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What Tahoe has the most horsepower?

The Chevrolet Tahoe’s most powerful variant is the one equipped with the 6.2-liter V8 engine, producing 420 horsepower (with about 460 lb-ft of torque). Other available powertrains—the 5.3-liter V8 and the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel—offer lower horsepower figures.


Powertrain overview


Chevrolet offers three primary engines in the Tahoe lineup for recent model years: a 5.3L V8, a 6.2L V8, and a 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel. Each engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and shapes performance, towing capability, and efficiency across trims.


Engine options and horsepower


Here are the horsepower figures for the current Tahoe engine lineup to compare power levels across options.



  • 5.3L V8: 355 horsepower

  • 6.2L V8: 420 horsepower

  • 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel: 277 horsepower


In short, if maximizing horsepower is the goal, the Tahoe with the 6.2-liter V8 is the peak option, followed by the 5.3-liter V8 and then the diesel when considering horsepower alone.


Performance implications


The numbers tell part of the story: the 6.2L V8 not only delivers the highest horsepower but also about 460 lb-ft of torque, which translates to stronger acceleration and robust towing capability. The Duramax diesel emphasizes high-torque efficiency and long-range economy, while the 5.3L V8 offers a balanced blend of power and everyday usability.


Summary


For the maximum horsepower in the current Tahoe lineup, choose the model equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine, rated at 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine is available on higher trims, making it the most powerful option among the Tahoe’s gasoline offerings. The 5.3L V8 and the 3.0L Duramax diesel provide appealing alternatives depending on priorities like efficiency or towing needs.

Which Tahoe model is the fastest?


The fastest Chevy Tahoe model is the RST Performance Edition, which can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.78 seconds. It achieves this with a high-performance 6.2L V8 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a chassis and suspension tuned for better handling, a significant upgrade over other models. 
This video provides a detailed review of the 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe RST Performance Edition: 59sW.T.F Car ReviewsYouTube · Jan 10, 2025

  • Performance metrics: It has a 0–60 mph time of approximately 5.78 seconds and a top speed of 124 mph. 
  • Engine and drivetrain: It features a 6.2L V8 engine producing 433 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. 
  • Chassis and suspension: The Performance Edition includes police-spec springs, chassis calibration, and a slightly lowered ride height for improved handling and stability. 
  • Braking: It comes equipped with larger Brembo brakes to handle the increased speed. 

You can watch this video to see a test drive of the 2025 Chevy Tahoe RST Performance Edition: 1mW.T.F Car ReviewsYouTube · Dec 20, 2023



What Chevy Tahoe has the most horsepower?


Engine Options
But there's an optional diesel 3.0L inline-six with 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque. The High Country is powered by a 6.2L V8 with a trim-best 420 horsepower. All engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.



Which is better, Tahoe LT or LTZ?


The main difference is that the LTZ trim level includes more standard luxury, comfort, and technology features than the LT trim. Key LTZ upgrades include perforated leather seats (heated and ventilated front seats), an upgraded Bose audio system, Magnetic Ride Control, and advanced safety features like Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert. The LT is a well-equipped mid-range trim that still offers comfort features like leather seats and a power liftgate.
 
This video explains the differences between the Suburban LT and LTZ trims: 40sNext LVL Auto SalesYouTube · Sep 24, 2022
LT vs. LTZ features

Feature LT Trim LTZ Trim
Seating Leather-appointed front seats Perforated leather-appointed front seats with heated and ventilated options
Audio Standard audio system Bose® CenterPoint® Surround sound ten-speaker audio system
Wheels Standard 17-inch or optional 20-inch Standard 20-inch polished aluminum
Mirrors Power-folding Power-folding, auto-dimming driver's side mirror with integrated lights for blind spot monitoring
Safety Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist Advanced safety package with Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front and Rear Park Assist
Suspension Standard suspension Magnetic Ride Control
Power Standard features Power-sliding center console
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This video provides a tour of a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ: 58sCCV TVYouTube · Jan 21, 2025
Which one should you choose?
  • Choose the LT if: You want a comfortable and well-equipped mid-range option that provides the essentials without all the premium features. It still offers luxury options like leather seats and a power liftgate. 
  • Choose the LTZ if: You want the most luxurious and tech-focused Tahoe experience, with more premium materials and advanced features as standard. The LTZ provides the highest level of comfort and convenience features. 



Which Tahoe has 420 HP?


Standard V8 Engine
Four-wheel drive is optional and comes standard on the off-road-ready Z71 model. An even more powerful 6.2-liter V8 is available for the RST, Z71, and Premier trims with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a new 3.0-liter turbo-diesel option for the Z71 offers 305 hp and an incredible 495 lb-ft.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.