I drove the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe for a week — it’s the ultimate 'everything' SUV for large families

When you need maximum passenger accommodations, you need to look at 3-row SUVs because they’re increasingly being favored over traditional mini-vans like the Kia Carnival. The Chevrolet Tahoe is one of them, offering ample seating for up to 8 people (7 with the trim I tested).

After driving the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe RST 4WD trim for a week, including through a snow storm, it’s the people mover I didn’t think I needed. Even though it might be overkill for some people, I understand the utility it offers by bridging the best features of an SUV and pickup truck.

Not only will I tell you exactly what I like and don’t like about it, but I’ll also how the Tahoe compares to other comparable 3-row SUVs I’ve tested, such as the Genesis GV80 and Cadillac Escalade IQ.

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2026 Chevrolet Tahoe: Specifications

2026 Chevrolet Tahoe: Test summary

Not surprisingly, the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe RST 4WD is your typical gas guzzler — so expect to refill it constantly if you drive long distances. Chevrolet has this trim rated for 16 mpg, but in my week’s worth of driving it 347.1 miles, I delivered a better-than-expected 17.1 mpg average. Considering it’s a full-size SUV, it’s actually pretty good for something that has room to fit 7 passengers.

Against another 3-row seater, the 2026 Genesis GV80, the Chevrolet Tahoe benefits from a much more comfortable ride for everyone — including the third row, where it feels super cramped in the GV80. The GV80 is technically smaller as a mid-size SUV, but it feels and looks way more luxurious.

If you’re not keen about paying fuel costs to fill up the Tahoe’s hefty 24-gallon gas tank, I would recommend looking at the Rivian R1S. It’s one of the best electric cars around and has a better ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) than the Tahoe. Don’t get me wrong, Super Cruise Control is pretty reliable, but the other pressing matter is the long term savings you’d get from charging the Rivian R1S.

2026 Chevrolet Tahoe: What I like

Spacious three-row seating

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Few vehicles can match the spaciousness that the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe RST 4WD. In addition to the ample legroom found with the front seats, the second row features captain’s chair styled seats complete with dedicated armrests and the ability to recline.

There’s a small gap in between those seats, which gives access to the third-row bench. The only other SUVs I’ve driven that offer just as much room are the Cadillac Escalade IQ. If you look at the photo above, you can see the staggering amount of legroom for the third row.

Massive trunk space

Most 3-row seaters tend to sacrifice trunk space, but the Chevrolet Tahoe doesn’t. With the third row seats up, I’m able to easily stow my electric scooter and JackRabbit OG2 Pro ebike. Usually I’d have to pull down the third row in other vehicles to accommodate them, but not this.

Speaking of extra room, you can fold down the rear seats to make even more room for larger sized packages. It’s very possible to fit a refrigerator into the vehicle this way, which is a luxury I’d only be able to do with full-size pickup trucks like the GMC Sierra EV and Chevrolet Silverado EV.

Reliable super cruise control

Just like other GM cars I’ve driven, Super Cruise Control is something I love to activate while driving on the highway. That’s because it takes your typical cruise control system and makes the experience somewhat automated by applying the necessary braking and acceleration to maintain cruising speed.

When there’s busy road conditions, I like how it reacts accordingly to vehicles entering my lane by applying gentle brakes. If enabled, the Tahoe can automatically overtake slower cars by switching lanes and then coming back — although, I much prefer activating the turn signals to make it switch lanes for me.

Neat startup light sequence

I’m a sucker for startup light sequences because they’re small details that make a vehicle stand out. Chevrolet doesn’t disappoint here with the Tahoe RST 4WD, as the Advanced Technology Package includes a dazzling light show whenever I approach the vehicle with the key fob in hand.

Tons of premium features

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On top of the utility of it comfortably carrying people around, there’s plenty of premium features thrown into this trim. They include a head-up display that gives me driving directions right on the windshield, 360-degree cameras that make parking a breeze, a powered panoramic sunroof, rearview mirror camera monitor, 10-speaker Bose sound system, and much more.

2026 Chevrolet Tahoe: What I don't like

Long term fuel cost is staggering

Gas prices are surprisingly low for most of the country at the moment, but it can’t offset the amount of money you’ll end up spending refueling the Tahoe. Currently, it’s $2.76 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline where I’m at — so it would end up costing about $66.24 to refill it.

Range is no worry for the Tahoe since it can easily get 400 miles with a full tank, but there’s no escaping the hefty sum you end up paying. The cost for driving it at 1,000 miles a month for 10 years comes out to $19,482, which doesn’t factor in inflation. In contrast, the Rivian R1S would cost about $11,616 for the same period by charging it at home.

Can be challenging to drive

Due to its immense size, the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe RST 4WD is very challenging to drive — plus it doesn’t help that it's super tall as well. This combination made me very cautious driving it through tight tunnels and cramped parking lots. Of course, it’s something I eventually got used to, but it does have a higher learning curve to accurately judge your corners.

2026 Chevrolet Tahoe: Verdict

Families will undoubtedly benefit the most from the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe RST 4WD, thanks in part to its spacious three-row seating. At the same time, those seats can be folded over to make room for more trunk space to give it the same utility you’d find in minivans and pickup trucks.

I know that fuel costs will be the biggest thing you’ll need to budget for if you get the Tahoe, but it might be worth it to some people who value the commanding presence on the road and the robust safety feel that heavy-duty SUVs provide.

Personally, the design strays too utilitarian for my liking — lacking the sportier, more refined style I tend to crave. But despite that, I can't overlook how the Tahoe makes for a comfortable ride for everyone including all the conveniences and cool tech that make it the ultimate long-distance road tripper for large families.

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