2021 Chevrolet Tahoe vs GMC Yukon

Built on the same platform and powered by the same powertrain, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 GMC Yukon are almost identical in most aspects. These two SUVs consistently rank high on the list of best-selling SUV models every single year, and we have no doubt why. Good-looking and powerful, these two full-size SUVs are spacious, hard-working, and comfortable in every way. Not to mention, their exterior appearance is one to revel in. The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 GMC Yukon are big, bold, and beautiful. Whether you are looking for an SUV to drive every day or one to simply haul your camper to the lake, either one of these models can perform both duties perfectly.

Ranking near the top in the world of large SUVs, the main thing that separates these two models is the level of luxury each one entails. The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe is straightforward and to the point. It is comfortable in a way that only traditional vehicle styles can offer. It is upscale to an extent that it is also durable enough for daily use by busy families. Yet, the 2021 GMC Yukon offers luxury in a way that is often unseen in larger SUV models. The Yukon is outfitted with premium materials and savvy tech that buyers appreciate, but it takes a certain level of upkeep to maintain it. Do not let this information cause you to shy away from the classy GMC Yukon. Both full-size SUVs are exceptional and widely popular among consumers.

In the content below, we hope to outline the main differences between these two models. Though there are just a few variations to consider, the smallest differences make the largest impact in the comparison of these two models.

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The Powertrain

So, let us talk about what drives these two vehicles forward. SUVs of this size and stature take exceptional power to propel themselves forward, not to mention haul whatever they are able to. Buyer expectations for these models are great, because of their platform that closely resembles that of signature GMC and Chevrolet trucks. Not only do they want to tow whatever they need behind them, but they also need room for their family and friends within the cabin. The engine options of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 GMC Yukon make it possible to have it all.

The Chevrolet Tahoe has relied upon a steady V-8 engine throughout its entire existence, and 2021 is no different. A 5.3-liter V-8 engine accompanies the base model Tahoe, and it can produce an impressive 355 horsepower just in its entry-level trim. An upgrade to a 6.2-liter V-8 engine that produces 420 horsepower at its best is also available. 2021 also brings about a change for the Chevrolet Tahoe, because a diesel engine has been added to this solid lineup. A 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine is now available as an upgrade, but it will not provide any more horsepower. However, the 3.0-liter diesel matches the top gasoline engine in torque production at 460 lb.-ft.

Since we already let you in on what to expect in the 2021 GMC Yukon, it should be no surprise that this model also offers two gasoline engine options. They consist of a 5.3-liter and a 6.2-liter V-8. The former can produce up to 355 horsepower, while the latter produces up to 420 horsepower. Similarly, this model also offers a 3.0-liter inline diesel engine set up that can be used for heavy hauling.

Staying in line with their uncovered similarities, both SUVs offer a ten-speed automatic transmission, a choice between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, and a two-speed transfer case. They also have off-road options that incorporate more durable, performance features. For the 2021 GMC Yukon, this model is known as the AT4. In the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, this adventurous trim is the Z71. Going over these powertrain features, it is safe to say these two SUVs do not differ at all in this area. In fact, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 GMC Yukon save their differences for other feature groupings.

Drivability

One of the most common questions buyers have about SUVs is how they feel on the road. Although you might think a vehicle of this size would feel rather bulky and unrefined, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 GMC Yukon are here to prove you wrong. Acceptable acceleration is a top quality of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. It is not fast nor slow, but just right for the type of buyer it appeals to. A firm brake is another appreciated attribute, especially when you have big items in tow. When traveling at highway speeds, the Tahoe is quiet on the inside. This is also something most buyers take into consideration, especially for third-row SUV layouts. No one wants to scream just for passengers in the back to hear, and the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe addresses this concern with its quiet cabin.

The 2021 GMC Yukon also offers improved braking in its 2021 model from prior years. This surely helps when this third-row SUV is fully loaded with passengers and cargo. Air ride adaptive suspension was introduced in the GMC Yukon in 2021, which is a system that uses magnetic shocks to improve the leveling of loads and create a smoother ride. This SUV's ground clearance has also been heightened for its 2021 design, which also assists in the ease of off-road travel. As if the 2021 GMC Yukon was not already large enough, this clearance makes the Yukon seem bigger than ever.

