carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 8 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $58,286–$70,861 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe SL at 7.0/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.1/10, while Value at 6.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.0/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.1/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.0/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Technology scores 6.7/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $58,286–$70,861, 10 MPG, seating 8, the Chevrolet Tahoe SL sits in the premium tier of the suv category. The value score of 6.1/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe SL is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in technology and value hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe SL ranks #2010 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 18% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $58,286 starting price is about 62% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the Tahoe SL model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.4/10 | $78,993 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $76,693 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.4/10 | $74,392 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.4/10 | $72,091 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.2/10 | $69,790 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.2/10 | $67,489 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.1/10 | $65,188 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.2/10 | $62,887 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.1/10 | $60,587 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 7.0/10 | $58,286 | |
| 2015 | 7.0/10 | $55,985 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Chevrolet models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.