2009 Chevrolet Tahoe - Quality Review

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For a big, truck-based SUV that makes no pretenses of being a luxury vehicle, the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe is surprisingly smooth, refined, and comfortable.

Kelley Blue Book notes that the 2009 Chevy Tahoe has "definitely moved up a notch or two when it comes to interior refinement and luxury, as befitting a vehicle that can cost $40,000 or more," also commenting that their reviewers were "struck by the Tahoe's quiet cabin and its inviting, upscale interior." More praise flows in from Car and Driver reviewers who feel that the interior graining pattern "wouldn't look out of place in a BMW" and point out that "gaps between parts have shrunk to just about nothing, and the Tahoe [they] drove was squeak- and rattle-free." The interior quality of the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe also receives praise from Edmunds reviewers, who declare that "the newest Tahoe boasts attractive, high-quality materials and tight build quality." That opinion is affirmed in other reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, such as one from Consumer Guide, which reports "assembly quality on all models tested shows strong attention to detail," adding that "most interior materials feel high-grade, though soft-touch surfaces are scarce."

In order to increase cargo volume, Car and Driver points out that you can fold "the third row forward" or "remove the row, although each section of the two-piece bench weighs 65 pounds." In addition to the rear storage, Consumer Guide states that "cabin storage is enhanced by [a] large center console bin" and "roomy door pockets in front." Consumer Guide says cargo room in the 2009 Chevy Tahoe is "spacious with two rows of seats," but that falls to only "adequate for a single row of grocery bags behind the 3rd-row seat." In terms of hard numbers, Cars.com reports "with both rows stowed, maximum cargo volume is 108.9 cubic feet," but "with the third-row bench in place, cargo volume falls to 16.9 cubic feet."

Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com are very positive when it comes to front- and middle-seat comfort. Consumer Guide says the "seats are supportive" and there is "generous headroom and legroom," especially up front. Cars.com says the front "two rows of seats hold up to six occupants, with a third row optional on lower trims and standard on the LTZ" that boosts maximum passenger capacity to nine. Inside the 2009 Chevy Tahoe, Forbes Autos suggests that "four or five burly individuals can be seated in comfort with generous leg and head room" in the front two rows.

Regarding the third row in the Chevrolet Tahoe 2009, reviews indicate it's probably better left to kids (or pets), and Car and Driver contends the third row is "strictly for the SpongeBob set." Consumer Guide agrees, reporting the third row's "low-to-floor cushion forces knees-up discomfort" on adult passengers.