2013 Chevrolet Tahoe

For 2013, the Tahoe is carried over with no major updates other than three new color options, including Champagne Silver Metallic, Concord Metallic, and Blue Ray Metallic. The transmission has also been updated and now allows engine braking in both regular and towing modes. The Chevrolet Tahoe competes with other truck-based SUVs like the GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition, and Nissan Armada. 

For 2013, the Chevrolet Tahoe continues to be available in three trim levels, starting with the base LS trim with a price tag of $40,405 and $44,465 for the RWD and AWD variants, respectively. Standard features include 17-inch aluminum wheels, front bucket seats with power adjustability, 8 passenger seating with bench seats in the middle row, premium cloth upholstery, tri-zone climate control, and satellite radio.

Upgrading to the LT model gets you the option of comfortable captain's seats in the middle row, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, power-adjustable pedals, heated front seats, and a capable 9-speaker audio system from Bose. Customers looking for even more luxury can opt for the range-topping LTZ model which includes captain seats as standard, perforated leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, an updated infotainment system with navigation, power tailgate, and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels.

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Since the Tahoe comes well equipped right from the base LS model with features like tri-zone air conditioning, satellite radio, premium cloth seats, power-adjustable front bucket seats, and more, it should be adequate for most customers. Chevrolet also offers plenty of options to choose from, including front bench seats, which will increase the passenger capacity to 9. The more luxurious LT model is priced at $5,000 more, making the LS trim the best value for money option of the lot.

Regardless of the model you choose, the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe continues to get a 5.3-liter V8 engine producing 320 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque as standard. The engine is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. The optional four-wheel-drive system adds around $3,000 to the base price and is available with either a traditional two-speed or single-speed transfer case without low-range gearing.

Performance is adequate for its size, and the Tahoe sprints to 60 MPH in just 8.4 seconds and crosses the quarter-mile in 16.3 seconds. With some options, the maximum towing capacity stands at 8,500 pounds. The Tahoe is also available with a hybrid powertrain for customers looking for best-in-class efficiency. Despite the bulk, the Tahoe picks up pace surprisingly well, providing quick response and acceleration. The Tahoe also handles well for a full-size SUV with a good balance between ride quality and handling. 

Opting the Z71 pack will also add a lot of off-road-ready features, including upgraded shocks, aggressive tires, skid plates, and an automatic locking differential. While performance is average across the board, the Nissan Armada is the quickest, followed by both the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. When comparing the price tag, GMC Yukon comes out to be the most expensive option in the segment.

As expected, with a massive 5.3-liter V8 under the hood, the Chevrolet Tahoe returns a decent 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway, which results in a combined mileage of 17 mpg. Surprisingly, the four-wheel-drive model returns identical figures to the rear-wheel-drive model. The fuel capacity is adequate at 26-gallons, giving the Tahoe a highway range of 546 miles.

Both the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon share the same drivetrain and return a best-in-class combined rating of 17 MPG. The Ford Expedition takes the second spot, followed by the Nissan Armada. When comparing the overall range, the 2013 Ford Expedition with its 28-gallon tank offers the best in class range of 448 miles combined, which is only 6 miles extra than the GM twins which hold the second spot.

With no updates to the interior, the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe gets a rugged and borderline luxury interior with plenty of wood trims and high build quality. Customers have a choice of three seating configurations. The base LS model gets an 8-seater configuration as standard, with front bench seats available as an option, upping the seating capacity to 9. Similarly, the LT model also gets an 8-seater configuration as standard, however, it also gets optional captain seats in the middle row. The range-topping LTZ model gets a 7-seater configuration as standard, with second-row bench seats available as an option. The interior layout is good, with well-placed controls and a column-style shifter.

The seats offer plenty of support, but unfortunately, the Tahoe lacks telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, making it harder to find the ideal driving position. Like most full-size SUVs, the third-row seats are cramped for adults with limited headroom and legroom. Cargo space is limited to just 16.9 cubic feet with all the seats up, and the 50/50 split third-row seats cannot be folded flat, and have to be removed to increase cargo area to a maximum of 109 cubic feet.

Both the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe can seat up to 9 passengers, and the Tahoe offers slightly more passenger space in the third row. Compared to the GM twins, the Nissan Armada manages to provide more space in the third row by compromising first and second-row space to an extent. The Ford Expedition is the most cramped SUV in comparison, with less space in all three rows. Some standout interior features include:

• 12-way power-adjustable front bucket seats
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Heated and cooled front-row seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Power-remote liftgate
• Power-adjustable pedals

How intuitive is the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe’s infotainment unit?

The lower trims of the Tahoe get a basic infotainment system with features like Bluetooth connectivity, USB, satellite radio, CD player, and a 6-speaker audio system. The range-topping LTZ trim gets an updated touchscreen infotainment system with built-in navigation, SiriusXM NavTraffic, and a 10-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround sound system. A lot of these features are also available as an option on the LT trim with a 9-speaker Bose audio system. Chevrolet also provides a rear-seat DVD player with an LCD color display in the second and third-row seats as an option on both LT and LTZ trims. Some standout features include:

• Touchscreen infotainment system with navigation
• Satellite radio with traffic updates
• Rear-seat DVD player with LCD
• 10-speaker Bose surround-sound system
• Satellite radio
• Bluetooth and USB connectivity
• CD player

Other than a few new color options, the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe continues to get a rugged and bulky design that can easily be termed handsome. From the front, the typical Chevrolet two-slat grille is flanked by edgy headlights and an imposing front hood with strong character lines. From a distance, the Tahoe fits the typical boxy SUV proportions. Rugged elements like flared wheel arches, subtle cladding, and dark roof rails improve the look further. Higher trim levels also get big 20-inch aluminum wheels and several other exterior features like chrome door handles and assist steps.

With a wheelbase of just 116 inches, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon are more compact than rivals like the Ford Expedition and Nissan Armada. However, the Tahoe gets the highest ground clearance of 10.5-inches, making it more capable off-road. When comparing the curb weight, Ford Expedition is the heaviest option in the competition at 5,550 lbs. Some notable exterior features include:

• 20-inch polished aluminum wheels
• Automatic headlights with DRLs
• Power-assist steps with chrome accents
• Roof-mounted luggage rack with side and center rails
• Chrome door handles

Although the IIHS hasn’t put the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe through its safety tests, yet it managed a 5-star overall rating in the NHTSA safety tests, making it a very safe SUV. Chevrolet includes plenty of standard safety features with the Tahoe, but active safety features are limited to the range-topping LTZ model which gets side blind zone alert and a standard rear-vision camera. Other notable features include a tire pressure monitoring system and GM’s OnStar connected services. Some standard safety features include:

• OnStar connected services
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control
• Rear vision camera
• Blind zone alert (LTZ trim)

With plenty of space on offer and a practical cabin, the Chevrolet Tahoe is still one of the remaining truck-based full-size SUVs that is renowned for its rugged and dependable nature. While a crossover might suit a regular family, the Tahoe should be considered if you’re in the market for a traditional full-size SUV with decent off-road capabilities and good towing capacity. While there are some misses like third-row space and limited cargo area, the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe will still satisfy most customers despite the higher prices.