“My 2016 Tahoe is the nicest, most comfortable and fun to drive SUV I've ever owned. I have become a lifetime fan of Tahoe and will own one forever. I highly recommend them.”
2016 Chevrolet Tahoe: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe is its updated 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. This is a light equipment update rather than a redesign, with added safety features on some trims and the same 5.3-liter V8 and 6-speed automatic.
About the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe
4th generation (2015-2020), second model year
Chevrolet positioned the Tahoe as a full-size SUV that blends family space, towing strength and a quieter, more upscale cabin than older truck-based SUVs. Its core appeal is simple: V8 power, real towing ability, room for lots of people and cargo, and a more polished interior than many buyers expect in a body-on-frame SUV. For many shoppers, it is the shorter, easier-to-park alternative to a Suburban without giving up the big-SUV feel.
The Commercial trim is the work-focused Tahoe, while LS is the practical family-and-towing version with tri-zone climate control and a trailering hitch. LT adds heated leather seats, Bose audio and more driver-assistance features. LTZ is the upscale model, with a smoother Magnetic Ride Control suspension, navigation, heated and cooled front seats, and added blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Commercial, LS, LT and LTZ switched from flexible-fuel compatibility to gasoline. The 5.3-liter V8 and 6-speed automatic carried over.
Safety
LT made Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist, the Safety Alert Seat and automatic high beams standard. LS gained an Enhanced Driver Alert package with forward-collision, lane-keeping and automatic high-beam features.
Tech
The Tahoe range gained an updated 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, along with broader USB-port and household-style power-outlet access. Navigation became standard on LT and LTZ, LS gained a standard tilt steering wheel, and LTZ added premium display options including a head-up display and a larger configurable gauge display.
2016 Chevrolet Tahoe specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 355 hp | 355 hp | 355 hp | 355 hp |
| Torque | 383 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 8600 lb | 8400 lb | 8400 lb | 8400 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 94.7 cu-ft | 94.7 cu-ft | 94.7 cu-ft | 94.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 24.8 in | 24.8 in | 24.8 in | 24.8 in |
| Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Power Side Steps | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Video Input | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Memory Pedals | ||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe?
The biggest change is the updated 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay across the Tahoe range. Chevrolet also expanded safety and convenience equipment on individual trims.
Was the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe redesigned?
No, the 2016 Tahoe was not redesigned. It was the second model year of the fourth-generation Tahoe introduced for 2015, so its basic body, structure and overall layout carried over.
Did the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe get a new engine?
No, the 2016 Tahoe kept the 5.3-liter V8 and 6-speed automatic from 2015. Its trims switched from flexible-fuel compatibility to gasoline.
Which 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe trims have Apple CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay is included with the updated touchscreen interface on the 2016 Commercial, LS, LT and LTZ trims.
What safety equipment changed on the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LT?
The 2016 Tahoe LT made Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist, the Safety Alert Seat and automatic high beams standard. These features were part of Chevrolet's expanded driver-assistance equipment for the year.
2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe.
4.4
2016 Chevrolet Tahoe
(220 reviews)
“That it is a dependable and durable vehicle which will maintain a high resale value if properly cared for.”
“If this Tahoe performs for as well and as long as my previous one did, I would highly recommend you take a very serious look at the Tahoe. It is just as at home in the city as it is well up into the mountains on rugged or non-existing roads. It will take you safely to adventurous sites and bring you and your family back home again time after time - safely!”