2014 Chevrolet Tahoe

Inside, it's a little less rosy; the Tahoe's instrument panel and trims (as with those in the rest of GM's full-sizers) now look dated next to Chevy's cars and crossovers and somewhat out of place next to the more macho-styled alternatives from other automakers. The Tahoe LTZ gets much-upgraded materials; a band of trim runs across the dash and gives the cabin a spacious appearance, and large, well-marked gauges are framed by the steering wheel, with a wide center console alongside.

Chevy Tahoe performance and gas mileage

The Tahoe now comes only with a 5.3-liter V-8 with 320 horsepower, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. The former Hybrid model is not available for the 2014 model year, and we haven't heard whether it will return with the next-generation vehicle. The gas drivetrain is a well-executed combo that doles out smooth, steady acceleration as well as a little of the muscle-bound V-8 sound. It also has cylinder deactivation, which shuts off fuel to half the cylinders under coasting or deceleration. On most of the lineup, rear-wheel drive is standard, with a dual-range four-wheel-drive system available.

With a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering, the Tahoe blends traditional truck duty with more modern standards of drivability and responsiveness. At its best, the Tahoe is as responsive as any 5,600-pound vehicle can be and feels much more maneuverable than it should. Base versions of the Tahoe don't quite ride as well as top-of-the-line Tahoe LTZ models with the magnetic suspension, however. Powertrain Grade Braking helps improve stability when making long descents.

The Tahoe is unremarkable in terms of gas mileage. The ute earns an EPA score of 15/21 mpg--which is an improvement over the truck-based full-size SUVs of a few years ago, but still short of the three-row crossovers that make a better choice for many families.

All standard Tahoe models are also E85 (85-percent ethanol) compatible; but unless you live next to a cornfield the economics probably won't work out, let alone the questions about environment. When you fuel up with ethanol you'll get an EPA-estimated 11 mpg city, 16 highway.

Chevy Tahoe comfort and utility

For the most part, the Chevy Tahoe has a very roomy interior, with plenty of passenger space and comfort. In the third row, however, that's not quite the case.

In front, the Tahoe's wide, somewhat flat bucket seats are split by a wide console that still leaves plenty of leg and knee room. Head room isn't an issue, either, though we've noticed the big GM SUVs have front seats that don't power down to as low a driving position as we might want. On base Tahoe LS models, you can still get a split front bench seat that might be a better choice for those who use the Tahoe for work.

Three adults can fit across in the second row of the Tahoe--in reasonable comfort--but the Tahoe's third row isn't quite adult-duty. It's not only very tight, but it's hard to get past the second row and back there. Once in position, leg and head room aren't great, the seat cushion is low to the floor. Those trying to wedge into the third row on Hybrids will also find that the battery takes up valuable space under the second-row seat.

With the third row merely flipped forward, there's an impressive 60.3 cubic feet of cargo space in the Tahoe. But flip that rearmost row up and there's just 16.9 cubic feet; there's literally not much space behind that seat. We'd recommend the power tailgate here; as much as we laugh at the possibility in some vehicles, this is a genuinely high and hard-to-operate hatch--especially if you only have one arm free.

Chevy Tahoe safety

The Chevrolet Tahoe definitely builds an impression of heft and safety from appearance alone. Big SUVs haven't always provided top-notch protection that they hint, but in the case of the Chevrolet Tahoe, that first impression isn't at all off the mark. The Tahoe has earned solid crash-test scores and has a respectable set of safety features--some of which might help avoid an accident.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hasn't yet tested the Tahoe, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has tested it under its new, tougher rating system. In that, the Tahoe earned five-star ratings for both frontal and side impact. While they haven't yet extended those ratings to the 2014 model year at the time of posting, we expect them to cover the essentially carry-over model. 

Dual front, side, and curtain airbags that cover all rows of seats; traction and stability control; and OnStar security and concierge services are all included across the Tahoe lineup.

With the Tahoe's rather tall stance and wide rear pillars, outward visibility can be a problem and require some double checks for parking and lane changes. For that, the newly standard rearview camera system is welcome, as are the rear parking sensors; a blind-spot warning system is available.

Chevy Tahoe features

The Tahoe's work-truck days are long gone, and today's models come at least as well-equipped as a sedan--on top of its rugged truck hardware.

A Bluetooth hands-free system and a USB port are now included even in the basic Tahoe LS; for 2014, Chevy's added power-adjustable pedals, remote start, and a rearview camera with rear parking sensors to the standard-features list. Satellite radio capability, cruise control, and power windows, locks, and mirrors are also included at the base level, as are rear-seat audio controls, steering-wheel audio controls, and a choice of front bucket seats or a split front bench seat.

For the crowd that continues to get Tahoe models as luxurious family vehicles with strong weekend towing capability, there are the LT and LTZ models. On those upper trims, you can get a load-leveling suspension and a heavy-duty locking differential. Pricey options include a Bose Centerpoint audio system, a nav system with voice recognition, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, tri-zone climate control, and additional power outlets.