The Chevrolet Tahoe finds itself in an interesting place, as the all-new 2018 Chevy Traverse crossover is bigger, less expensive, and does a better job at hauling people. But there’s something about a truck-based SUV, as opposed to a crossover, that remains highly attractive. So, Tahoe gets a few minor changes and updates for the 2018 model year that mirror those of the 2018 Chevy Suburban.
Exterior
On the outside, the 2018 Tahoe swaps the Champagne Silver Metallic color for Satin Steel Metallic. It also makes LED Daytime Running Lamps standard on the LS and LT trim levels.
The previously-announced Tahoe RST (Rally Sport Truck) appearance package is added to the LT (1LT) and Premier (1LZ) trim levels, and includes:
- 22″ Gloss Black aluminum wheels with custom silver inserts
- Front and rear black bowties
- Unique Gloss Black Sport grille with body-color surround
- Body-color door handles
- Body-color headlamp accents
- Black mirror caps
- Black beltline moldings
- Black roof rails
- Black nameplate badging
Interior
Inside, the 2018 Chevy Tahoe deletes the Cocoa / Mahogany interior color combination in conjunction with Pepperdust Metallic exterior color. It also does away with Wireless/Inductive Phone Charging on the Luxury Package or the Texas Edition Package on the LT trim level.
Packaging
On the packaging side, the 2018 Tahoe adds a Custom Edition package for the LS trim level, which includes:
- 18″ painted aluminum wheels
- P265/65R18 all-season blackwall tires
- Chrome grille insert (LPO)
The package also deletes the third row passenger seat.
In addition, the 2018 Tahoe adds various standard and optional features to the Fleet/Commercial (1FL) trim level, including:
- Addition of steering wheel-mounted audio, cruise and Driver Information Center controls as standard on 1FL trim level; the features were not available for the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe
- Replacement of single-color Driver Information Center with 4.2-inch diagonal multi-color Driver Information Center as standard equipment on 1FL trim level; it was not available in 2017 model year
- Addition of LED Daytime Running Lamps as standard equipment
- Addition of HD Radio as standard on 1FL trim level; it was not available for the 2017 Chevy Tahoe
- Replacement of IO3 AM/FM stereo with CD player with IO5 Chevrolet MyLink Radio with 8-inch diagonal color touch-screen as standard on 1FL; the IO5 radio was not available on the 1FL trim level in the 2017 Chevy Tahoe
- Addition of Enhanced Driver Alert Package as an option with the 1FL trim level; the package was not available for the 2017 model year Tahoe 1FL, and includes:
- Power-adjustable pedals
- Forward Collision Alert
- IntelliBeam headlamps
- Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking
- Lane Keep Assist
- Safety Alert Seat
Mechanical
Mechanically-speaking, the 2018 Tahoe remains powered by the 5.3L L83 V-8 engine with Active Fuel Management/Cylinder Deactivation, Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing. The mill makes 355 horses (265 kW) @ 5600 rpm and 383 pound-feet of torque (518 Nm) @ 4100 rpm. The Small Block V-8 is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Interestingly, the order guide makes no mention of the Tahoe Performance Package, which includes the 6.2L V-8 L86 engine, the new GM 10-speed automatic transmission, and specifically-tuned Magnetic Ride Control.
Lastly, the 2018 Tahoe adds Tire Fill Alert to the Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
New Model Coming Soon
We expect that the next Chevy Tahoe on the GM T1 platform will launch for the 2020-2021 model year, making the all-new model right around the corner. As such, any major features not introduced in the 2018 Tahoe will likely not be seen until the introduction of the all-new model.
Assembly
The 2018 Chevy Tahoe is built at the GM Arlington factory in Texas alongside other GM SUVs on the GM K2 platform, including the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban, 2018 GMC Yukon, 2018 GMC Yukon XL, 2018 Cadillac Escalade and 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV.
The updates and changes described here are specific to the U.S. market and may be different for other markets.
More Information & Reporting
- Chevrolet Tahoe info
- Chevy Tahoe sales numbers
- Chevy Tahoe news
Comments
So it’s just some stuff standard on fleet?
Correct, the fleet model gets a lot of new standard features… outside of the other changes mentioned.
I’m so ready to order a Chevy Tahoe RST 6.2. when will it be available? It keeps saying coming soon, but soon only have the 5.3. LOL
We do not like the look of the side back window in the 2018 Tahoe. Looks like a funeral car.
Standard headlights are not very bright on my 2018 Tahoe. They give off a yellow looking light. Not a good look next to the bright led driving lamps. My sons 2016 Silverado has much better lighting. You would think for this kind of money Chevrolet could come up with something brighter.