2020 Chevrolet Tahoe Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

Five years in from its last refresh, the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV hangs on for its final year before the new fifth-gen 2021 Tahoe arrives to take its place. A 335-hp 5.3-liter V-8 and six-speed automatic remain the standard powertrain while the 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 and 10-speed automatic is an option on Premier trims. Available with either rear- or all-wheel drive, the Tahoe is based on the stout underpinnings of the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. The upside of this is considerable ground clearance and towing capability. Although there is seating for eight passengers, interior space is somewhat tight considering the Tahoe's exterior dimensions.

What's New for 2020?

Not much. Mechanically the Tahoe remains unchanged, as does the interior. New items are limited to the wheels: Chevy offers new 22-inch gloss-black aluminum wheels with custom silver accents and 22-inch machined-aluminum wheels with a bright silver finish.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

None of the three available Tahoe trim levels will leave you pining for creature comforts, and the LS trim offers enough accoutrements to satisfy most. Including front buckets seats, a tow/haul mode for the six-speed transmission, keyless entry, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with a 4G LTE mobile hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto capability, it's far from a stripper. The $580 Max Trailer Tow package is bargain and adding all-wheel drive will set you back $3000 regardless of trim level. One caveat: the 6.2-liter V-8 is only available on Premier trims.

Engine, Transmission, Performance, and Towing

Likes: Speedy 6.2-liter V-8 powertrain, drives better than most rivals, can tow up to 8600 pounds.
Dislikes: Bigger engine costs big money, bigger wheels disrupt ride quality.

The Tahoe is motivated by one of two V-8 engines, one of which is a potent 420-hp version mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. While the standard 355-hp 5.3-liter engine and six-speed automatic deliver sufficient push and seamless shifts, the quicker and more powerful duo is dynamic. It took the Tahoe RST we tested from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, which is an impressive 1.5 ticks quicker than the standard powertrain. It also closed the gap between 50 and 70 mph by 0.8 second—another noticeable improvement. Although it's an expensive option, the upgraded powertrain transforms the Tahoe with greater speed to match its considerable bulk. The rear-drive 5.3-liter version can tow up to 8600 pounds (when properly equipped); all-wheel-drive models have a max tow rating of 8400 pounds.

The high-riding Chevy Tahoe doesn't handle nearly as much like a hay cart as its proportions suggest. Its steering is light, which imparts a feeling of agility, and its relatively tight turning circle gives it good maneuverability. However, the Tahoe still has pickup-truck underpinnings that compromise the ride on rough roads. The RST version rides on 22-inch wheels and adaptive Magnetic Ride Control dampers, which are standard on the top-level Premier trim. However, the firm ride on its big rollers was less compliant on uneven surfaces.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

It comes as no surprise that the full-size, V-8–powered Tahoe fails at preserving fossil fuels. While the Tahoe's EPA estimates match or best most rivals, the 5.3-liter engine and six-speed automatic underperformed in our real-world testing, where they earned 19 mpg on our 200-mile highway-test route. The more powerful 6.2-liter engine exceeded the smaller engine's observed figure on the interstate by 3 mpg, for 22 mpg.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: Roomy first and second rows, excellent infotainment system, exhaustive storage solutions.
Dislikes: Third row is cramped, cargo space is small with all seats raised, high lift-over height.

The Tahoe has a quiet, comfortable cabin that can be fitted with features galore. While the GMC Yukon's interior doesn't meet its upscale aspirations, the build quality and materials inside the Tahoe are satisfactory for the price. The Tahoe Premier we tested had an attractive Cocoa and Dune interior color scheme, and the leather was supple to the touch. Most surfaces above the waistline were covered in soft-touch plastics, and the large knobs and buttons made the controls easy to operate. Every model provides plenty of space for passengers in the first two rows, but its tight third row is basically reserved for those of short stature. Those hoping to haul more than six people will want to consider the longer Chevy Suburban, the extended Yukon XL, or basically any other SUV in this class.

Every Tahoe has a full-feature touchscreen infotainment system. Not only does it include a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, it also has attractive menus and responsive feedback. Every model also has five USB ports and five 12-volt outlets distributed throughout the cabin. For additional cost, the Tahoe can be equipped with navigation, a 110-volt outlet, a Bose premium stereo, two extra USB ports, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The Tahoe has impressive interior storage space, and its cargo-carrying ability compares favorably with similarly sized rivals. Still, those who want to maximize carry-on capacity should check out the supersized Chevrolet Suburban or the GMC Yukon XL. That said, the Tahoe's massive center console had more room than any competitor we tested. It also has useful front-door pockets and extra storage space in the cargo area.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Tahoe hasn't been fully evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. While the three-row SUV is available with the most important safety and driver-assistance technologies on the market, none of it is standard. Key safety features include:

• Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Tahoe doesn't have the best warranty coverage across the board, but it compares favorably with rivals. Chevrolet also provides one complimentary scheduled maintenance visit within the first year of ownership.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit