2021 Chevrolet Tahoe vs Suburban

If you have already made the decision to purchase a full-size Chevrolet SUV, you have already made a great decision. Derived from a brand known for its reliability and durability, Chevrolet models are renowned for going the extra mile for drivers when others would simply give up. The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban are favored models that are well liked among consumers. These large SUV models are big, bold, and full of energy to take you wherever you need to go. Capable of pulling double duty as a commuting vehicle and a partner for family adventures, these SUVs have all the space and amenities you need to travel safely and stay entertained along the way.

One of the most difficult decisions to make is the evaluation of two similar models. Such is the case when buyers compare the attributes of the vastly similar 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. Both SUVs look much alike, garner the same interior attributes, and rely on identical engine styles. Yet, they different in a few ways that can make noticeable differences to potential buyers. Many shoppers enjoy the power of these two SUV models, but they also appreciate the extra space for passengers and cargo within the cabin, too. Built upon the same platform the Chevrolet Silverado truck series is constructed one, buyers get the benefit of a strong and durable frame as the foundation of the Chevrolet Tahoe and the Chevrolet Suburban.

Size and Styling

The exterior size and styling of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe versus that of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban are some of the most notable variations between these two SUVs. Although they each seat eight or nine passengers within their interior, the overall length of these two models varies. The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban is enhanced with a longer wheelbase. As a result, the Suburban has a longer body and a lengthier interior than the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban spans a length of 225.7 inches, while the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe comes in a bit shorter with a length of 210.7 inches. This provides the Suburban with a more definitive stance on the road.

An increase in length for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban also means it creates more space for passengers within its cabin, too. While both the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and the 2021 Chevy Suburban saw the inclusion of more space for passengers from their 2020 versions, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban still provides more room overall between these two models. Although there may not be a big difference, any extra bit of leg room helps make long drives more comfortable. For 2021, the Chevrolet Tahoe comes in with 179.7 cubic feet of passenger space total, while the Chevrolet Suburban tops that with 181.9 cubic feet of space for passengers. Both models gained some room in their second and third rows in 2021, but the Chevrolet Suburban still provides a few more inches of space in each row than the Chevrolet Tahoe.

Space comparisons within these models are important because it the topmost way in which they vary. Moving on to the comparison of cargo space, the Chevrolet Suburban does it again. This time, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban excels over the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe substantially. It offers 41.1 cubic feet of cargo storage in the rear, while the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe comes in with 25.5 cubic feet of stowage space. While previous model years for the Chevrolet Tahoe lacked storage space compared to other SUVs, 2021 saw in increase in the amount of space to stowage provided to owners of this vehicle. Yet, it still fell just a bit short of the expansive 2021 Chevrolet Suburban.

Drivability

Most of the changes for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban are centered around their passenger space and cargo area improvement. Yet, this automaker threw in a few upgrades not related to the amount of space available within these SUVs. Contributing to their performance, Chevrolet included a brand-new diesel engine as optional, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a new independent rear suspension set up for each of these SUVs. Both models provide a capable and powerful 5.3-liter V-8 that can produce 355 horsepower as standard. Each one can be upgraded to include a 3.0-liter turbodiesel or a 6.2-liter V-8, as well. These specifications are an ode to the practicality of these full-size SUV models, but shows that they are capable of hard work, too.

Each of these SUVs are equipped with third-row seating in eight- or nine-passenger configurations, and the premium materials that adorn their cabins are quite comfortable and upscale. With similar independent rear suspension setups, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban are equally as comfortable to ride in, as well. Due to its longer wheelbase, the Suburban may allow passengers to feel more discrepancies in the road but not to an extent that is widely noticeable in comparison to the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe.

The 2021 Chevy Tahoe and the 2021 Chevy Suburban also feature identical fuel economy achievements of 20 highway mpg and 15 city mpg. However, buyers will notice they are able to go further on a single tank of gas in the Suburban in comparison to the Tahoe. This is because the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban incorporates a 31-gallon fuel tank, while the smaller 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe reduces the size of its fuel tank to hold 26 gallons.

