2018 Chevy Tahoe Buyer’s Guide

2018 Chevrolet Tahoe General Overview

The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe’s main attractions are its style and functionality in the SUV segment. The Tahoe boasts excellent towing capacity – whether you’re trying to pull campers, boats, or the like. From an amazingly spacious cabin to aesthetically crafted interiors, the Tahoe is useful when it comes to an offroading or city-driving experience.

With a low front air dam, the vehicle limits ground clearance. When it comes to SUVs, there are very few options that compete with the Tahoe because of its offerings and price point.

The Tahoe is a popular vehicle and has a lot of capabilities that make it a leading choice in the segment. Its V8 engine, comfort, fuel efficiency, and versatility bring it to the market’s forefront.

The Tahoe provides cushioned comfort to passengers. The car’s intuitive infotainment system and upscale design, coupled with top safety features make it a tempting option for families as well. It ranks high even in terms of affordable SUVs with 3 rows.

What makes the Tahoe so desirable is the magnetic ride control and excellent predicted reliability rating are other aspects that make it a great alternative in the face of competitors.

2018 Chevrolet Tahoe Pricing and Trims

The starting MSRP of the 2018 Tahoe is competitive compared to its competitors. The vehicle offers several trims – LS, LT, and Premier.

Each trim comes with several updates which include the tire pressure monitor, paint colors, and fill-up alerts. With all these options, buyers are going to find an option that suits their budget.

Exterior

Dimensions

Styling

The Tahoe comes with its own styling and its exterior is so clean, it’s bound to turn heads. Its timelessly crafted exterior and well-designed dashboard make it a functional and desirable vehicle.

Simply speaking, the 2018 Tahoe can be classified as a two-box SUV which comes with squared-off lines. When it comes to the details, the Tahoe leaves no holes barred. The chrome-heavy grille coupled with its semi-split headlights and detailing have made it a highly sought-after car. The front of the car is very expressive as compared to the back. The Tahoe also has an RST option on the Premier and LT trims where compromise has been made in terms of the paint color, chrome, and wheels – while conventional, the vehicle still oozes beauty.

Interior

Let’s have a look at the 2018 Chevy Tahoe Interior:

Dimensions

Quality, Space, and Comfort.

A lot of cargo space and spacious cabins make the Tahoe an excellent option.

The car has a very upscale feel to it – as soon as you sit inside you will feel the comfort associated with the front seats as well as the second row. Most Tahoes come with bucket seats that can be multi-adjusted with an option for buyers to specially order the fleet models with bench seats in the front.

The upholstery of the LS models is done in high-quality fabric. The Premier and LT models have comfortable leather interiors. All models come with comfortable front thrones with a special mention to the Premier and LT trims which also have the option to power adjust both seats.

The second row in the Tahoe is slightly compromised, yet continues to be comfortable and spacious. The split bench in the second row makes it comfortable for short rides and the second row can be folded to delete the third row.

The third row seating can be folded flat and the good news is that the load floor is higher up from the ground. By folding the two back rows, the car easily boasts 95 cubic ft of space. Second- and third-row seats that can be folded flat to improve cargo convenience, including a power folding feature that is optional.

Entertainment System

In terms of features, the 2018 Tahoe feels like a luxury car at the price point it is offered at. Each trim comes with its own set of features and customizable options. All trims offer excellent infotainment systems which have operational and standard equipment.

The standard lineup of the Tahoe includes –

• Standard dual-zone automatic climate control.
• 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Bluetooth connectivity.
• Standard remote start
• 5 USB ports.
• OnStar telematics with 4G LTE antenna.
• Ability to turn the vehicle into a wi-fi hotspot (at a cost).

Features

Chevrolet Tahoe LS

The entry-level Tahoe includes:

• RWD or 4WD.
• 6-speed automatic transmission.
• 18-inch. aluminum wheels with a high-polished finish.
• 3L EcoTec3 V8 engine.
• Tri-zone automatic climate control.
• Premium Smooth Ride suspension.
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel.
• Front premium cloth bucket seats.
• Manual liftgate.
• 6-speaker sound system.
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot.
• Third-row manual-folding 60/40 split-bench seats.

Chevrolet Tahoe LT

The LT trim of the Chevy Tahoe has upgraded features, especially in terms of advanced technology and high-quality materials on the exterior and the interior, such as leather seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Some features in addition to the LS trim include manual tilt and telescopic steering, a power liftgate, a memory package, and pedals that are power adjusted. The infotainment system is also upgraded to a Bose which has 9 speakers inside the vehicle.

Chevrolet Tahoe Premier

The Tahoe Premier is a more upscale version of the LS and LT trims. It provides the rider with a completely premium and upgraded experience, both on the exterior as well as in-cabin. The wheels are upgraded to 20-inch alloys; there is even a hands-free liftgate powered by gestures. Some other features include –

• Magentic Ride Control.
• Third-row power-folding 60/40 split-bench seats.
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert.
• Wireless charging.
• Bose infotainment system with 10 speakers.
• Keyless start.

What’s the best Trim Levels Option on the 2018 Chevy Tahoe?

In terms of our take, the Premier trim of the Chevy Tahoe, though top-of-the-line, takes the cake when it comes to the best trim option.

