Do Tahoes have Allison transmission?
No. Tahoes do not use Allison transmissions. Chevrolet Tahoe models rely on GM-built Hydra-Matic automatic transmissions, with older generations using four speeds and newer ones offering six or more gears depending on the year and engine.
The question often comes up because Allison Transmission is a well-known supplier for many heavy-duty vehicles. However, the Tahoe is a light- to mid-size SUV, and GM outfits it with its own Hydra-Matic family rather than Allison gearboxes. Allison transmissions are typically found in GM’s heavy-duty trucks and certain commercial applications, not in the Tahoe lineup.
What transmission does the Chevrolet Tahoe use?
Transmission technology evolved across Tahoe generations. Here is a simplified guide by era.
- 1990s to early 2000s: GM used four-speed automatics in the 4L60-E family (with some variants like the 4L80-E for certain configurations).
- Mid-2000s to early 2010s: GM transitioned to six-speed Hydra-Matic automatics (such as the 6L60/6L80 family) in most Tahoe models.
- Late 2010s to present: GM continues with Hydra-Matic transmissions, offering six to higher speeds (the exact configuration varies by engine and trim) as part of GM’s ongoing transmission updates.
In short, none of these Tahoe transmissions are Allison-branded. Allison transmissions remain associated with GM’s heavy-duty trucks and certain commercial applications, not with the Tahoe SUV.
Where Allison transmissions are typically used
Allison Transmission is a separate supplier known for heavy-duty automatic transmissions used in many commercial trucks, buses, and military vehicles. In General Motors terms, Allison has historically been installed in GM’s heavy-duty pickups with Duramax diesel engines (e.g., Silverado/Sierra 2500HD/3500HD), but not in the Tahoe or other light- to mid-size SUVs.
Summary
Bottom line: Tahoes do not use Allison transmissions. They rely on GM’s Hydra-Matic automatic transmissions, which have evolved from four-speed units in earlier models to six- and higher-speed configurations in more recent generations. For Allison-branded gearboxes, look to GM’s heavy-duty trucks rather than the Tahoe family.
What type of transmission does a Tahoe have?
Most Tahoes ship with a V-8 engine under the hood—either a 355-hp 5.3-liter or a 420-hp 6.2-liter—both mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Which Tahoe to stay away from?
Tahoes made from 2010 to the present are a reasonably safe bet, except for the 2015 model year. What are the worst Chevrolet Tahoe years? CarComplaints data says you'll want to avoid the 2003-2005 Tahoe, the 2007-2009 Tahoe with the 5.3-liter V8 engine, and the 2015 Tahoe, as owners complain much more about these.
Which chevys have Allison transmissions?
Ever since 2001, heavy-duty Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras have worn badges bragging of their Allison transmissions.
When did Chevy stop using Allison transmission?
Chevy will stop using the Allison Transmission badge on its Silverado HD (2500 and 3500) trucks after December 31, 2025, due to a licensing agreement expiring. However, the underlying 10-speed transmissions in these heavy-duty trucks are built by GM and will remain the same; only the branding will change. Chevrolet's medium-duty trucks (4500, 5500, and 6500) will continue to use genuine Allison transmissions.
- HD pickups: Chevy will stop putting the "Allison Transmission" badge on new Silverado 2500 and 3500 models produced after December 2025.
- Internal transmission: The 10-speed automatic transmission in these heavy-duty trucks is made by GM and will not change. It will simply be rebranded.
- Medium-duty trucks: The Silverado 4500, 5500, and 6500 medium-duty trucks will continue to use true Allison transmissions and branding after December 31, 2025.
- Branding changes: Starting in 2026, dealers will have to remove the Allison branding from existing unsold inventory and will not be able to create new marketing materials with the Allison logo.
