2009 Chevrolet Tahoe: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe is the arrival of fuel-economy-focused XFE trims. This is not a redesign, but it brings meaningful lineup and powertrain updates, including wider use of a six-speed automatic and a 6.2-liter V8 option for LTZ.
About the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
3rd gen (2007-2014), third model year; notable powertrain and trim expansion rather than a redesign.
The 2009 Tahoe is Chevrolet’s traditional full-size SUV: big passenger space, strong towing ability, V8 power, and a truck-based chassis for buyers who need more capability than a large crossover can offer. Chevrolet positions it as a do-it-all family and towing vehicle, with room for up to nine in some trims, available 4WD, and a wide spread from basic utility to near-luxury LTZ comfort, plus a Hybrid for buyers who still want a full-size SUV with better city fuel economy.
The 2009 Tahoe lineup ranges from the straightforward LS to the comfort-focused LT and upscale LTZ, which has leather, heated and cooled front seats, Bose audio, and a power liftgate. XFE models emphasize better highway fuel economy, while the Hybrid pairs a 6.0-liter V8 with two electric motors and includes touchscreen navigation, a rearview camera, and leather seating.
What changed, by category
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 4.8 Liter / V8, 5.3 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter | V8, 5.3 Liter / V8, 6.2 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter | V8, Hybrid, 6.0 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD | 2WD | 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Hybrid | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel |
| MPG City | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 12–14 mpg | 21 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19–20 mpg | 20 mpg | 19–20 mpg | 22 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 295–320 hp | 320 hp | 320–395 hp | 310 hp | 310 hp | |
| Torque | 305–340 lb-ft | 340 lb-ft | 340–417 lb-ft | 367 lb-ft | 335 lb-ft | 335 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 8500 lb | 8200 lb | 8200 lb | 6200 lb | 8500 lb | 8500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 108.9 cu-ft | 108.9 cu-ft | 108.9 cu-ft | 108.9 cu-ft | 108.9 cu-ft | 108.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 25.6 in | 25.6 in | 25.6 in | 25.6 in | 25.6 in | 25.6 in |
| Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Power Side Steps | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Video Input | ||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Memory Pedals | ||||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe?
The biggest change is the addition of LS XFE and LT XFE models focused on improved fuel economy, especially during highway driving. They retain the Tahoe’s three-row utility while using a 5.3-liter V8, six-speed automatic, and efficiency-minded gearing.
Was the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe redesigned?
No, the 2009 Tahoe was not redesigned. It remains part of the third generation introduced for 2007, with the year’s updates centered on trims, transmissions, engines, and third-row seating.
What does XFE mean on a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe?
XFE identifies the 2009 Tahoe models tuned for better fuel economy, with the main emphasis on highway mileage. The LS XFE and LT XFE use a 5.3-liter V8, six-speed automatic, and efficiency-focused gearing while keeping three-row SUV utility.
Did the 2009 Tahoe get a six-speed automatic transmission?
Yes, six-speed automatic use expanded to more 2009 Tahoe models with the 5.3-liter V8. It is also part of the new LS XFE and LT XFE setups.
Did the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid change?
No major mechanical change was made to the Tahoe Hybrid for 2009. It continues with a 6.0-liter V8, two electric motors, three-row seating, touchscreen navigation, and a rearview camera.