One thing that buyers look for in full-size SUV models with third-row seating is the extra space that goes along with it. Each of these models can seat seven or eight people, depending on the integration of a bench seat or captain's chairs in the second row. All rows are large enough to fit adults, so passengers of any size will feel comfortable in any seating position. Six carry-on suitcases can be fit behind the rear seat in both SUVs, and this cargo area is expanded to accommodate 35 carry-on suitcases with the second- and third-row seats folded down. Storage for small items is rampant in these models, with the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe incorporating a motorize lid for the center console that is completely retractable. This amenity is also present in the 2021 GMC Yukon.

Safety

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe has not been rated by any national safety rating agencies, yes. So, it also is not a shock that the 2021 GMC Yukon has not yet been rated, either. Still yet, each one of these models implements their brand's specific safety suite. For the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, the comprehensive driver assistive safety suite is known as Safety Assist. For the 2021 GMC Yukon, there are two levels of their comprehensive safety packages. These are known as GMC Pro Safety and GMC Pro Safety Plus. The GMC Pro Safety Plus suite incorporates all the amenities of GMC Pro Safety and adds in a few extras. So far, it is only available in a limited number of GMC models but is soon expected to expand to a broader offering.

Comparatively, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 GMC Yukon boast the exact same safety features. Standard accommodations include forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. To gain access to additional safety upgrades, you will have to go up in trim levels. Available safety features for both models include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. Loaded down with modern driver assistive safety technology, both models set the pace for competitors. With the number of passengers both models can carry, safety features are of utmost importance. We hope to see safety rating information for these models soon, too.

Which Has the Best Value?

Despite the ambiguity of many features shared between the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 GMC Yukon, each of these models is surprisingly close in cost. This creates a distinctive break between the two, because we already know that the 2021 GMC Yukon is more luxurious than the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. Although they go head to head in nearly every powertrain and safety concept, the design of these two full-size SUVs is quite different. The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe is more practical with its body-colored trim and conventional front grille, while the 2021 GMC Yukon is more upscale with its bold front end and extensive chrome accents. Yet, these two match each other in the cost of their associated trim levels.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offers just four trims levels to choose from, while the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe has a trim lineup that consists of six models. This leads us to believe that the GMC Yukon packs more features in its smaller number of models, and the Chevrolet Tahoe spreads out its amenities among more trim options. Therefore, 2021 GMC Yukon owners gain access to more features and upgrades in fewer options than owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. As a result, the 2021 GMC Yukon is the better value in our eyes.

Which is Better?

Strikingly similar, the 2021 GMC Yukon and the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe appeal to the same class of buyers. Those who are looking for something more than a subpar SUV opt for these bold and well-equipped models with comfort for many inside their cavernous interiors. They can haul large loads, so families who like to tote a boat to the lake or haul a camper to the woods for the weekend can do so with ease. Not to mention, all your friends and family can go along with you in the exuberant space the Yukon and Tahoe have to offer. Yet, their slight differences can make a difference in which model buyers choose overall.

Buyers in search of an SUV with a no-frills approach to travel will enjoy the enhanced amenities of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe better. This SUV is durable and strong with features to match. From its design to its tech amenities, the Chevrolet Tahoe was made with passenger comfort in mind. In fact, that is where this model lands with most of its accents. This is a model that does not spend time on unnecessary upgrades, and it only includes features that will improve the ride experience for passengers.

In contrast, the 2021 GMC Yukon does everything it can to create a high-end driving experience. It is outfitted with the best materials and spends much thought on creating a luxurious and cohesive look. Although it is similar in price to the Chevrolet Tahoe, the 2021 GMC Yukon offers more for the price it is set at. For this reason, the better option between these two SUVs is the 2021 GMC Yukon. It offers everything the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe does, and then some.