Introduction

Despite all the technological advances in modern vehicles, there's still something to be said for the traditional methods when it comes to hauling a full load of people and cargo. Built on a separate truck platform, the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that beats most current crossovers in towing capacity and off-road prowess. Powertrains also are reminiscent of the past, including strong V-8 engine options. 

The Tahoe contains an appealing set of features and can be customized with options, but the antiquated design is showing its age. As a result, a redesigned Tahoe is expected for the 2021 model year, which means the 2020 model is largely unchanged. Several option packages have been revised, and one body color has been dropped, but nothing else is new. 

The Tahoe comes standard with a 5.3-liter V-8 that yields a respectable 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The V-8 mates with a 6-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive. With Premier trim, a 6.2-liter V-8 and 10-speed automatic can be substituted. Generating 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, the bigger V-8 comes in an RST Performance Package. 

A Tahoe is thirsty, though cylinder deactivation which can shut down half of the cylinders helps on long highway trips. 

With the 5.3-liter V-8 and RWD, the Tahoe is EPA-rated at 15 mpg city, 22 highway, and 18 combined. 4WD lowers efficiency to 15/21/17 mpg. The 6.2-liter V-8 is rated at 14/23/17 mpg with RWD, while all-wheel drive reduces the highway figure by one mpg. The 5.3-liter engine runs on regular gasoline, but the bigger V-8 needs premium. 

Active safety technology is available, but optional rather than standard. The LT and Premier trim levels include automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warnings, active lane control, automatic high-beam headlights, and a seat-buzzing driver alert system. Premier models also get blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane change alert. 

Crash test results are incomplete, but those that have been undertaken are troubling. The NHTSA gave the Tahoe only a four-star overall safety rating and a mere three-star rollover prevention rating. The IIHS hasn't tested the Tahoe. 

Lineup

The Chevy Tahoe is available in three trim levels: LS, LT, and Premier. Prices include a $1,295 destination charge. 

The base LS starts at $49,295 and comes with cloth upholstery, power front seats, three-zone climate control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and 18-inch alloy wheels. 

Upgrading to the $54,295 LT trim adds leather upholstery, a Bose nine-speaker audio system, and a power tailgate. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking and automatic high-beam headlights. Several option packages are available, including a Luxury group and RST Edition. Off-roaders can add a Z71 package that includes all-terrain tires, hill-descent control, skid plates, and special suspension components. 

The top-rung Premier costs $63,995 and brings such luxury features as heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, navigation, wireless charging, blind-spot monitors, simulated wood trim, and a magnetically-damped suspension. For about $5,500, the 6.2-liter V-8 can be substituted for the 5.3-liter. 

Walkaround

Admittedly dated yet undeniably still handsome, the Chevy Tahoe remains old-fashioned both inside and out. Among full-size SUVs, many still believe that boxy is best, and few vehicles are boxier than a Tahoe. 

A simple, two-box design with squared-off edges yields a truck-like look ? hardly a surprise, considering the Tahoe's body-on-frame layout and pickup truck foundation. Ground clearance exceeds that of typical crossover SUVs, too. 

Competitors might be sleeker or more muscular, but a Tahoe still manages to offer the biggest helping of old-school charm. The big SUV also conveys a sense of presence that's typically absent from modern rivals. 

Chrome abounds in Premier Plus form. The RST (Rally Sport Truck) option adds 22-inch black wheels and darker styling accents for a sportier look. 

Interior

Inside, the Tahoe is more car-like than the Silverado pickup with which it shares a platform. That's a plus for family-oriented buyers. The comfortable cabin provides plenty of storage space, along with passenger comfort. 

Excelling in build quality, most Tahoes can seat either seven or eight passengers. The maximum depends on whether the second row has a bench or captain's chairs. The base LS model has a bench seat up front, raising the total capacity to nine. 

Front seats are comfortable in the big, luxurious cabin, especially in upper trim levels that have leather, power features, and heated and cooled front seats. The Tahoe's efficient, easy-to-use infotainment screen sits at the dashboard center, facing a wide center console. 

Second-row passengers can expect plentiful head clearance, but leg room is in slightly shorter supply. The third-row seat is snug and uncomfortable. 

Keeping the third row in use rather than folded slashes behind-the-seat cargo volume to a mere 15.3 cubic feet. An unusually high cargo floor shrinks available space, limiting its utility for carrying larger items. If that's an issue, the longer Chevy Suburban might be a better choice. 

With the third-row seat folded, cargo space expands to an impressive 52 cubic feet. Folding down both rear rows opens up 95 cubic feet. 

Driving Impression

Retaining the pickup-truck platform for the Tahoe results in compromises that affect handling and ride quality, as well as cabin capacity. The Tahoe is definitely, defiantly, a truck, which translates to truck-like ride comfort and handling limitations. 

No turbochargers or other fancy gadgetry enter the performance picture. Both of the strong V-8 engines behave in an assured manner, handling their duties without fuss or fanfare. 

There's nothing especially sporty about the truck-based Tahoe's ride, which can get fairly bumpy on imperfect pavement. Even so, the suspension strives to iron out surface blemishes. With smaller (17- or 18-inch) wheels, the Tahoe rides a lot more comfortably than its pickup parent. Substituting 20- or 22-inch wheels increases stiffness, without improving handling noticeably. 

Off-road, the size and weight of the Tahoe come into play, restricting the possibilities. Measuring 204 inch long overall, it weighs some 5,700 pounds. To help alleviate the limitations, the optional four-wheel-drive system can incorporate a two-speed transfer case. Adding the Z71 option package brings skid plates, recovery hooks, and all-terrain tires. 

Summary

Interior space and strong V-8 power are the two greatest virtues of the 2020 Chevy Tahoe. Offsetting these merits is meager fuel economy and truck-like ride and handling. A Tahoe can be stripped down or quite luxurious, with such niceties as fine leather. Size and weight limit its off-road potential to occasional, limited-scale outings. The best choice for overall value is the midrange LT model. 

 

-by James M. Flammang, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.