why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 2 photos

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe

Overview

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Review

By KBB.com Editors

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)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 456 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 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

After this disaster , I will never own another GM

By Terry (AL) on Friday, June 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 78,000

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Drives and rides great, good power."

Cons: "Absolutly falling apart, electrical nightmare"

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

"of any kind. The quality of construction is horrible as well as the materials used in construction. Replaced entire dash at 40,000 miles due to cracking in three places. XM antena and reciever out at 50,000 miles. Short in lift gate , blew tailight fuses when you open the rear hatch. A/C freezes up , freon serviced 4 times to help , never did ( Mr.Goodwrench) .Vent accuators replaced twice and still blows air from random vents instead of the ones chosen. I am a vehicle fanatic, the Tahoe looks new, but I would not sell it to my worst enemy."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

ompletely SATISFIED

By mrleo69 (IN) on Monday, May 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 73,000

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: "Everything"

Cons: "Nothing"

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

"Bought vehicle from a local major seller of used vehicles and could not be more pleased. Best vehicle Chevy ever made in Quality."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Cadillac quality at Chevrolet price

By Deputy dawg (TX) on Thursday, May 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 98,200

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

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

"Best SUV in its class by far. Great fuel mileage, comfort, and options. If buying go with the LTZ it is more bang for your buck"

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

What a great Family Truckster

By Moose is loose (WA) on Sunday, April 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 90,000

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: "Smooth ride, holds everybody & everything, comfy"

Cons: "Lacks cup holders in the 3rd row seat area on RHS"

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

"This has been an excellent, reliable for the long haul. Easy to park, fun to drive, and has lots of get up and go. I would buy Tahoes over and over..., this is my second in 10 years."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

2008 Tahoe Z71 LTZ

By Happy Camper (GA) on Saturday, April 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

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

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

"With needing room for 2 car seats, the room is great. The DVD player is decent quality, no complaints from 1yr and 2yr old kids. Smooth ride, quite inside. Average gas tank fill up here in Georgia runs about $75. We certainly are happy with this purchase."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Great SUV, the SUV of my dream.

By Susie q (TX) on Friday, April 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 100,023

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: "Trouble free, fun to drive, lots of cargo space."

Cons: "Cost was rather high."

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

"From the first time I drove my Tahoe I fell in love, it handles like a car. The ride is very comfortable and the features are wonderful. I have not had any mechanical problems and except replacing tires and brakes once, it has been trouble free."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 456 reviews