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2009 Chevrolet Tahoe

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe

Overview

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2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

The 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe continues to be one of the best full-size SUV values on the market. Despite rising fuel costs and slowing sales, those who simply cannot do without the Tahoe's capability will find much to like, including a hybrid model with city fuel economy ratings in the low to mid 20's. As the bestselling full-size SUV since the previous redesign in 2001, the Tahoe has long had a lot going for it, including top rankings in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey. Despite the slightly conservative exterior styling, the Tahoe is still handsome, and its ride quality and overall responsiveness have never been better.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you have a number of children, tow a boat or horse trailer and like the feel of a substantial V8-powered vehicle, the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe could be just the ticket. Another plus: The Tahoe's powerful V8 engines offer Active Fuel Management technology and many are E85-ready.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Our one quibble with the Tahoe is the necessity to remove and store the third-row seats to gain maximum cargo room. But the new seats are easier to handle and come in two- and three-passenger configurations.

What's New for 2009

A new six-speed automatic transmission is made standard on all models, as is a removable third-row seat. New options include a 6.2-liter V8 on LTZ trims, two different rearview camera choices, the Side Blind Zone Alert system and Bluetooth hands-free cell-phone connectivity.

Driving the Tahoe

Driving Impressions GM's latest full-size SUV platform gives the 2009 Tahoe a markedly better ride-and-handling combination than previous-generation models. The fully-boxed frame (for more chassis stiffness), coil-over-shock front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering...

result in a surprisingly maneuverable and tractable vehicle. We were also struck by the Tahoe's quiet cabin and its inviting, upscale interior. The 5.3-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management puts its 320 horsepower right at your command thanks to a wide torque curve, and you never notice when the engine switches between eight- and four-cylinder operation. By using this technical wizardry, the two-wheel-drive version of the Tahoe achieves a 20-mpg EPA highway mileage rating, which is best in the class. The two-wheel-drive Tahoe LT with the HD towing package and 6.2-liter V8 is tow-rated at 8,400 pounds, while the four-wheel-drive version is rated at a stout 8,200 pounds. We also praise the fact that Chevrolet has made its StabiliTrak electronic stability control system standard on the Tahoe, because it is potentially life-saving technology that can significantly reduce single-vehicle accidents. Additional new safety features include roof-mounted head-curtain side-impact airbags with rollover protection.

Favorite Features

Smooth, Quiet Ride
With its new frame, suspension and steering system – plus additional sound dampening – the Tahoe offers a luxury-car-like ride.

Active Fuel Management
Helping you have your cake and eat it too; the Active Fuel Management system, which cuts the operation of four cylinders when they are unneeded, enhances fuel economy.

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Details

Interior

The 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe has definitely moved up a notch or two when it comes to interior refinement and luxury, as befitting a vehicle that can cost $40,000 or more. Leading the list of features is the clever power-release fold-and-tumble second-row seat. This makes gaining access to the third row of seating as simple as pushing a button, as the seat immediately folds out of your way. Heated second-row seats are also available (why make the kids second-class citizens?), and other niceties include sonar-based rear parking assist, rearview camera parking assist and touchscreen-operated navigation system. The instrument panel with LED backlighting is fit for a luxury sedan.

Exterior

The face of the Chevrolet Tahoe is its most distinctive exterior feature. The latest design features a twin-port horizontal grille with a bold Chevrolet "bow tie" in the center. The flared fenders, power bulge on the hood and large wheels and tires (up to 20 inches in diameter) speak to an understated but substantial presence on the road. The steeply-angled windshield, wraparound fascia and faired-in headlights help contribute to a best-in-segment 0.363 coefficient of drag, which translates into enhanced fuel economy. Even though the Tahoe is both long (202 inches) and wide (79 inches), it is still easy to handle and park.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

There are four trim levels – LS, LT, LTZ and Hybrid, with the LT level further divided into LT1, LT2 and LT3 – and that means the vehicle can be configured from well-equipped to super-luxurious. Even the LS model includes dual-zone manual air conditioning, anti-lock brakes (ABS), cruise control, head-curtain side-impact airbags, six-way power driver's seat, StabiliTrak stability control system, third-row seat and tire-pressure monitoring system. The LT group adds (depending upon LT1, LT2 or LT3) tri-zone automatic air conditioning, power-adjustable pedals, remote vehicle starter, leather seats, audio system with six-disc CD changer and MP3 capability, ultrasonic rear parking assist and universal garage door opener. Stepping up to the LTZ trim adds 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, heated and cooled 12-way memory front seats, heated second-row seats with power release, heated windshield-washer fluid system, locking rear differential, power liftgate, Bose Surround Sound speakers, RainSense intermittent front wipers and Autoride rear air-assisted load-leveling.

