Chevrolet Tahoe vs. Toyota Sequoia - Comparison

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe

The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full sized SUV available in base LS, LT and top-of-the-line LTZ trim levels.  It is available in four-wheel drive and seating configurations for up to nine occupants. The Tahoe competes with other full-size SUVs. For 2009, the Tahoe gets an optional 6.2-liter V-8, a six-speed automatic on certain models and a standard three-passenger third-row seat.

Driving the Tahoe

A 4.8-liter V-8 is standard on two-wheel-drive Tahoes. Optional on two-wheel-drive Tahoes and standard on four-wheel-drive versions is a 5.3-liter V-8 with better fuel efficiency thanks to the cylinder-deactivation feature. Both of the larger V-8s have the capability to run on regular gasoline or E85. When properly configured, the Tahoe can tow up to 8,400 pounds.  The strong frame, wide track, coil-over-shock front suspension and multi-link live axle rear suspension combine to make the vehicle handle well for a large SUV.  

Tahoe Cabin

The Tahoe has a cabin with a car like feel; a curvaceous dashboard and flush-mounted buttons. Two rows of seats hold up to six occupants, with a third row increasing total seating capacity to nine. The second-row seats fold either manually or with an optional power-operated mechanism, but they must be raised manually. The third row is removable.  With both rows stowed, maximum cargo volume is 108.9 cubic feet, which beats the Armada and Durango and nearly ties the Expedition. With the third-row bench in place, cargo volume falls to 16.9 cubic feet

Chevy Tahoe Design

The 2009 Tahoe's large headlights flank a wide grille split by a thick horizontal member with a large Chevy bowtie logo. Base models have black exterior moldings, while LT models add body-colored moldings and fog lights. The Tahoe LTZ features chrome body-side moldings and new chrome accent rear moldings. An available Z71 offroad package adds unique exterior details including large color-keyed fender flares and a chrome front grille insert. The Chevy Tahoe is 202 inches long and 79 inches wide.

Safety Features

Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes are standard on the Tahoe, as is OnStar and an electronic stability system that features rollover mitigation technology, which senses impending rollovers and applies individual brakes in an attempt to keep the Tahoe on all four wheels.

2009 Toyota Sequoia

The 2009 Sequoia is Toyota's largest SUV, and it was redesigned for 2008. Competitors include the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition and Nissan Armada. Changes are relatively minor for 2009. A flex-fuel model that can run on E85 has been added, but only on one model: the four-wheel-drive Sequoia with the 5.7-liter V-8. Flex-fuel models are only sold in states that haven't adopted California's emission standards. Toyota's Star safety system comes standard on all models.  The 2009 Toyota Sequoia is packaged in three grades: SR5, Limited and Platinum. Platinum comes standard with the 5.7-liter V8 and six-speed automatic. Eight-passenger seating is standard; Platinum seats seven. The Sequoia is available with a choice of two V-8 engines, including a 5.7-liter V-8 that makes 381 horsepower. When properly equipped, the Sequoia can pull 10,000 pounds.

Drive and Handling for 2009

Rear-wheel-drive Sequoias get an EPA-estimated 14/17 mpg city/highway with the 4.7-liter V-8 and 14/19 mpg with the 5.7-liter V-8. Four-wheel-drive Sequoias, meanwhile, achieve 13/16 mpg with the smaller V-8 and 13/18 mpg with the larger one, showing that more powerful powertrains don't always get worse gas mileage.  In everyday driving, the suspension is surprisingly compliant for a vehicle built to carry heavy loads and the Sequoia is easy to control.

Inside the Sequoia

The Sequoia can seat up to eight people in its three rows of seats.  Seating comfort for rear-row passengers is a design priority.  The interior is designed with generous seats, big armrests, and lots of storage for passengers, plus an optional entertainment system for long trips. The second row slides out of the way when you lift a lever, making it easy to get to the third-row seats. Large air conditioning knobs dominate the middle of the dash.  The 2009 Sequoia even has ample cargo room behind the third row, and even more if you fold it down. When the seat is folded flat, large baggage or cargo can be loaded without removing the seat. It is a well-organized cargo area, even having tow hooks that can hang grocery bags. There is an optional power full-flat mechanism for the third row seat that becomes standard in Limited models.

Sequoia Design

The 2009 Sequoia is designed in a two-box shape, but it doesn't have bump strips on the side doors and more subtle fender flares, like older models did. Like the Toyota Tundra pickup truck, the Sequoia has a large chrome grille.  From the side, large, strong-looking door handles are apparent and easy to use.  The rear doors now open 10 degrees wider for easier child seat and passenger access and have three detents, instead of two.




In the Tahoe and Sequoia we find two big SUVs with size as their biggest advantage.  The 2009 Chevy Tahoe offers lots of cargo space, comfortable passenger accommodations, and a big towing capacity. It's a full-size truck and handles like one, but the Tahoe offers a smooth ride and a pleasant interior. For more information on the Tahoe, click here.  The Chevrolet Tahoe is a purpose-built, full-size four-door, family-oriented SUV. A sharp, precise driving feel, Active Fuel Management engine technology, and enhanced safety features make it a popular choice among full-size SUVs. The 2009 Toyota Sequoia is built in America to satisfy North American conditions: big roads and wide open spaces. There is plenty of power in reserve for towing and hauling, and a roomy, comfy interior. Read here for more details on the Sequoia.  Obviously larger than the previous model, the Toyota Sequoia is now definitely full size.  The 2009 Chevy Tahoe starts at $36,965 -$51,400, and the Sequoia's starting MSRP is $34,150 - $55,600.