Full-frame SUVs represent the pinnacle of capability. If you’re looking for a vehicle that can comfortably carry the whole family to just about anywhere, then this is the segment for you. The one area where they don’t usually perform well is fuel economy. However, with automakers on a staunch quest for efficiency, that is slowly but surely changing.
Where just about every full-frame SUV used to house a V-8, some have begun to house powerplants of different shapes and sizes. The Chevrolet Tahoe is the perfect example of this, with a three-liter turbo-diesel engine offering increased fuel economy. It's this powertrain that helps the Tahoe achieve the title of most efficient full-frame SUV.
We took a dive into this Chevrolet and its incredible diesel engine. We look at just how efficient it can be, as well as whether its performance is sacrificed. The Tahoe isn’t the only efficient option out there, and we also dive into some of the Chevrolet’s key rivals.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA and CarBuzz.
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The Chevrolet Tahoe Can Achieve A 24 Miles Per Gallon Combined
Chevrolet offers three engine choices; two V-8s and one diesel inline-six. The diesel powertrain is the most efficient of the choices and can help the Tahoe achieve a combined fuel economy rating of 24 miles per gallon. This may not be exceptional for most vehicles, but for a heavy full-sized SUV, it's pretty impressive.
Fuel Economy
Model | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
3.0-Liter Diesel 2WD | 21 MPG | 28 MPG | 24 MPG |
3.0-Liter Diesel 4WD | 20 MPG | 26 MPG | 22 MPG |
5.3-Liter V-8 2WD | 15 MPG | 20 MPG | 17 MPG |
5.3-Liter V-8 4WD | 15 MPG | 20 MPG | 17 MPG |
6.2-Liter V-8 2WD | 14 MPG | 20 MPG | 16 MPG |
6.2-Liter V-8 4WD | 14 MPG | 18 MPG | 16 MPG |
The diesel powertrain is by far the most efficient choice, and those looking to get the highest fuel economy out of their full-sized SUV should opt for the inline-six. It performs much better than the gas-powered options offered and outperforms every other full-sized SUV as far as efficiency goes. Those who frequent highways will see the largest impact, with rear-wheel drive models capable of up to 28 miles per gallon.
The Tahoe comes with a 24 gallon tank, which is pretty standard for the segment. This means that it is capable of going up to 576 miles on a single tank. This does, however, mean that it'll cost you around $90 to fill her up.
Performance
Engine | 3.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Six |
Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower | 267 HP |
Torque | 460 LB-FT |
Driveline | RWD or 4WD |
Towing Capacity | 8,200 LBS |
The Duramax diesel inline-six is no slouch in terms of raw performance either. It may not have quite as much horsepower as its V-8 siblings, but it has a good amount of torque, matching the more performance-oriented V-8. The 5.3-liter V-8 makes 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque while the 6.2-liter version makes 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.
The diesel Tahoe is the workhorse option. Diesel engines are more efficient and generally last longer compared to petrol engines. The diesel Tahoe also produces a ton of torque, helping it tow up to 8,200 pounds. This does sit slightly behind the petrol options, but not by any real noticeable amount.
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The Tahoe Has Some Close Competition From Some Of Its Rivals
Whilst the Tahoe comfortably sits as the most efficient full-size SUV, there are some competitors right behind it offering some decent efficiency as well. This comes in the form of three main competitors; the Toyota Sequoia, the BMW X7, and the GMC Yukon.
GMC Yukon
Model | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
3.0-Liter Diesel 2WD | 21 MPG | 27 MPG | 23 MPG |
The GMC Yukon is the Chevrolet Tahoe's mechanical twin. They both share much of the same DNA, with the Yukon being offered in GMC's specific package. This means that they both offer the same turbo-diesel inline-six, hence how the Yukon comes so close to the Tahoe's fuel economy figures. It does fall just short of the Tahoe's estimates, though, achieving about a mile per gallon less in each testing category.
Toyota Sequoia
Model | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
3.4-Liter V-6 2WD | 21 MPG | 24 MPG | 22 MPG |
Another mainstream option, the Sequoia, has a lot to offer. The sole powertrain option for the Sequoia is Toyota's iForce MAX setup, which pairs a V-6 with an electric motor, hence the high efficiency rating. It may not be quite as efficient as the Chevy Tahoe, but it does produce a whopping 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, even on base models.
BMW X7
Model | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
3.4-Liter V-6 2WD | 21 MPG | 25 MPG | 22 MPG |
In classic BMW fashion, the X7 combines performance and luxury into a super desirable package. What is surprising is that the base powertrain is actually pretty efficient. The xDrive40i model is the base offering and features a 375 horsepower turbocharged inline-six. This may not be as beefy as the Sequoia, but it is more powerful than the Tahoe. All X7 trims come standard with all-wheel drive. A less-efficient, more powerful M60i is also an option for those who prioritize thrills over gas mileage.
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For The 2024 Model Year, The Tahoe Starts At $58,195
As well as being the most efficient full-sized SUV, the Tahoe is also one of the most affordable. In fact, other than the Ford Expedition, there isn't a cheaper large SUV on the market. The Tahoe also comes with a ton of equipment that makes its low price point feel like an absolute bargain.
Trims
Model | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
LS | $58,195 |
LT | $63,695 |
RST | $66,295 |
Z71 | $68,295 |
Premier | $71,595 |
High Country | $78,895 |
There is a wide array of options when it comes to the Tahoe's trims. Each trim level offers a different experience, though. The LS and the LT are the base options, with the LT offering some comfort and convenience features over the entry-level LS. The RST adds some racey styling elements to make the SUV feel a little more sporty.
At the top end of the trim ladder is the Z71, Premier, and High Country trims. The Z71 is perhaps the most attractive trim level, as it adds on plenty of off-roading equipment for what feels like a bargain. Premier and High Country trims offer luxury equipment and help the Tahoe achieve new levels of comfort.
Core Features
The Tahoe carries over from the 2023 model year without much change, but this isn't a bad thing. The main draw of any full-size SUV is its spacious interior, something the Tahoe really delivers on. Three rows of seats are standard, with the second row of seating being adjustable to allow for more space in the rearmost seats if needed. Even more generous is its cargo space, with up to 123 cubic-feet of space with the second and third row seats folded away.
Every 2024 model of the Tahoe gets a 10.2-inch infotainment screen that comes with all the modern bells and whistles we've come to expect. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless phone charging pad are all standard equipment. Also on offer is a high-end Bose audio system, as well as 12.6-inch entertainment screens for second-row passengers.
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Some Big Changes Are Coming For The 2025 Model Year Of The Tahoe
The Tahoe is currently in its 2024 model year, but the 2025 model year is just around the corner. With this shift comes a number of meaningful changes, plenty of which might be worth waiting for.
Incoming Changes
The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe is set to receive a styling refresh along with some changes to its interior. While retaining its rugged looks, the Tahoe now looks more modern and in-line with some of its rivals. On the inside, the Tahoe gets an upgrade to its previously robust infotainment system, with 2025 models sporting a 17.7-inch infotainment screen and an 11-inch digital gauge display.
There are also some changes coming to the diesel inline-six engine sitting at the heart of the Tahoe. Horsepower and torque are both being boosted, with the Chevy SUV now outputting 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque. This means it makes it a much more competitive option, performance wise. Along with changes to the powertrain, Chevrolet has also revised the Tahoe's suspension system to give the SUV a more comfortable ride.
