Chevrolet Tahoe

Name: 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe
Brand: Chevrolet

EPA MPG: 17 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 17 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

This revised version of the Tahoe has its good points, but the SUV remains a big hulk that handles clumsily and thirsts for gasoline. On the upside, it delivers readily available power, rides pretty well, its cavernous cabin stays quiet and it offers generous second-row seating. The six-speed automatic transmission also brings some improvement in acceleration and fuel economy. Towing heavy loads is another forte. However, handling is clumsy -- though ultimately secure. Interior quality is pretty good, but unimpressive for the class. The third-row seat is barely usable and doesn't store out of sight. Test results also apply to the GMC Yukon.

2012 SUVs Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

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2004

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2007

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2009

2010

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2012

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2015

2016

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2018

2019

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2021

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2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2012 Large SUVs Ratings

2012 Chevrolet Tahoe

$6,675 - $10,550

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Suburban

$8,375 - $10,975

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Dodge Durango

$6,800 - $10,250

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Ford Expedition

$3,975 - $9,225

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Ford Flex

$5,800 - $7,300

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 GMC Yukon

$7,025 - $10,475

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 GMC Yukon XL

$8,050 - $9,825

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Nissan Armada

$6,375 - $8,200

EPA MPG 14 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Sequoia

$12,050 - $16,725

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

3 front, 3 rear, 3 third

4WD, Rear

5.3-liter V8 (320 hp)
6-liter V8 hybrid (332 hp)

6-speed automatic
CVT

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2021-Present

Current Generation

The new for 2021 Tahoe enters the modern era with an independent rear suspension that improved ride comfort, handling and third-row room. This is a massive vehicle that’s very functional, comfortable and high-tech. The standard 5.3-liter V8 is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and together the powertrain supplies plenty of predictable uninterrupted power. The ride is comfortable but steadier in the Premier trim. Handling is rather ponderous but secure. The enormous cabin is eerily quiet. Controls are mostly straightforward to use except for the tricky gear selector which was replaced with a more traditional style shifter for 2025. It's a big step to get into the Tahoe and the tall hood cuts forward visibility. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection are standard. Updates for 2022 include standard lane keeping assistance and lane departure warning. The 2025 Tahoe received a refresh. Among significant changes introduced were a revised interior with a larger 17.7-inch infotainment screen, a more powerful diesel engine, and a new front fascia. 2025 models also gain standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection that functions at highway speeds, standard adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The latest version of GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system and features to aid with trailer towing are also available.

2015-2020

2015 Redesign Year

The 2015 redesign brought a sumptuous and quiet interior, power folding second- and third row seats, and optional advanced safety features like forward-collision and lane-departure warnings. Beyond that, it's pretty much your tried-and-true Tahoe, with a 5.3-liter V8 and a six-speed automatic transmission. If your budget permits, the LTZ's Magnetic Ride Control package significantly improves the Tahoe's emergency handling, as well as ride quality. The LTZ also brings blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. If you plan to frequently tow a big trailer, get the Max Trailering Package with its built-in trailer brake controller and 3.42 rear-axle ratio. We found it makes a minimal difference in fuel economy. Changes for 2016 included optional Apple CarPlay capability, a head-up display, and lane-keeping assist.

2007-2014

2007 Redesign Year

The 2007 redesign brought a better ride and steering, along with an improved interior. The powertrain remains strong, though unrefined. The third-row seats lack thigh support and don't fold into the floor, eating up cargo room. Handling is cumbersome, stopping distances are long, and fuel economy -- though improved over earlier models -- is poor. However, the highway ride is comfortable and the first two rows of seats are spacious. Curtain airbags are standard, as is a six-speed automatic transmission.

2000-2006

2000 Redesign Year

This full-sized SUV offers impressive towing and an absorbent low-speed ride. However, it offers little cargo space behind the raised third row and the ride deteriorates on the highway. Fit and finish are unimpressive and the third-row seat is very tight. Handling is imprecise, steering is vague, and the brakes are so-so. However, on the plus side, 4WD models have a full-time system that can remain engaged indefinitely and electronic stability control (ESC) was made standard for 2002.