2009 Chevrolet Tahoe

The base rear-wheel-drive Tahoe is powered by a 295-horsepower, 4.8-liter V-8 and four-speed automatic transmission, but the most efficient nonhybrid Tahoe is one with the 320-horsepower, 5.3-liter V-8, new six-speed automatic transmission and XFE economy package, which adds light alloy wheels, low-rolling-resistance tires, a lowered suspension, a 3.08 axle ratio and other weight-reducing features. The two-wheel-drive Tahoe XFE is rated by the Environmental Protection Agency at 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. Reviewers such as NewCarTestDrive.com say the 5.3-liter V-8 is a worthwhile step-up from the less-efficient base engine, as the 5.3-liter also features Active Fuel Management to seamlessly switch between four and eight cylinders as needed.

For those who need more power, a new 395-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 with a six-speed automatic is optional on the top-level LTZ models, with EPA ratings of 12 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the both the 2WD and 4WD versions. Both the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V-8s can be ordered as flexible-fuel engines that can run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel, but be advised -- E85 pumps are very hard to come by in most areas of the U.S. Tahoe's 4WD system, called Autotrac, can be driven on dry pavement, as it automatically distributes power to the wheels that have the best traction, and it includes low-range gearing for off-road conditions. Electronic stability control, ABS, traction control and three-row side curtain airbags are standard on all models.

Worthy alternatives

The Tahoe offers plenty of utility, with a maximum tow rating of 8,400 pounds. With the third row removed and second row folded down, maximum cargo capacity is 108.9 cubic feet -- a few cubic feet smaller than several of its rivals. For those who like the Tahoe, but need even more interior space, the Chevy Suburban (*Est. $40,370 to $53,460) is the extended-length version of the Tahoe, with 137.4 cubic feet of cargo space and roomier second and third seating rows.

Several reviewers recommend the lower-priced Chevrolet Traverse (*Est. $29,215 to $41,975) crossover, which offers more cargo space (116.4 cubic feet), a roomier third row and a more flexible interior layout than the Tahoe. The Traverse's fuel economy is also better, but towing capacity is lower -- a common tradeoff with car-based crossovers.

Reviews say the Tahoe's top two competitors are the Ford Expedition (*Est. $34,845 to $50,500) and Toyota Sequoia (*Est. $38,530 to $58,905). Edmunds.com editors say "the Chevy's cabin is more inviting, but the Expedition's fold-flat third-row seat gives it the edge when it comes to convenience." The Toyota Sequoia offers admirable refinement and a higher towing capacity, but the Chevy Tahoe has slightly better fuel economy than most of its competitors in the large-SUV segment.

Edmunds.com provides a thorough yet succinct summary review of the Tahoe. NewCarTestDrive.com gives a more detailed review, along with valuable information about the trim levels and available equipment. Kelley Blue Book gives the Tahoe a Recommended rating, along with a descriptive review that also provides useful information on projected resale value. ConsumerGuide.com rates the Tahoe as a Best Buy and provides a comprehensive evaluation. Additional road-test reviews can be found at TheTruthAboutCars.com and TheCarConnection.com. ConsumerReports.org adds useful reliability data to its review.