History and description of the Chevrolet Tahoe

Chevrolet Tahoe — is a full-size frame SUV manufactured by the American corporation General Motors, sold since 1992 under the name GMC Yukon and since 1995 under the name Chevrolet Tahoe. And in the early 1990s, GM sold two SUVs of different sizes under the names Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Jimmy. The name Tahoe refers to the rugged and picturesque region surrounding Lake Tahoe in the western part of the United States. The name Yukon refers to a territory in northwestern Canada. Extended-wheelbase models are available under the names Suburban and Yukon XL.

This car is a competitor for Audi Q7, BMW X5, Cadillac Escalade, Ford Expedition, Ford Explorer, Ford Bronco, Hummer H2, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-9, Mercedes M-Class, Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan Pathfinder, Porsche Cayenne, Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover Range Rover and Volkswagen Touareg.

First generation (GMT400; 1992–2000)

The new GMC Yukon was introduced in 1991 for the 1992 model year, while GM continued to produce the Chevrolet K5 Blazer until 1994. All were two-door models until 1994. In 1996, the Tahoe was named Car of the Year by American magazine "Motor Trend". The car was assembled on the GMT400 platform, the body had a 2- and 4-door design. The drive was initially on the rear wheels, and in 1998, all-wheel drive appeared.

The following engines were used: 4.1 liter gasoline (in-line, 6-cylinder) with a capacity of 155 hp and two 5.7-liter (V-shaped, 8-cylinder) 210 hp or 255 hp Diesel engine one with a volume of 6.5 liters (V-shaped, 8-cylinder, turbocharged) 180 hp. There are two transmissions to choose from - 4-speed automatic (4L60-E or 4L80-E) and 5-speed manual (5LM60).

Since 1994, numerous improvements have been made to the car. The interior has been changed, side airbags have appeared (1995); improved Vortec engines, electronic all-wheel drive, daytime running lights, improved automatic transmission and steering, passenger airbags (1996); passLock security system, heated front seats, rear seat air conditioning, AutoTrac 4WD option (1998); side airbags for all, side torso airbags (1999).

Second generation (GMT800; 2000–2006)

The Tahoe and Yukon were introduced in 2000 on the new GMT800 platform. Both received significant updates and became even more similar to each other, with only the headlights and grille being different. Both featured softer lines as part of an aerodynamic design. The interior was also updated with new seats, instrument panel, and door panels.


The engines are now only petrol, all V-shaped 8-cylinder with a capacity of 4.8 liters (with power from 275 to 295 hp) and 5.3 liters (with power from 280 to 295 hp). The gearbox is only a 4-speed automatic (4L60-E). The body remained only 4-door, and a prototype was made for the 2-door, but it was not launched into production.

For 2003, all GM full-size SUVs received updated interiors, including a new steering wheel, radio controls, higher-quality materials and other improvements.

Third generation (GMT900; 2007–2014)

General Motors redesigned the Tahoe and Yukon on the new GMT900 platform in late 2005 for the 2007 model year. The cars were unveiled to the public at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. They exceeded initial sales expectations despite a weakening market for large SUVs. The cars were given more distinctive looks, with different front fascias, hoods, and taillights. The car's appearance became more angular, making it appear taller.

The engine lineup again remains petrol only. All engines are 8-cylinder V-shaped with a capacity of 5.3 liters (with power from 285 to 320 hp) and 6.2 liters with 405 hp. There are now three transmissions to choose from - a 4-speed (4L60-E) or 6-speed (6L80) automatic or a CVT for the hybrid model. Fuel consumption on the highway was reduced from 12 l / 100 km to 11 l / 100 km using the cylinder deactivation function.

The 2010 models received a facelift that included a slightly raised bumper, improved door trim, and side torso airbags.

Fourth generation (GMT K2UC/G; 2015–2020)

GM introduced the new generation Tahoe and Yukon in September 2013, and official sales began in February 2014 as a 2015 model. The car is based on the GMTK2XX platform. The body is still produced only as a four-door. It has become even more angular with more prominent headlights and a radiator grille. The aerodynamics of the car have improved slightly, the noise level in the cabin has decreased.


The car is equipped with seven airbags as standard, including a central one that protects the heads of people sitting next to you from colliding in a side impact. The car's safety is also ensured by seat belt pretensioning systems, blind spot monitoring, collision warning and lane departure. All this, together with cruise control, the car can automatically brake to avoid an accident.


There are only two petrol engines - all V-shaped 8-cylinder with a volume of 5.3 liters (with a capacity of 360 hp) and 6.2 liters (with a capacity of 426 hp). The engines can also run on bioethanol. There are no diesel models. When driving on the highway, the Active Fuel Management system switches off half of the cylinders to save fuel. Switching on and off occurs in just 2/100 of a second, which is unnoticeable for a person. There are two gearboxes - 6-speed (6L80) and 8-speed (8L90) automatic.

GMC Yukon 2015, back view

Salon Chevrolet Tachoe, 2015 year

Trunk Chevrolet Tachoe, 2015 year

Fifth generation (GMT T1YC; 2020–present)

The fifth generation of the SUV was shown in December 2019 in Detroit, and production began in May 2020. In the same year, updated twins GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade were presented. The rear drive axle and leaf springs were replaced with an independent rear multi-link suspension with coil springs, thereby increasing the space in the cargo compartment. The length of the body increased and the dimensions of the car were: length 5352 mm, width 2060 mm, height 1923 mm, wheelbase 3071 mm and curb weight of 2500 kg. There were three trim levels - the base LS, LT and Premier, while the trim levels are represented by the Z71, RST and High Country packages.

The instrument cluster and entertainment system have been redesigned, moving away from the traditional design. It includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen that is standard on all trim levels and two 12.6-inch rear LCD screens that can play movies and display content from passengers' smartphones. Nine cameras monitor the surroundings for enhanced towing and parking capabilities, and a total of 30 additional safety features have been implemented. Adaptive Air Ride suspension is standard.

There are two petrol engine options available, both 8-cylinder V-shaped with a capacity of 5.3 litres (5328 cm³, L84, 355 hp) and 6.2 liters (6162 cm³, L87, 420 hp). For the first time in Tahoe history, a 3.0-liter turbocharged Duramax diesel engine was installed (2993 cm³, LM2, 277 hp). The transmission is presented only by one option - a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Chevrolet Tachoe 2020, side view

Chevrolet Tachoe 2020, interior

Chevrolet Tachoe 2020, trunk