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Get your money’s worth but choose the right SUV. There are plenty of older three-row SUVs available, but there’s one in particular that will last forever. See why the Chevrolet Tahoe is the best-used three-row SUV under $15,000. 

The Chevy Tahoe is the best-used three-row SUV under $15,000 

According to AutoBlog, the Chevy Tahoe is the best-used three-row SUV for under $15,000 and based on personal experience, this checks out. 

These reliable model years include 2000 – 2006 and I know a 2001 Tahoe in Clemson, South Carolina that’s pushing 400 miles with ease. It had an engine pulley replaced and the air conditioning fixed during my time with it. (but eww Tigers, go GAMECOCKS) 

These beasts have reliable General Motors small block V8 engines under the hood. The 4.8-liter V8 engine cranks out 275 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque. With the 5.3-liter engine, you get 285 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. 

The 2026 Chevy Tahoe driving on the highway
2026 Chevy Tahoe | Chevrolet

The average Tahoe model from the second generation is expected to surpass 250,000 miles. But with regular care and proper maintenance, it can reach over 300,000 miles. 

If you drive an average of 15,000 miles per year, then your 2000 – 2006 Tahoe could provide about 17 years of service on the road. 

With the smaller engine, you can tow up to 7,900 lbs, and with the 5.3-liter engine you can tow up to 8,700 lbs. The Tahoe might be underrated as a work SUV. 

For families, the Chevy Tahoe can fit up to nine passengers. It also provides up to 63.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 104.6 cubes overall. 

Plus, the seats easily fold flat to create a level loading floor. I used a 2001 Tahoe to move massive items, like dressers, large TVs, and a queen-sized mattress. It’s pretty versatile. If you need something bigger, check out the Suburban, it’s six inches longer than the Tahoe. 

It could be time to seriously consider the best three-row SUV for under $15,000!

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Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.