made for families, so don’t hesitate to volunteer for carpool. Before you cover your eyes with dread at the word “carpool,” remind yourself that this means sometimes you’ll get days off. Voila.
Here’s the skinny on the safety features: the base 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe comes with Forward collision mitigation, lane departure mitigation, automatic high-beam assist, and front and rear parking sensors. But the good stuff is all packaged into the top-tier Premier trim, including blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and SuperCruise, General Motors’ semi-automated driving system that makes longer trims less tiring on the road. The Tahoe Premier will cost you a significant amount more (nearly $70,000 total), but if you’re planning to hold onto this SUV for a while, it’s worth the extra money.
Your Test Driver’s parent-centric take
We like it:
- Excellent small storage space in the door pockets
- Multiple, easy ways to adjust the music volume and station control
- Wireless smartphone connectivity
Eh, not so much:
- Like other vehicles in the full-size SUV segment, it’s tough to park
- Truck-like ride
