We are in 2020, and if you planned to put down for a brand new Chevrolet Tahoe, the 2021 model is going to cost you upwards of $65,000, jetting 420 horses. Not everyone can afford these monies in the topsy-turvy world amidst the pandemic and all the economic upheavals.
How about a used Chevy Tahoe? And we say that with earnestness because of all the SUVs we have come across, the 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe shines like a beacon in the used car lot, with far more advantages than disadvantages and glowing reviews from past and present owners. Do remember to avoid the 2015 Chevy Tahoe, though, because not everything that glitters is gold.
There are plenty of great cars in the market that lose their sparkle on the used car lot, especially once past their warranty. The 2010 Tahoe isn’t one of them. This full-sized 8-9 seater and major hauler holds on to its value well and will offer many thrilling rides and trips even if you buy it preloved. Its hardy, tough, and as macho an SUV can get without spilling into the pickup truck territory.
Here’s why the 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe is the best-used SUV for now, and why it's worth your time and money.
The Sheer Capability Of The Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe is an all-rounder. It can haul and carry a lot in comfort and take on bad terrain and mountain roads with indefatigable ease. There are other good SUVs around, of course, think Ford Flex, Honda Pilot, and even the Chevrolet Traverse. But while they can do some of it, they cannot do it all.
A 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe can seat nine people. Or remove the last row seats (sadly, you cannot fold them down) and you suddenly have a lot more cargo space, 109 cubic feet of that ups the Dodge Durango even if it cannot match up to the Ford Expedition.
It's capable of towing 8,500 pounds, even if you are going up and down hills on a regular basis. Of course, the Tahoe makes more sense if you do a lot of road trips, have a big family or lots of kids and pets, and tend to go camping now and then. There are bigger haulers than the Tahoe, namely the Ford Expedition and the Toyota Sequoia, but then again, these cross into the humongous territory and should be bought only if truly needed.
The three rows of the Tahoe make it a perfect family car, with enough space for kids and pets to stretch out if need be. Or just fill it up with extended friends and family and you are still ready to go. Since it can also haul the favorite family camper behind, what more do you need from a family SUV that also won’t pinch your pocket much?
Another plus for the Tahoe: the 2021 model has been picked up as a police patroller as well. So there's that cool factor again.
The Features That Make Us Love It
For 2010, the engine choices are simple, because there is only one. A 5.3-liter V8 powers the Tahoe with 320 horses and 335 ft-lb torque along with a standard six-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive models are optional with the 4WD coming with a two-speed transfer case or a single-speed unit.
It goes 0-60 mph in a flat 8.5 seconds even in the 4WD models, despite weighing in at 5,500 pounds. The EPA-estimated fuel economy is 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway, fairly decent numbers for a 2010 model of this size.
The 2010 Tahoe also comes equipped with stability control, antilock disc brakes, and front and side curtain airbags receiving good safety scores in crashes. Some have found the steering and the handling a bit too flimsy, but the Tahoe provides a soft and cushy ride, along with a 39-feet turning circle that makes it easy enough to handle tight corners. Most find it fairly comfortable to drive and be in as a passenger, plus there’s the maneuverability to consider as well, something the bigger SUVs tend to lose out on.
Even the interiors are a lot better than what is expected from the 2010 Chevy SUV with solid build and quality materials. The dashboard is nice with the entertainment system placed just right for easy access.
Even More Plus-Plus
The 2010 Chevy Tahoe comes in three trims, and there’s also a Z71 option which makes your Tahoe even more off-road capable. With this, the Tahoe turns into a full-fledged 4X4 and retains a 4 on a 5 reliability rating from JD Power and a perfect 5/5 from Cars.USNews, making it just about the perfect used SUV to have.
A 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe, depending on the trims and packages, as well as the number of miles on it falls between $6,000 and $22,000 making it a fairly reasonable buy for anyone looking to get a used SUV that's perfect for a family.
Who knows, you might even strike a better deal with the current market conditions weighing in on sales.
Sources: JDPower, Cars.USNews