Overview
The 2022 Chevy Tahoe is about as versatile as large SUVs come, with minivan-like passenger accommodations and pickup-rivaling towing capabilities. Chevy’s second largest three-row ute—the separately reviewed Suburban is the first—offers three engine options: a standard 355-hp V-8, a stouter 420-hp V-8, and a diesel six-cylinder with a stump-pulling 460 pound-feet of torque. The Tahoe’s diverse trim levels include the rugged Z71 for tackling rough terrain and the more glamorous High Country. Too bad the latter costs as much as premium alternatives, such as the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, but it’s not nearly as luxurious. The Tahoe’s polarizing mug might push some shoppers into the GMC Yukon, but the rest will respect its popular tech features and impressively quiet cabin.
What’s New for 2022?
For 2022, Chevy makes some tweaks to the Tahoe lineup. The 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 is now available on the RST, Z71, and Premier trim levels. The off-road-oriented Z71 adds an electronic limited-slip differential, too. Every Tahoe except for the base LS now features a customizable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The infotainment system on the LT and up have also been enhanced with Google’s voice assistant, maps, and app store. The Tahoe’s previously short list of standard driver assists grows with the addition of automatic high-beams, front and rear parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, and more. The ability to access up to 13 different camera views is now available, with specific views for trailering. GM’s Buckle to Drive feature is now standard and prevents shifting out of park unless the driver and front passenger (if there is one) are buckled. The Tahoe’s paint palette now includes metallic colors such as Auburn, Dark Ash, and Evergreen Gray.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We think the mid-level RST and Z71 models hold the best value, with the former being flashier and the latter being geared toward adventurous folk. We prefer the Z71’s standard four-wheel drive, rugged appearance, and exclusive off-road equipment. We’d also upgrade from the standard 5.3-liter V-8 to the newly available 6.2-liter V-8, which brings an extra 65 horsepower and 77 pound-feet of torque. Our Z71 would also be equipped with the Z71 Signature package, which includes a whole host of desirable features. The highlights include blind-spot monitoring, a heated steering wheel and second-row seats, memory settings, a panoramic sunroof, a power-folding third row, and upgraded towing equipment.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Tahoe has been powered by a V-8 for its entire life, and that continues for the latest generation. However, its standard 355-hp 5.3-liter and available 420-hp 6.2-liter blocks are joined by a diesel 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. While it has the least horsepower of the three, its 460 pound-feet of torque matches that of the bigger V-8. Every Tahoe is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or all-wheel drive. We tested the off-road-oriented Z71 model with the standard V-8, which also has a two-speed transfer case that provides traditional four-wheel drive, 20-inch wheels wrapped with all-terrain tires, and underbody protection. Our example had adequate acceleration, a firm brake pedal, and an impressively quiet cabin at highway speeds. The Z71 package also brings air springs (that allow the Tahoe’s ride height to be automatically and manually lowered or raised) and adaptive dampers, which are standard on the upper-echelon Premier and High Country. The latter and the RST model both ride on glitzy 22-inch rims for added curb appeal.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The most fuel-efficient Tahoe features the available diesel engine, with ratings of 21 mpg city and 28 highway. The standard 5.3-liter V-8 is estimated to be slightly thriftier in the city than the optional 6.2-liter V-8, but both are rated at 20 mpg on the highway. We tested a diesel-powered Tahoe on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and observed 27 mpg. For more information about the Tahoe’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
This latest generation Tahoe boasts its biggest interior yet, with what feels like acres of space compared with the outgoing model. Its previously cramped third row adds about 10 inches of legroom, and the second-row seats now slide fore and aft to provide much needed flexibility. Adults can now sit comfortably in the far back. The Tahoe’s interior packaging also provides a lower and flatter load floor thanks to its independent rear suspension; the cargo area with the second and third rows folded balloons to 123 cubic feet. And we managed to fit six carry-on suitcases behind the third row. While we like that Chevy replaced the old column shifter with a push-button-and-slider setup, the motorized, retractable center-console lid seems gimmicky, especially since the control switch is located on the roof. Thankfully, the rest of the Tahoe’s interior ergonomics are less egregious.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Placated passengers translate into relaxing road trips, and the Tahoe’s robust infotainment and connectivity features help ensure that translation. Every model is outfitted with a 10.2-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. In addition to its myriad interior charging ports, the three-row Chevy offers a powerful Bose audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with two 12.6-inch displays mounted behind the front seats.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Chevy offers several high-tech towing assists in addition to its loaded roster of standard driver-assistance technology. For more information about the Tahoe’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Although Toyota offers better complimentary maintenance, Chevy’s limited and powertrain warranty are identical to every other full-size SUV in its class.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit