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2020 Chevrolet Tahoe

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 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: FFV, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best): 18 combined · 15 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 22.8% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
Emergency braking not standardAutomatic emergency braking is optional or limited to some trims.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2020 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 18 MPG combined (15 city / 23 highway), 8% worse than the 2020 standard SUV average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 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 57 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2020

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 Tahoe — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Tahoe →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–5.3L 8-cyl

Engine–6.2L 8-cyl

Transmission6-speed automatic

DriveAWD/4WD

Seating7–8 seats · 3 rows

Trims

LTPremierLS

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingSome trims

Forward collision warningSome trims

Blind-spot monitoringSome trims

Rear cross-traffic alertSome trims

Lane departure warningSome trims

Lane keeping assistSome trims

Adaptive cruise controlOptional

Backup cameraStandard

Automatic high beamsStandard

Adaptive driving beamSome trims

Keyless startSome trims

Built in: Arlington, Texas

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 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 FFV	5.3L 8-cyl	Automatic 6-spd	Rear-Wheel Drive	15 / 22 / 18	-8%	$3,700	505
Tahoe C1500 2WD	5.3L 8-cyl	Automatic 6-spd	Rear-Wheel Drive	15 / 22 / 18	-8%	$3,700	505
Tahoe C1500 2WD	6.2L 8-cyl	Automatic 10-spd	Rear-Wheel Drive	14 / 23 / 17	-13%	$4,850	517
Tahoe K1500 4WD	5.3L 8-cyl	Automatic 6-spd	4-Wheel Drive	15 / 21 / 17	-10%	$3,950	525
Tahoe K1500 4WD FFV	5.3L 8-cyl	Automatic 6-spd	4-Wheel Drive	15 / 21 / 17	-10%	$3,950	513
Tahoe K1500 4WD	6.2L 8-cyl	Automatic 10-spd	4-Wheel Drive	14 / 22 / 17	-10%	$4,850	527

3/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)

3/10EPA greenhouse gas score

Spend $6,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car

19.5 MPG2020 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

Version	Overall	Frontal	Driver / passenger	Side	Side pole	Rollover	Rollover risk
2020 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV 4WD	★★★★★	★★★★★	4★ / 4★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	21.9%
2020 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV RWD	★★★★★	★★★★★	4★ / 4★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	22.8%

StandardElectronic stability control

OptionalForward collision warning

OptionalLane departure warning

Frontal crash test — 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.

Side crash test — 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2020 standard SUVs

Model	Best MPG / range	NHTSA overall	Recalls
2020 Chevrolet Tahoe (this car)	18 MPG	★★★★★	3
2020 Toyota Land Cruiser	14 MPG	Not rated	0
2020 Ford Explorer	28 MPG	★★★★★	35
2020 Toyota Highlander	36 MPG	★★★★★	5
2020 Kia Telluride	23 MPG	★★★★★	7
2020 GMC Yukon	18 MPG	★★★★★	4
2020 Ford Expedition	19 MPG	★★★★★	18

Recalls (3)

Tires · Feb 25, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V115000 · 33,838 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Nov 21, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V837000 · 502 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.
Risk: Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192283991.

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.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

57Complaints to NHTSA since 2015

4Involved a crash

0Involved a fire

8Injuries reported

16,000 miTypical mileage at failure

Engine14

Power Train14

Electrical System11

Service Brakes6

Steering5

Unknown Or Other5

Air Bags4

Fuel/Propulsion System3

Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe buyer's checklist

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
Engine — 14 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
Power Train — 14 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 16,000 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 2020 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
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
2015 Tahoe	18	203.9 in	Not rated	16	651

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →