2018 Chevrolet Tahoe Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

A long-running American staple equally beloved by parents, outdoorsmen, and government agents, the Chevrolet Tahoe is a very American vehicle in design and execution. Seven spaces of seating, a large well-built frame, and a full set of convenience and luxury equipment has made the Tahoe a top choice for many drivers over the years.

One of the few remaining SUV models that have not been turned into crossovers, the Tahoe uses its size and high ground clearance as an advantage to deliver a comfortable ride and a solid degree of handling both off-road and in inclement weather.

The current Chevrolet Tahoe was fully redesigned last in 2015, but it has seen a number of incremental upgrades since then. The changes for 2018 have been the biggest since then, with the introduction of a new, stronger V-8 engine that is optional on the top trim level.

Tahoe is relatively unique among Chevrolet trucks, as it only comes in three trim levels, though that is not a negative as far as its versatility is concerned. Each trim level can also be customized thanks to a number of optional packages, ranging from styling updates to improved off-road capacity and luxury technology options.

This guide will go over each trim level, including what it offers and the options that are available with it, in order to help drivers determine which Tahoe they should buy of the various options that are available to them.

Compare the 2018 Tahoe LS vs LT Trims. What is the difference?

The base LS trim level of the Tahoe is still quite nicely appointed by the standards of other vehicles. It includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, three rows of seats, three-zone automatic climate control, LED running lights, and rear parking assist.

It also comes with an advanced MyLink infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hotspot with a 4G LTE connection, six speaker audio, and an impressive five USB ports. Rear-wheel drive is standard, as is the 5.3-liter V-8 and a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is an option.

Other major optional packages include the Enhanced Driver Alert package and the Custom package. The Enhanced Driver Alert package adds a forward collision warning with low speed automated braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, smart headlights, and the Safety Alert Seat.

The Custom package actually reduces the cost of the vehicle, as it deletes the third row. It also adds a chrome grille insert and special wheels. Other options include a trailering package and the Midnight appearance package, which can only be included with a Custom package model.

For a roughly $5,000 jump in MSRP, the Chevrolet Tahoe LT adds leather upholstery to the first two rows of the model, as well as adding a number of other upscale touches. The front seats are heated, powered, and have a memory function. The liftgate is also powered and can be programmed. Other additions standard on the LT include the Enhanced Driver Alert Package and a 9-speaker sound system by Bose.

The LT offers two major feature packages and a wide selection of appearance packages for the model. The Luxury Package adds push-button start with smart entry, heated second-row seats and outside mirrors, a power-folding third row, power-adjustable steering column with memory and a heated steering wheel, a hands-free liftgate, fog lights, front and rear parking assist, and blind spot monitors with rear cross traffic alert.

The Sun, Entertainment, and Destinations package adds a moonroof, rear seat entertainment, and a navigation system. The appearance packages available include the Texas package, which adds Texas-based styling to the Luxury Package, as well as the Signature and Midnight editions, or the performance-styled RST Edition.

Between them, the two first trim levels of the Chevrolet Tahoe cover almost the full range that most other models cover. As such, the decision for buyers is not just which model to choose, but also which packages they want. The LS, especially with the optional active safety features, is likely to satisfy anyone who is not particularly set on having leather and the advanced comfort features, which are all included in the Tahoe LT.

Meanwhile, buyers aiming for a more high-end driving experience can opt for the LT and add the Luxury Package for a truck that will easily match most mid-range luxury models. And while the various appearance packaged don’t necessarily add much to the value of the model, many Tahoes come pre-equipped with one or another appearance package, making them hard to avoid for anyone who prefers not to order one directly from the factory.

The Custom option on the LS may be attractive for buyers on a budget, but the Tahoe is really aimed at drivers who need six or seven seats in their car. With only five seats, there are better alternatives that cost less.

Compare the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe LT vs Premier Trims. What is the difference?

The king of the Tahoe lineup, the Premier comes pretty close to its brand relative Cadillac Escalade in terms of driver and passenger comfort. The Premier comes loaded up with high-intensity headlights, front seats with climate control and power adjustments, 20-inch wheels, fog lights, blind spot monitors with rear cross traffic alert, push button start with smart entry, power-folding second and third rows of seats, and magnetic ride control suspension. It also includes both the Luxury Package from the LT and the Enhanced Driver Alert package from the LS.

The Premier offers a similar set of appearance packages as the LT, and it also includes an additional RST 6.2L Performance Package. It upgrades the engine to the stronger 6.2-liter V-8 and the transmission to a 10-speed automatic. It also comes with a performance tuneup for the magnetic suspension and a two-speed transfer case for all-wheel drive models. It is only available on models that also include the RST Edition appearance package. Sun, Entertainment, and Destinations package from the LT also makes an appearance on the Premier specification sheet.

The Tahoe Premier is a very significant upgrade over the LT model, and comes with an appropriately impressive set of optional features. While it adds little in the way of safety or technology features, it can’t be beaten when it comes to passenger comfort and convenience.

The upgraded engine on the RST package comes at a very high premium, and its extra 65 horsepower are unlikely to make a difference to anyone outside of dedicated performance enthusiasts or drivers who plan on towing some serious loads.

With or without the upgraded engine, the Premier Tahoe is likely to be too much car for a typical driver, though it is perfect for those who need its specialized luxury and performance features and can afford the price.

Final Thoughts

Despite only offering three trim levels, there are a lot of options to choose from in the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe lineup. Most buyers are likely to end up with either an LS or LT model, as the Premier is a very expensive vehicle, especially when fully optioned.

The LS, even in its base version, is a very nicely equipped car and will be sufficient for many drivers as-is. The LT is a solid upgrade on top of it, opening up the way for some truly great convenience and technology features on top of a strong set of standard equipment. The Tahoe Premier is the choice when it comes to high-end luxury and performance.

Between these three models, almost all price ranges and buyer motivations are covered, so choosing the perfect Tahoe is just a matter of finding the right combination of trim and options. 

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