Chevrolet Tahoe vs Suburban: Which is Right for You?

If you’re in the market for a full-size SUV, chances are you’ve heard of the Chevrolet Tahoe and the Chevrolet Suburban. Both of these models are legendary, thanks to their sturdy construction, comfortable ride, and spacious interiors that can fit even the most roomy families on road trips or excursions to your favorite campsite. But how do they stack up against each other? Is one better than the other? Or are they equally great? This article compares the Chevrolet Tahoe vs Suburban to help you find out which model is right for you!

SUV Overview

A Chevy Tahoe or a Chevy Suburban are both full-size, four-door SUVs, but they have some major differences. The SUV class is big, diverse and has something to offer every kind of driver. Whether you want to haul around your family in a luxurious ride with tons of cargo space or you’re looking for that rough and tough off-road ability you love about trucks, there’s an SUV out there for you. In addition to its size and utility, it’s also important to think about whether you need all-wheel drive (AWD) in your vehicle.

Size Comparisons

Before we get into Chevrolet Tahoe vs Suburban, let’s start with a quick rundown of how big each SUV actually is. The most common misconception about these vehicles is that they are essentially interchangeable; after all, they both start with S-U-V and there isn’t much else to go on from a visual standpoint. Although there are similarities—both are large, family-friendly cars—there are also some important differences you should keep in mind when considering Chevy Tahoe vs. Chevy Suburban.

Standard Features

Chevy tahoe vs suburban Most drivers look to get a vehicle that has great standard features, but often aren’t sure what to look for in a car. When shopping around between different brands and models, it's good to know what sets each one apart. Generally speaking, Chevrolet offers its own line of vehicles such as Chevrolets and Buicks. The Chevy Tahoe, in particular, delivers high-quality equipment you'll find only in top models like large screen TVs with DVD players and surround sound systems with built-in navigation.

Engines and Fuel Economy

The Chevy Tahoe and Suburban are both large, American SUVs. But which one should you buy if you’re looking to save some money at the pump? The 2018 Chevy Tahoe offers an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in city driving and 23 mpg on highways—which isn’t too bad. On average, that makes it about 10 percent more efficient than its larger cousin, the 2018 Chevy Suburban (15/21). If a family car doesn’t sound like your style, however, go with a smaller SUV such as Nissan Rogue or Jeep Renegade. They offer better fuel economy but are still big enough to fit most families' needs.

Driver Assist Technologies

If you’re going to buy a big SUV, it only makes sense to get a model with driver-assist technology. Models like Chevrolet’s popular Tahoe and new Suburban have features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems. The newer models of Ford Expedition come with enhanced active park assist, which will automatically parallel park on command. If you're not willing to splurge on a high-end luxury SUV, make sure that at least your vehicle comes equipped with smart safety features like these.

Safety Ratings

Chevrolet Tahoe vs Suburban at Safety Ratings. The 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe earned four out of five stars in overall National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests, while its 2014 Chevrolet Suburban counterpart scored five out of five stars. The NHTSA has not conducted crash tests on other popular large SUVs, but many luxury brands—including Lexus and BMW—received lower scores than either of these Chevy models. This is important because there are a number of variables that can impact your safety; even if one model seems to offer a higher standard at first glance, make sure to do your research before you buy. Are either SUV's child safety features better? Are either SUV more likely to have recalls during or after manufacturing?

Price and Value

One of the biggest reasons that people gravitate toward a full-size pickup truck like a Chevy Silverado or Ford F-150 over a mid-size SUV like Chevrolet’s Tahoe or Chevrolet’s Suburban, is price. Not only are full-size trucks cheaper, but they also offer more value, since they can haul and tow more than their midsize counterparts. In addition to being bigger, these vehicles have some similar features as well. For example, both tend to offer an infotainment system with Bluetooth and satellite radio; good headroom; rear air conditioning vents; power windows; folding rear seats; and foldable cargo cover.

Conclusion - A Draw

If you’re looking to buy a Chevy Tahoe or a Chevy Suburban, it really comes down to your lifestyle. While both have their advantages and disadvantages, choosing one over another boils down to what works best for you. If you spend most of your time in an urban environment and need great gas mileage and interior room, then perhaps a Chevy Tahoe would be right for you. Conversely, if you’re more likely to be driving on curvy backroads or around other vehicles—such as campers—that may be larger than your vehicle itself, then perhaps a Chevy Suburban would suit your needs better.