2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Chevy Tahoe, whose siblings include the GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade, adds a new 6-speed automatic transmission and safety features...
The Chevy Tahoe, whose siblings include the GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade, adds a new 6-speed automatic transmission and safety features for 2009. Able to seat nine passengers, the Tahoe offers five trim lines: LS, LT1, LT2, LTZ, and a gas/electric Hybrid. Each line is available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or GM's Autotrac four-wheel drive, which includes a low-range off-road gear.
The base model rear-wheel-drive LS offers a 4.8-liter V8 that outputs 295 hp through a 4-speed automatic. A 5.3-liter V8 that produces 320 hp and couples to the new 6-speed automatic is optional on the LS and standard on all the other trims except the Hybrid. In the LTZ trim, Chevy offers a 6.2-liter V8 producing 385 hp mated to the 6-speed as an option. In response to fuel-economy concerns, the 6.2-liter V8 and certain versions of the 5.3-liter V8 can run ethanol-blended E85 fuel. The 4.8-liter and 5.3-liter V8s provide further fuel conservation with GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation system. The V8s are rated at a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds.
EPA estimates for the various engine/drive combinations are: 2WD 4.8-liter V8 - 14/19 mpg; 2WD 5.3-liter V8 - 14/20 mpg; and the 4WD 5.3-liter - 14/19 mpg. The 6.2-liter V8 hasn't been rated yet.
Chevy's most ambitious SUV fuel-economy bid comes with the Tahoe Hybrid. It combines a 6.0-liter V8 with an electric motor to produce a total of 332 hp. The Hybrid powerplant couples with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to give the vehicle a 6,200-lb towing capacity. EPA fuel economy estimates are 20/20 mpg.
Standard safety features on all trim levels include front seat and side curtain airbags, ABS, the StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System, and the OnStar emergency communication system. The LTZ trim also offers a blind-spot alert system as an option.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe appreciate its appearance, smooth ride, and spacious interior. Many find it a reliable choice compared to other SUVs, valuing its power and performance. However, some drivers mention concerns about gas mileage and the cost of insurance and repairs. Despite some downside, many feel the Tahoe stands out in the crowded SUV market."
I've owned a lot of SUV's: Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer, Expedition Eddie Bauer, Honda Pilot, Jeep Cherokee and this Tahoe. It is by far the best truck I've ever owned. It is big, yet has good acceleration for a big truck; this style is in high demand...a lot of people don't like the newly designed Tahoe/Yukon trucks - too boxy. Tons of interior room, very roomy 2nd row; cargo space is excellent with 3rd row out or flat...not great with 3rd row in seated position, but better than most - if you need more, you'd have to go to Suburban! Never had a better handling vehicle in the snow and ice, so this is an awesome Northeast vehicle.
March 16, 2015Awesome vehicle. When you look at the other options out there for SUV's none of them compare. The only SUV's I would say that look better are is Mercedes GLK class or a Range Rover. Problem is, Range Rovers and Mercedes are out of my price range and Range Rovers aren't even reliable vehicles. Basically the only SUV's that compare as far as looks are over $100,000. As far as the other specs go, other SUV might be slightly better in different areas, but you got to ask yourself, are they really that much better to make you want one a vehicle that doesn't look good?
October 13, 2013I like this car and I like to ride high up, so I don't have anything negative to say. The cost of insurance and repair may be a littler higher than other vehicles, depending on the insurance you select and on the replacement parts, but it is worth it to me.
April 17, 2015What owners say
I've owned a lot of SUV's: Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer, Expedition Eddie Bauer, Honda Pilot, Jeep Cherokee and this Tahoe. It is by far the best truck I've ever owned. It is big, yet has good acceleration for a big truck; this style is in high demand...a lot of people don't like the newly designed Tahoe/Yukon trucks - too boxy. Tons of interior room, very roomy 2nd row; cargo space is excellent with 3rd row out or flat...not great with 3rd row in seated position, but better than most - if you need more, you'd have to go to Suburban! Never had a better handling vehicle in the snow and ice, so this is an awesome Northeast vehicle.
March 16, 2015Awesome vehicle. When you look at the other options out there for SUV's none of them compare. The only SUV's I would say that look better are is Mercedes GLK class or a Range Rover. Problem is, Range Rovers and Mercedes are out of my price range and Range Rovers aren't even reliable vehicles. Basically the only SUV's that compare as far as looks are over $100,000. As far as the other specs go, other SUV might be slightly better in different areas, but you got to ask yourself, are they really that much better to make you want one a vehicle that doesn't look good?
October 13, 2013I like this car and I like to ride high up, so I don't have anything negative to say. The cost of insurance and repair may be a littler higher than other vehicles, depending on the insurance you select and on the replacement parts, but it is worth it to me.
April 17, 2015LOVE IT I still prefer my Silverado 1500 Crew cab, but the Tahoe is a great alternative to a van, 6 speed transmission is awesome, great power (320 hp) and good fuel economy (I get 15-16 MPG and I drive it HARD)
March 21, 2009This is a smooth riding vehicle. Owned this vechile for 1 month now, and have not had any problems. Tahoe LT2 is overpriced and gas mileage is not good.
September 18, 2009performace its very nice its accually not lt2 i have the z71 model which can be used for the 4wd and of course its an american can so its very powerfull has a 390horse power and 5.3L v8 i have got the maintanence for free its fun to drive becoz it looks like black beast on the road.
September 14, 2009Looks great! Just the rust under the vehicle is a little iffy.
September 26, 2023Trims & specs
Base MSRP $39,810 | Seating 9 |
Engine 5.3L 320 hp V8 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $38,350 | Seating 9 |
Engine 5.3L 310 hp V8 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X2 |
Base MSRP $35,800 | Seating 9 |
Engine 4.8L 295 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4X2 |
Base MSRP $36,965 | Seating 9 |
Engine 4.8L 295 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4X2 |
Base MSRP $41,025 | Seating 9 |
Engine 5.3L 320 hp V8 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $39,515 | Seating 9 |
Engine 5.3L 310 hp V8 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain 4X2 |
Base MSRP $39,315 | Seating 9 |
Engine 5.3L 320 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X2 |
Base MSRP $42,165 | Seating 9 |
Engine 5.3L 320 hp V8 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $38,165 | Seating 9 |
Engine 5.3L 310 hp V8 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain 4X2 |
Base MSRP $41,840 | Seating 9 |
Engine 5.3L 320 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X2 |
Base MSRP $34,565 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $44,690 | Seating 9 |
Engine 5.3L 320 hp V8 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $46,995 | Seating 6 |
Engine 5.3L 320 hp V8 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $48,550 | Seating 9 |
Engine 5.3L 320 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X2 |
Base MSRP $42,040 | Seating 9 |
Engine 5.3L 310 hp V8 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain 4X2 |
Base MSRP $51,400 | Seating 9 |
Engine 5.3L 320 hp V8 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$34,565 - $51,400
Current avg. market price
$8,896
Trending down by 1.4% this month
May 2026 - November 2026
