The Chevy Tahoe is a full-size SUV with three rows of seating, plenty of towing capability, and a reputation for longevity. Buying a new model can be a big investment, and any three-row vehicle will have a higher cost than something smaller because it takes more materials to build and needs more power in the engine to provide solid performance. It’s a smart move to go looking for a used Chevy Tahoe for sale, but where do you even start?
As a tough SUV, this model is built to last for a while, so you don’t have to be afraid of older models. However, that doesn’t mean that all model years are created equal. You want to find something that will suit your needs well, whether you’re looking for a family vehicle, an adventurous off-road model, or a spacious ride to get around town. In this guide, we’re going to lay out some of the features and other factors you should keep in mind while shopping so you can find your perfect match. Let’s get started!
Towing Capacity
The Tahoe has long been able to tow upwards of 8,000 lbs, so you don’t have to pay too much attention to model year to get the brute strength necessary to handle a heavy trailer. Of course, if you are pushing on that upper limit, you’ll need to pay attention to both model year and powertrain. Interestingly, you might want to choose the fourth generation over the fifth if you have high towing ambitions. For the 2021 model year, the Tahoe’s cargo space was expanded, but this came at the expense of its maximum towing capability. While a 2020 Tahoe can tow up to 8,600 lbs when properly configured, a 2021 model can tow up to 8,400 lbs with the 5.3L V8, 8,300 lbs with the 6.2L V8, and 8,200 lbs with the 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel I-6.
Fuel Economy
The Tahoe’s available diesel engine might be on the lower end in terms of how many pounds you can haul, but don’t count it out just yet. With its high torque, this powertrain is well-suited to handling heavy loads. And since towing tends to be a fuel-guzzling activity, it’s worth remembering that the diesel option gets the best fuel economy in the Tahoe lineup, with an EPA-estimated combined 22 MPG when paired with four-wheel drive (4WD) and a combined 24 MPG when paired with rear-wheel drive (RWD). However, this diesel engine is exclusive to the Tahoe’s fifth generation, so stick to the 2021 model year or newer if you want to seek it out.
Safety Features
Staying safe is a top priority for every driver, especially for parents shopping for a family car. In this category, it’s fair to say that newer is generally better, especially if you’re looking for a more basic trim level. Advanced driver assistance features are often rolled out on top-tier trims before being expanded to the entire lineup.
For the Tahoe’s 2015 model year, now-common features like forward-collision and lane-departure warnings were added to the lineup as optional features. The pricy LTZ trim also offers blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. You may well be able to find these features in older used models, but they won’t be guaranteed across the trim lineup. Chevy’s Teen Driver feature, which helps you coach your kids so they can learn to drive responsibly, is a bit of an outlier, becoming standard fare for the 2017 model year.
While a new generation often marks an expansion of standard features, the Tahoe was somewhat delayed in this regard when the fifth generation rolled around. While forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard across the lineup of 2021 Tahoe trims, you’ll want to look for 2022 and later models to find standard lane-keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, park assist, and lane departure warning. Of course, this generation still has other features reserved for higher trims, like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.
Technological Conveniences
Some of the most dramatic upgrades in recent years center around in-vehicle technology. Just because you’re buying a used model doesn’t mean you don’t want convenience tech to help you stay connected on the road. Luckily, modern infotainment has been around for long enough at this point that you have plenty of great options to choose from, even among previous generations.
Stick to the fourth generation and newer if you’re looking for an infotainment system, and don’t pick anything earlier than the 2017 model year if you want to make sure you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can connect your smartphone to the vehicle’s interface for music, navigation, communication, and more. The fifth generation, which kicked off with the 2021 model year, saw the eight-inch touchscreen replaced with a larger 10-inch version. The following model years added a 12-inch digital gauge display to the list of standard tech, so you can see vital information both in the central touchscreen and behind the wheel in your direct line of sight.
Comfort & Coziness
If you’re looking for a smooth ride above all else, steer clear of vintage Tahoe models. The redesign for the 2015 model year made the Tahoe’s cabin quieter and the ride much less bumpy. This is especially true for models equipped with the available Magnetic Ride Control, which automatically adjusts vehicle settings in response to changing road conditions. Handling was further improved with the fifth generation, which saw the Tahoe gaining an independent rear suspension that expanded the space in the third row. The 2021 model was also the first Tahoe to get access to a luxurious High Country trim, offering its own unique style and a solid array of creature comforts.
Physical Conveniences & Off-Road Prowess
Not all convenience features are high-tech, and this is especially true with used Tahoe models. For example, if you want to load bulky cargo into your SUV, it’s very convenient for the rear seats to fold flat into the floor. Unfortunately, this wasn’t how the Tahoe’s interior worked for its first three generations. Stick to the 2015 and newer models; you might even get power-folding seats for your troubles if you find the right model.
If you want a capable Tahoe that can handle off-road driving, don’t bother with models from the first four generations. The 2021 redesign introduced the capable Z71 trim, which comes standard with skid plates, a rugged front bumper design, and improved angles of approach and departure alongside more ground clearance. The suspension system is designed to handle rough ground and the aesthetics back up its capability with rugged style. Stick to this trim and you should be good to go.
With Your Priorities Straight, Shopping Can Be Easy
Undoubtedly, looking for a solid used car can be daunting. While automakers are happy to provide detailed information on their latest models, seeking out the differences between older versions can be more difficult. The Tahoe has proven consistent in this regard, providing solid value over the last five years, especially if you know what to look for when shopping for one. With this guide at your disposal, hopefully, you’ll better understand what you’re looking for and how to get the features you need.
It’s best to take things one step at a time to make shopping easier. Start with your must-have features and then narrow your search to a particular range of model years or trims. From there, see what’s available at your Chevy dealer and look deeper into the details and quirks that come with individual used models. Bit by bit, you’ll whittle your options away until you arrive at a Tahoe you’re happy with, and you’ll feel like a genius for your efforts.
