DecodedCars2018 Chevrolet Tahoe
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV RWD
- Engines
- 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7–8
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 16 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 203.9 in
- Curb weight
- 5,309–5,545 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 83 rows of seating.
Watch out for
- Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 22.9% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 13 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (5.3L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 204 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,545 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 23 highway), 3% worse than the 2018 standard SUV average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 105 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2018
- Engine added: 6.2L 8-cyl
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Tahoe →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Arlington, Texas
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Tahoe configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 203.9 in | 80.3 in | 74.4 in | 116.1 in | 68.1 / 68.1 in | 5,545 lb | 52/48 |
| 4dr SUV RWD | 203.9 in | 80.3 in | 74.4 in | 116.1 in | 68.1 / 68.1 in | 5,309 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 C1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | -3% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Tahoe C1500 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | -3% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Tahoe K1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -4% | $3,700 | 497 |
| Tahoe K1500 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -4% | $3,700 | 497 |
| Tahoe K1500 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 22 / 17 | -9% | $4,850 | 523 |
| Tahoe C1500 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 23 / 17 | -13% | $4,850 | 517 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 22.9% |
| 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 22.2% |
Similar 2018 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe (this car) | 19 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Ford Explorer | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2018 GMC Yukon | 19 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Ford Expedition | 20 MPG | ★★★★★ | 14 |
| 2018 Nissan Pathfinder | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Dodge Durango | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
Recalls (3)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · Oct 1, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V603000 · 14,620 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist.
- Risk
- A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2020. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-522-9559, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N202300860.
Service Brakes · Oct 24, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V761000 · 652,967 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
- Risk
- Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · Sep 6, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V645000 · 3,456,719 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
- Risk
- As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Not every 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 20 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 20 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Service Brakes — 16 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 42,500 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 2018 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 | 28 |
| 2025 Tahoe | 24 | 210.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 52 |
| 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 |
| 2017 Tahoe | 19 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 174 |
| 2016 Tahoe | 19 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 257 |
| 2015 Tahoe | 18 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 16 | 651 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →