2012 Chevrolet Tahoe

At a Glance

Pricing $38,530 - $55,850
Drive Types RWD, 4WD
Engines 5.3l V8, 6.0l V8 HEV
Transmissions A4, A6
Fuel Economy 15-20 (city), 21-23 (highway)

The Chevrolet Tahoe is a shorter wheelbase variant of the Suburban. Other divisions of GM sell variations as the Escalade and Yukon. Inside, there are three rows of seats for up to 9 passengers depending on the equipped seating. The standard 5.3L V8 engine can tow 5000 lbs. (8000 with towing package). One advantage the full-sized GM SUVs (Escalade/Tahoe/Yukon) have is the availability of a hybrid powertrain. Fuel Economy in the Tahoe Hybrid jumps to 20/23 (city/highway) while still maintaining a 5000+ lb. tow rating. Unfortunately the hybrid powertrain is a pricey upgrade costing over $10,000. Although full-size SUVs have become popular as family haulers, their only real advantage is higher tow ratings. Full-size SUVs with truck underpinnings are robbed of interior space with the body mounted over the frame. Most families would be better served with a crossover SUV such as the Chevrolet Traverse. Many offer similar legroom with improved maneuverability, cargo capacity and fuel efficiency for less money.

Model/Trim/Package Engine Original MSRP
Tahoe LS 1LS 5.3l V8 (320-bhp) A6 RWD $38,530
Tahoe LS 1LS 5.3l V8 (320-bhp) A6 4WD $42,590
Tahoe LT 1LT 5.3l V8 (320-bhp) A6 RWD $43,680
Tahoe LT 1LT 5.3l V8 (320-bhp) A6 4WD $46,530
Tahoe LTZ 1LZ 5.3l V8 (320-bhp) A6 RWD $52,745
Tahoe LTZ 1LZ 5.3l V8 (320-bhp) A6 4WD $55,850
Tahoe hybrid 6.0l V8 HEV (332-bhp) A4 RWD $51,745
Tahoe hybrid 6.0l V8 HEV (332-bhp) A4 4WD $54,550