2023 Chevrolet Tahoe Review: The Race For Space
The latest Chevrolet Tahoe full-size SUV is still relatively new, having been redesigned for the 2021 model year. It's built on a version of the platform underpinning so many GM trucks and SUVs - including the Chevy Silverado and GMC Yukon - which makes the Tahoe not quite as cumbersome to drive as other body-on-frame SUVs. On the move, the new Tahoe is very quiet and refined. Add to that many trim levels for every type of customer, a choice of three engines that include a high-torque turbo-diesel with 460 lb-ft of torque and a 420-horsepower V8, a choice of 2WD and 4WD, a sporty RST model, and an off-road-ready Z71 trim, and you have a three-row full-sizer that really covers all the bases in this class. The NHTSA safety review of the Chevrolet Tahoe is not as good as that of some rivals, and the base suspension setup is a bit uncomfortable, but other than that, the Tahoe comes in at a good price and has few flaws. The 2023 Tahoe is mostly unchanged from last year's car and takes on rivals such as the Ford Expedition and Jeep Wagoneer with an impressive resume.
What's the Price of the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe?
The new Chevrolet Tahoe's price list starts at around $53k for the entry-level Commercial trim, while the civilian base model, the LS, will cost you $54,200. From there on up, you get the LT at $59,700, the RST at $62,300, the Z71 at $64,300, the Premier at $67,600, and the High Country at $74,400. Take note that these prices all apply to the regular 2WD versions, except for the Z71, which is available in 4WD only. 4WD can be added to any of the other trims, costing $3,000 on the LS, LT, Premier, and High Country, and $2,000 on the RST.
The default engine in most of these cases is the 5.3-liter V8. The 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel costs an additional $995-$1,000 on all trim except the High Country, on which it is the standard engine, while it's not available on the Z71 at all. Over the base 5.3-liter V8, the 6.2-liter gas V8 costs an additional $2,495-$8,605, depending on the trim, and an additional $1,000 over the High Country's diesel engine. These Chevrolet Tahoe prices are MSRP and don't include the $1,895 destination fee.
2023 Chevrolet Tahoe Handling and Driving Impressions
There is a reason why the Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade are continually singled out for handling better than most other full-size body-on-frame SUVs. A version of the same GMT T1XX platform is used underneath all these cars, and it endows the Tahoe with an enjoyable driving experience, partly thanks to fully independent rear suspension. Handling is quite sharp for such a behemoth, but the steering is vague, and the brake pedal feels a bit spongy. Ride quality on the higher trims' optional adaptive air suspension is excellent, but the base coil setup can be rather jiggly and abrupt unless weighed down by some people and cargo, sending a few too many of the shivers and shudders typical of ladder-frame designs through the structure on poor surfaces. The ride remains quiet, though, especially on the highway. The standard 5.3-liter V8 is sufficiently powerful for light running but labors when working hard or towing. The powerful 6.2-liter upgrade fixes that, and the diesel provides plenty of towing torque as well.
Verdict: Is The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe A Good SUV?
At first glance, the Tahoe doesn't seem to ace any particular discipline. Its engines are outperformed by the turbocharged V6 Ford Expedition, it's not as luxurious as the GMC Yukon, its cabin plastics aren't up to the standard of a Jeep Wagoneer, and the ride is a bit too jiggly on the standard suspension. Yet, many people will overlook these flaws because they aren't glaring, and the Tahoe has many things going for it, such as its high-value sticker, pleasing driving experience, tons of interior space, and quiet ride. It's better value per dollar than a GMC or Cadillac and starts at a lower price than the Expedition and Wagoneer as well. This might be everything many people would like to hear, and for such folks, the search for their ideal full-size SUV might end with a test drive in a Tahoe - and a sigh of relief. As an all-round value alternative, it's hard to beat.
What 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe Model Should I Buy?
The 2WD LT is adequately equipped for most people, with items such as leather upholstery, a premium audio system, a bigger touchscreen, a digital gauge cluster, and heated front seats among its desirable features over and above the LS. But it looks a little demure, and the RST has the same basic equipment, bigger wheels, and far more dashing looks for only around $3k more, so it's our choice. We'd add the $3k Luxury package with its heated steering wheel and front and rear seats, surround-view camera, and host of additional driver assists. It gives you a choice of all three engines, and if you're going to tow, you up spec up to the high-torque and economical diesel for only $1,000 - and still come out at less than $70k.