2018 Chevrolet Tahoe Expert Review

Reviewed by Stefan Ogbac

The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe gets a new RST Edition model with a more powerful engine and 10-speed automatic transmission that's available on the LT and Premier grades. LS models can now be had in Custom Edition form and all models now come standard with LED daytime running lights. Two new exterior colors, Havana Metallic and Satin Steel Metallic, have been added. A Borla exhaust system and Brembo front brakes are now available as dealer-installed options.

Trim Levels (Interior and Exterior Options)

The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that slots above the Traverse and below the larger and mechanically related Suburban. The Tahoe can seat up to eight passengers in rear- or four-wheel drive configurations. Three trim levels are available.

Tahoe LS: The base LS trim comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone climate control, remote start, rear parking sensors, Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth, a six-speaker audio system, cloth upholstery, a 4.2-inch multi-information display, keyless entry, and 60/40 split-folding second- and third-row seats.

Tahoe LT: Moving up to the LT trim gets you a programmable power liftgate, heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system.

Tahoe Premier: The range-topping Premier trim adds fog lights, HID headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, keyless start, front parking sensors, 12-way power front seats, ventilated front seats, power-operated folding second- and third rows, Magnetic Ride Control, navigation, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, wireless phone charging, and heated second row seats.

Notable options like RST Edition package adds 22-inch alloy wheels, black bowtie badges, a unique grille, body-colored door handles and headlight accents, black side mirror caps, beltline moldings and roof rails, and black name badges. The RST Performance package gets you a 6.2-liter V-8, 10-speed automatic, a 170 amp alternator, a high-capacity air cleaner, a 3.23 axle ratio, and an integrated trailer brake controller. Options such as navigation, a rear seat entertainment system, and a sunroof are available as part of a package. The LT trim is available with the Z71 Off-Road package, which gets you skid plates, all-terrain tires, a 3.42 rear axle, a two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, an off-road-tuned suspension, and black side steps.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The 2018 Tahoe is available with two V-8 engines, a base 5.3-liter with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque and an optional 6.2-liter with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, which is available only on the RST Edition. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard with the 5.3-liter and the 6.2-liter comes with a 10-speed automatic.

EPA fuel economy ratings are 16/23 mpg city/highway for the rear-drive 5.3-liter and 16/22 mpg with four-wheel drive. With the 6.2-liter the Tahoe's fuel economy estimates drop to 14/23 mpg for rear-drive models and 14/22 mpg with four-wheel drive.

Safety

The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA (out of a possible five stars). The IIHS hasn't crash tested the 2018 Tahoe but it received a Basic rating in the front crash prevention test for having a forward collision warning system (Superior is the highest rating for the front crash prevention test).

Available as part of the Enhanced Driver Alert package on the LS trim are a host of active safety features including forward collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, a safety alert seat, and automatic high beam headlights. The Enhanced Driver Alert package is standard on the LT and Premier grades. Additional safety tech are available as part of the Luxury package on the LT trim and as standard on the Premier trim include rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring and lane change alert. Adaptive cruise control is only available on the Premier trim and it comes bundled with an enhanced automatic emergency braking system that works at higher speeds.

Utility

With the third row in place, there's 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space and it can be expanded to 51.7 cubic feet with the second row down and 94.7 cubic feet behind the front seats when the second and third rows are folded down.

With the optional Trailering package, the 2018 Tahoe can tow up to 8,600 pounds in rear-drive guise or 8,400 pounds with four-wheel drive. The more powerful RST Edition is limited to 8,400 pounds for rear-drive models or 8,100 pounds on four-wheel-drive-equipped variants.

What We Think

In a 2015 First Test, we said that the Tahoe offers excellent visibility but the 5.3-liter V-8 is merely adequate to haul around a massive SUV. The throttle pedal is also slow, making the Tahoe feel sluggish. As for the six-speed automatic, its efficiency-minded tuning means it always wants to get to the highest gears quickly. As in the larger Suburban, the cylinder deactivation system is seamless. The Tahoe's brake pedal is surprisingly firm and ride quality is generally good but you do feel big bumps. Not much noise enters the cabin, keeping it well insulated and making conversations easy.

In a 2018 First Test, we noted that the 6.2-liter V-8 and a quick-shifting 10-speed automatic makes the Tahoe RST accelerate quicker. However, even with the optional Brembo front brakes, its stopping performance isn't any better than other Tahoes. The Magnetic Ride Control system helps it handle better and eliminates nearly all traces of body roll.

The 2018 Tahoe placed third in a recent comparison test that also included the Dodge Durango, Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada, and Toyota Sequoia. Its six-speed automatic transmission is lazy and its lack of an independent rear suspension meant it also rode worse than its rivals. Off-road was where the Tahoe performed well, easily able to crawl through the rough stuff. Third row accommodations are tight in the Tahoe but its infotainment system is easy to use and has a lot of USB ports to keep mobile devices charged.