DecodedCars2006 Chevrolet Tahoe
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV RWD Ls/Lt
- Engines
- 4.8L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive, 2-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 14 city / 19 hwy
- Length
- 198.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,978 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 16 MPG combined, 13% below the 2006 SUV - average of 18.3 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (4.8L 8-cyl and 5.3L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel or all-wheel drive and 2-wheel drive.
It measures about 199 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,978 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 19 highway), 13% worse than the 2006 SUV - average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,200 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 Tahoe — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Tahoe →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV RWD Ls/Lt | 198.8 in | 78.7 in | 76.4 in | 116.5 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,978 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahoe 1500 2WD | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -13% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Tahoe 1500 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -13% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Tahoe 1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -18% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Tahoe 1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -12% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Tahoe 1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 2-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 15 | -18% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Tahoe 1500 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -18% | $4,800 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser | 13 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2006 Ford Explorer | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 GMC Yukon | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Ford Expedition | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Dodge Durango | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Electrical System · Feb 11, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V070000 · 22 vehicles
- Problem
- Monroe Truck Equipment (Monroe) is recalling certain model year 2006, 2008 and 2009 Chevrolet C7500 vehicles, 2005-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles, and 2009 Ford F-350, and F-450 vehicles, equipped with Sure Power-brand battery equalizers or DC-DC converters containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specific potting compound used in the subject products for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.
- Risk
- Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Monroe will notify owners, and Sure Power will replace the equalizers or converters, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2014. Owners may contact Monroe at 1-608-328-8127.
Not every 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 9 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 5 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 3 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 130,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Tahoe years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Tahoe | 24 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Tahoe | 24 | 210.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 27 |
| 2025 Tahoe | 24 | 210.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 51 |
| 2024 Tahoe | 24 | 210.6 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 69 |
| 2023 Tahoe | 24 | 210.6 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 233 |
| 2022 Tahoe | 24 | 210.6 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 197 |
| 2021 Tahoe | 24 | 210.6 in | ★★★★★ | 16 | 461 |
| 2020 Tahoe | 18 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 57 |
| 2019 Tahoe | 18 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 109 |
| 2018 Tahoe | 19 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 105 |
| 2017 Tahoe | 19 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 174 |
| 2016 Tahoe | 19 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 10 | 257 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →