The 2009 Chevy Tahoe comes in LS, LT, LTZ, and Hybrid trim levels. All those are available with rear-wheel drive (2WD) or Autotrac four-wheel drive (4WD). An XFE (extra fuel economy) package is available on LS and LT 2WD. The base 4.8-liter uses a four-speed automatic transmission, the Hybrid a four-speed EVT, and all others use a six-speed automatic.
Tahoe LS ($36,965) and LS 4WD ($41,025) come with cloth upholstery; dual-zone manual climate control with rear controls; split front bench seat; six-way power driver's seat; 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat; 05/0 split-fold third row; tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls; cruise control; intermittent wipers front/rear; power locks, windows and heated mirrors; remote keyless entry; side assist steps; AM/FM/CD stereo with eight speakers; XM satellite radio; Bluetooth; automatic headlights; theft-deterrent system; roof rails; front recovery hooks; trailer hitch platform with seven-wire harness; one year of OnStar service; and P265/70R17 tires on alloy wheels.
Tahoe LT1 ($39,315) and LT1 4WD ($42,165) get the 5.3-liter V8; six-speed automatic transmission; rear headphone jacks and audio controls, power front bucket seats with console; fog lamps; color-matched door handles; five power outlets; 18-inch wheels and tires; and roof rail cross bars. Going to an LT2 2WD ($41,840) or 4WD ($44,690) adds three-zone automatic climate control; six-disc audio system; adjustable pedals; rear park assist; remote start; and universal garage door opener.
Tahoe LTZ ($48,550) and LTZ 4WD ($51,400) upgrade to perforated leather front seats, heated and cooled; heated second row seats; driver memory system; Autoride suspension; power liftgate; power-folding reverse-tilt mirrors; auto-dimming inside and driver's side mirrors; chrome trim; Bose Centerpoint audio system; locking differential; rain-sensing front wipers; and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with 275/55R20 tires. Available only on LTZ is a 395-hp 6.2-liter V8 ($1095) and Side Blind Zone Alert system ($500).
Hybrid ($50,455) and Hybrid 4WD ($53,260) are equipped between LT2 and LTZ. It does not have roof rails, fog lamps, tow hooks, or a separate glass-opening on the liftgate. Hybrid mechanicals are warranted for eight years or 100,000 miles. Hybrid models come with a navigation system with rearview camera, locking rear differential, and P265/65R18 low-rolling resistance tires on alloy wheels. The Hybrid uses a 6-liter V8 gas engine and electric drive system contained within the transmission that rate 332 hp and 367 lb-ft of torque.
The XFE economy package is available on 2WD LS and LT Tahoe 5.3-liters and adds 1 EPA mile per gallon for about $200 with no loss in rated tow capacity. The package includes a 3.08:1 axle ratio, light alloy wheels with low-rolling resistance high-pressure tires, lowered suspension, alum front control arms and spare wheel, locking differential, and trailering package.
Options are myriad, dependent on model and other equipment, and frequently cheaper by the package. For 2009, navigation ($2500) is available on LT1 and includes the rearview camera. Options include polished aluminum 20-inch wheels ($1795-$1995); three-zone climate control upgrade ($195); audio system upgrades; and a Luxury package for LT2 ($3,085) with Bose nine-speaker sound, auto-dimming inside and driver mirrors, power folding exterior mirrors with turn signals and reverse-tilt, heated first- and second-row seats, 10-way power front seats, driver's seat memory, and a power liftgate. Other options include a moonroof ($995); retractable side steps ($1095); trailer brake controller ($200); rear DVD entertainment ($1295); Z71 Off-Road package for LT ($1830); second-row bucket seats ($490) and engine block heater ($75). Tahoes that come with second-row buckets can be ordered with a 60/40 second-row bench at no charge, and larger wheels can often be downsized to standard 17-inch at no cost for bad roads, tire chains, and so on.
Safety features include dual-stage front airbags; full-coverage head-protecting curtain side airbags with rollover sensors; four-wheel antilock brakes; StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation; LATCH child safety seat anchors; OnStar; and a tire pressure monitor. Optional safety features include rearview cameras and rear park assist, both of which we highly recommend to help the driver spot small children and people when backing up. We recommend wearing your seat belt.