2012 Chevrolet Tahoe: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe is a light update rather than a redesign. Its main change is a standard stability system that adds trailer sway control and hill start assist across the lineup.
About the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe
3rd gen (2007-2014), late-cycle year before the later all-new 2015 redesign.
Chevrolet pitched the Tahoe as a full-size SUV for buyers who needed real towing strength, three-row space, and the higher driving position of a truck-based utility vehicle without giving up everyday comfort. Its core appeal was big-family and towing duty: room for up to nine passengers on some versions, a strong V8, available 4WD, and a cabin with more upscale materials and tech than a basic work truck. The Hybrid added better city fuel economy without changing the Tahoe’s big-SUV mission.
The 2012 Tahoe ranges from the utility-focused LS to the more comfortable LT and luxury-oriented LTZ. The LT has leather-appointed seating and heated front seats, while the LTZ adds heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and blind-spot warning. The Hybrid pairs a 6.0-liter V8 hybrid system with leather-appointed seating and an updated touchscreen navigation system.
What changed, by category
2012 Chevrolet Tahoe specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter | V8, Hybrid, 6.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 320 hp | 320 hp | 320 hp | |
| Torque | 335 lb-ft | 335 lb-ft | 335 lb-ft | 367 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5200 lb | 8200 lb | 8200 lb | 5900 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 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 |
| Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Video Input | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Memory Pedals | ||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe compared with the 2011 model?
The biggest change is the addition of trailer sway control and hill start assist across the lineup. The LT also gains standard heated front seats, the LTZ makes blind-spot warning standard and adds a heated steering wheel, and the Hybrid receives an updated navigation system.
Was the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe redesigned?
No, the 2012 Tahoe was not redesigned. It remained part of the third generation introduced for 2007 and received a light safety, comfort, and technology update.
Did the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe get a new engine?
No, the 2012 Tahoe did not receive a major powertrain change. LS, LT, and LTZ models retain the 5.3-liter flex-fuel V8 and six-speed automatic, while the Hybrid keeps its 6.0-liter V8 hybrid system.
What towing-related features were added to the 2012 Tahoe?
Trailer sway control and hill start assist were added across the 2012 Tahoe lineup. Trailer sway control helps settle a swaying trailer, while hill start assist briefly holds the vehicle when starting on a slope.
Which 2012 Tahoe trims received new standard equipment?
The LT gains standard heated front seats, and the LTZ makes blind-spot warning standard while adding a heated steering wheel. The Hybrid also receives an updated standard navigation system with a 7-inch touchscreen, USB input, and recording capability.