Comfort, Options and Performance

Within the cabin of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, buyers will not find any difference between the interior quality, tech amenities, or features. Identical in every way, the Chevy Tahoe and the Chevy Suburban seek to put a modern spin on a traditional layout. Landing somewhere in between value and luxury quality, these two models ensure passengers are comfortable and entertained without going all out. To maintain their appeal, they implement a few upscale features throughout which puts them on the higher end of the median cost of similar SUVs.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban are known for their comfort more than anything else. Their upholstery consists of leather materials that can also include heating and ventilation in some trims. Their lumbar support is sturdy while allow enough give for passengers to sink into the seat. A mixture of wood and chrome accents gives the interior of these models a classy look, while car seat anchors and easy third-row access put its down to earth attitude on display. With cupholders, USB charging ports, and storage pockets throughout the inside, each passenger has a place to stow their items and stay connected along the way.

Not only does the technology within these two models improve their functionality, but it also promotes the comfort of passengers within their cabins. HD radio, Bluetooth integration, and power seats are standard, while a DVD setup in the rear is optional on both SUV models. Air conditioning with climate control and dual zones, as well as navigation and parking assistance, can also be found as standard amenities in the Tahoe and the Suburban. A keyless ignition and heated and cooled seats are also offered as upgrades for both.

Safety

Many Chevrolet models are known for their promotion of safety, and the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban are no different. With an intense focus on safety for the benefit of your family and passengers, these two SUVs consistently rank near the top of comparable SUV models. Some safety attributes are active, such as stability control, an anti-theft system, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. Yet, others are geared more toward collision mitigation, such as side curtain airbags and child safety seat anchors. Not to mention, the sheer size and structural integrity of these two massive SUV models improves their collision resistance, as well.

Some of the safety features of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban are rooted in driver-assistive functionality. Chevy Safety Assist is a suite comprised of driver-assistive safety features that accompanies the Tahoe and the Suburban. Within this suite, features like adaptive cruise control, Intellibeam automatic high beams, and forward collision alert make their appearance. Front pedestrian braking and an indicator for appropriate following distance are also amenities found within this suite.

Which Model to Choose?

Unsurprisingly, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban appeal to the same type of customer. Those with a need for extra room for passengers, towing capabilities, and comfort amenities will appreciate the features these SUV models have to offer. Although they start out in a mid-range price bracket, these models quickly increase in price as you advance in trim levels. Ending up with the top trims being upscale, the Tahoe and Suburban are just short of being considered as luxury in their most equipped models. That does not stop them from giving it everything they have to impress customers in their top trim options, though.

The main consideration buyers need to make is how appealing the extra space of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban over the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe is to them. If you are the parent of a large family or tend to find yourself with many passengers, you may need the extra room this full-size SUV has to offer. With more space for seating and cargo, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban is great for road trips and family vacations. However, additional space is not always the benefit that you would assume it to.

The larger size and longer stature of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban may also result in it being harder to direct and navigation than the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. Though it may be more stable on the road, it is likely less forgiving of changes in road conditions, too. Feeling every bump and jolt more than the flexible and smaller 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, the Suburban trades off suspension absorption for passenger and cargo space. If this is what you prefer in a new SUV, this is a fine exceptional to make. However, buyers must be aware of these downfalls prior to committing to a purchase.

Overall, neither the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe or the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban are particularly upscale or luxurious. They offer a few upscale features as additions to their standard amenities, but mostly each one focuses on the comfort of passengers within. Either option is perfectly acceptable for larger families or those who spend a lot of time on the road. Buyers interested in exceptional fuel economy likely will not prefer these larger, guzzling models, but that is a sacrifice some are willing to make. If we had to choose between the two, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe would stand out to us the most, Sure, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban is larger with more room, but most buyers do not need all that extra space. It can quickly become a burden, as well.

These are all points that should be considered when evaluating how the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban compare. Yet, the choice ultimately must be made by each buyer after an evaluation of the pros and cons of each SUV model.