From a completely upgraded experience from the LT and LS variants, the Premier trim of the Tahoe is excellent for individual and family use. If a world-class in-cabin experience is what you’re seeking, then go in for the Premier trim. With Magnetic Ride Control and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, this car looks like a beautiful beast on the outside. Inside, the finishing touches are refined, aesthetic, and comfortable. With a hands-free liftgate powered by gestures and keyless open and start, the vehicle’s functionality is made much smoother.

It’s imperative to think about each trim or model before your purchase since the Premier trim is costlier than the lower trims. If you’re not looking to spend a fortune, then go in for the LS or LT trims – but if you’re looking for an amazing experience, go the extra mile with the Premier trim.

Engine and performance

• 5.3-liter V8 (upgradable).
• Power: 355hp.
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic (10-speed available).
• Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive, all-wheel drive (optional).

Equipped with a V8, the Tahoe is a brawny vehicle that makes it easy for you to tow heavy things like campers or boats, or undertake a comfortable riding experience in the city. Compared to other large SUVs, the Tahoe is highly fuel-efficient. Many call the Tahoe an outstanding road companion – users have testified that not only is the riding experience comfortable and quiet but in terms of vehicle performance, the car is quite powerful.

In terms of its acceleration, the Tahoe has a powerful 355 horsepower, a 5.3-liter V8 engine, and comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission. There is also a 420 hp 6.2 liter V8 with a 10-speed automatic transmission available. The Tahoe has very good fuel efficiency; it is equipped with an Active Fuel Management system that very smartly disables the engine’s cylinders when not in use. The base powertrain and rear-wheel drive on the Tahoe make it touch about 16 mpg in a city landscape and the car can power up to about 23 mpg on highways. The power and acceleration abilities of the large truck SUV make it an above-average choice for most buyers when compared to its competitors.

Ride and handling

The 2018 Tahoe comes with a standard rear-wheel drive with an option to get a four-wheel drive. The Tahoe gives a very truck-like feel, unlike regular crossover SUVs that make you feel like you are driving a regular car. This is mostly because of the exterior body-frame construction – this also makes the Tahoe slightly bulky to handle especially in narrow areas. While the steering is slightly tight, turning the wheel is easy, especially at a lower speed. Bends and chicanes are something the Tahoe can maneuver comfortably and one can be assured of a comfortable journey even over longer durations on tough terrains. The Premier trim has a Magnetic Ride Control suspension which helps the vehicle automatically adjust shocks when on different terrains and road conditions. This is a plus point when it comes to driving over bumpy patches.

Fuel Economy

The Tahoe is quite fuel-efficient, especially as you go higher on the trim. The base variant provides about 16 mpg in the city, which can go up to 23 mpg on highways.

Safety

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Safety Ratings

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Safety Ratings

Safety Features

The Tahoe has standard and advanced safety features which make the vehicle provide a safe, easy and comfortable drive. Features include:

• Standard rear parking sensors.
• Optional rear cross-traffic alerts.
• Optional lane-keeping assistance.
• Optional lane departure alerts.
• Optional front parking sensors.
• Optional forward collision alerts.
• Optional blind spot alerts.
• Optional automatic emergency braking.
• Optional automatic high beams.
• Optional adaptive cruise control.

How the 2018 Tahoe Compares Against Key Rivals

Vs Jeep Wagoneer?

The Tahoe has been compared to the Jeep Wagoneer extensively because both vehicles offer big V8 engines. The Chevy offers two V-8 options in terms of gas – a 5.3-liter unit with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, and higher trims which come with a powerful 6.2-liter unit that runs with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft.

The Wagoneer, on the other hand, comes with a V-8 but has a 5.7-liter Hemi, 8-speed automatic transmission which is equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid electric assist. Notwithstanding, the Wagoneer has upscale interiors with a higher towing capacity, and that’s one of the reasons buyers are excited to try this model out.

Vs Ford Expedition?

The Ford Expedition is more beastly than the Chevy Tahoe and has newer variants. The Tahoe however is a more affordable purchase, making it outsell the Expedition. In terms of decision-making, it comes down to a preferential choice because it ultimately depends on the use and the price the buyer is willing to pay.

The Tahoe has fewer features, especially on the lower trims. In terms of the exterior, both cars are big built with the Expedition having a slightly more modern feel to the Tahoe’s conventional get-up. In terms of mechanicals, the Tahoe offers mid-range fuel efficiency and is more affordable.

Conclusion Review with (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• Several engine options.
• Magnetic Ride Control.
• Lots of interior space.
• Well-built exterior made using premium materials.
• Advanced safety features.
• Comfortable riding experience and seating.
• Offers a highly quiet riding experience.
• High towing capacity.
• Powerful four-wheel drive.
• Affordable compared to rivals.

Cons

• Less Cargo space.
• Smaller seats in the third row.
• Mid-range fuel efficiency.

Verdict

The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe is a great vehicle – a lot of offerings at the price point – from a comfortable and quiet riding experience to a hands-free liftgate, there are many amazing features like the ones we’ve talked about here. User-friendly technology and easy aesthetics on the interior and exterior make the car a great option for families and individuals alike.

FAQ’s