Optional Equipment

The three trim levels should allow you to get the equipment level you need, but the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe can also be "optioned up" in a wide variety of ways. Among key options are an engine-block heater, cross rails for the standard luggage rack (to make it functional), rear-seat entertainment center with DVD player, roof-mounted head-curtain airbags, Z71 Off-Road Package, FlexFuel E85-capable engines, Bose premium nine-speaker sound system, Side Blind Zone Alert System, 20-inch chrome wheels, rearview camera system and a navigation system and radio that includes CD, MP3 and XM NavTraffic compatibility. A choice of two- and four-wheel-drive models and a variety of axle ratios are also offered.

Under the Hood

While we expect the 4.8-liter V8 to be more than adequate for most driving, we recommend either the 5.3-liter or 6.2-liter V8 engine. They offer significantly more power and torque (pulling force) with very little penalty in fuel economy.

4.8-liter V8
295 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
305 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19

5.3-liter V8
320 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
340 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20(2WD), 14/19 (4WD)

5.3-liter V8 Flex-fuel
320 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
340 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 (2WD, gasoline), 10/15 (2WD, E85), 14/20 (4WD,gasoline), 10/15 (4WD, E85)

6.0-liter V8 Hybrid
332 horsepower @ 5100 rpm
367 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/22 (2WD), 20/20 (4WD)

6.2-litre V8
395 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
417 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/19 (2WD, gasoline), 10/14 (2WD, E85), 12/19 (4WD, gasoline), 9/14 (4WD, E85)

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2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 426 Ratings for the 2007 - 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe models.

Review this car

Value

8.6/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

9.2/10

Best SUV I have ever owned

By Lynn (TX) on Sunday, May 20, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 372,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "very dependable, great for road trips!"

Cons: "none I have found"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought my 2001 Tahoe LT from the dealer as a manufactures rep. SUV with 4800 miles on it and have loved it ever since. Not really very much has ever gone wrong with it."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Familiarity Breeds Affection

By Nostromo (NJ) on Friday, May 11, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "A complete package with few wants."

Cons: "For a 'full-boat' LTZ mine has no 120V outlet."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've recently purchased a 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ rendered in a White Diamond Tricoat paint-scheme and trimmed with light and dark cashmere interior. I had previously owned a 2011 Tahoe LTZ (in Black) which I sold to a family member so I have basis for the observations and musings that I'll post here. My new LTZ has the presence, stature and utility which prompted me to purchase two vehicles of this type in a relatively short period of time. Dating to 2006 I've also owned a GMC Yukon Denali that was also quite good-looking with a sumptuous ride and was similarly sized and laid-out as my Tahoe. GM's been building this current body-style of SUV since early '06 and those were designated as 2007 models. Having been in production for quite some time now has afforded the opportunity to fine-tune the concept and tweak it to near-perfection. My 2012 Tahoe LTZ feels very taut and refined and handles with precision. It is near-luxury if not luxury itself and pampers me with heated/cooled seats, a state-of-the-art DVD-based Navigation Radio w/a built-in 30 Gig hard drive for storing favorite songs and audio books, a heated steering wheel, a Side Blind Zone Alert array and Rear Parking Assist w/Rear View Camera. Having lived with my new Tahoe LTZ for just a short time allows for no ugliness to yet have surfaced and as I'm cleaning the vehicle I have noted the impeccable fitment of all of the interior and exterior bits, pieces and panels as well as flawless paint. The White Diamond color catches the light just right and lends the LTZ a different, appealing look for every time of day and it seems to glow as lambent topaz at sunrise and sunset. Accessing the maze of some tightly-wound Interstate on-ramps is no problem for this Tahoe LTZ equipped with the 20 inch wheels, 11 inch-wide Bridgestone Dueller tires and self-leveling (rear) Autoride Suspension. I do not drive it as I would a Corvette yet the LTZ handles very smartly within its advertized parameters of usage. This large vehicle can merge safely into the flow of Interstate traffic with the best of 'em. The longest trip, thus far, has returned highway mileage of 25 MPG observed in going point-to-point from near Princeton, NJ, to Woodbury, NJ, in taking a loved one to an appointment with a specialist some 57 miles distant from our home. All good things seem to meet in this fine package which pleases me. The compliments which of received for this new vehicle in this particular paint-scheme are gratifying. People genuinely seem drawn to comment to me as to how much they like it. No doubt I've attempted to 'wax eloquent' in my (gushing) review of a vehicle which I have had but a short time. Down the road I would expect to be interested in the next-generation of GM's full-sized SUVs which is about to go from drafting table and into production early in 2013. I do not feel as though I'll be 'deprived' driving this Tahoe LTZ when the new ones hit the streets because as I still see many, many examples of the previous body-style on the roadways and they seem contemporary and 'smart' looking to me still."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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