Tahoe K2XX vs GL / GLS X166 (GL / GLS): which is better?
Chevrolet Tahoe K2XX (2014–2020) vs Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X166 (GL / GLS) (2012–2019): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Chevrolet Tahoe K2XX
Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X166 (GL / GLS)Specifications
| Chevrolet Tahoe K2XX | Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X166 (GL / GLS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2014–2020 | 2012–2019 |
| Body | SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 6.2 V8 | 4.7 V8 Biturbo (GL500) |
| Power, up to | 409 hp | 435 hp |
| Torque, up to | 623 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 5 181 mm | 5 120 mm |
| Width | 2 045 mm | 1 934 mm |
| Height | 1 890 mm | 1 850 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 946 mm | 3 075 mm |
| Fuel tank | 98 L | 100 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 521 425 ₸ | ≈ 510 925 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Chevrolet Tahoe K2XX
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 409 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 98 L
Cons
- GM 6T30/6T40/6T45 etc. gearbox: 3-5-R clutch pack wave spring failure (6T40/6T45)
Gearbox (GM 6T30/6T40/6T45, etc.): broken wave spring in the 3-5-R clutch pack (6T40/6T45); jerks when the valve body wears.
Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X166 (GL / GLS)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 435 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 100 L
Cons
- Engine Mercedes M254/M256/M276/M278/M176: complex engines, expensive to repair
- Gearbox Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9): control board failure (speed sensors)
Engine (Mercedes M254/M256/M276/M278/M176): engines are complex and expensive to repair; oil leaks and chain issues occur on M276/M278 at high mileage.
Gearbox (Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9)): control board failure (speed sensors); valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- GL / GLS X166 (GL / GLS) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Tahoe K2XX or GL / GLS X166 (GL / GLS)?
Tahoe K2XX: up to 409 hp, GL / GLS X166 (GL / GLS): up to 435 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Tahoe K2XX — about 521 425 ₸, GL / GLS X166 (GL / GLS) — about 510 925 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.