Chevrolet Suburban vs. Tahoe: Explaining The Difference Between The Two SUVs
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On the surface, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe appear to be quite similar. And indeed they are, sharing the same platform, the same equipment, the same trim levels, and a whole lot more. The question is – what makes these two SUVs different?
2021 Suburban
2021 Tahoe
How They Are Similar
Before we dive into how the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe are different, we should first explain how they are similar.
For starters, both ride on the same GM T1 architecture, both come with a new multilink rear suspension, and both offer the same powertrain lineup, the latter of which includes the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84 on lower trims, and the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 on higher trims. For reference, the 5.3L unit produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.2L unit makes 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.
Both also offer the turbodiesel 3.0L I6 LM2 Duramax as an available option. All three engines mate to the GM 10-speed automatic transmission as standard for both the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. Both RWD and 4WD are on offer.
Beyond the mechanical specs, both SUVs also offer the same trim level cadence, listed from base to range-topper as: LS, LT, Z71, RST, Premier, and High Country. Equipment and options are also identical.
2021 Suburban
2021 Tahoe
How They Are Different
The differences between the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe can best be summed up with one word – size. The Suburban is essentially a longer version of the Tahoe, with a longer wheelbase and longer overall length, including an extra 13.2 inches for the former, and an extra 15 inches for the latter.
| Dimension | 2021 Chevrolet Suburban | 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe | +/- Suburban |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase (in.) | 134.1 | 120.9 | +13.2 |
| Overall Length (in.) | 225.7 | 210.7 | +15 |
| Overall Width (in.) | 81.1 | 81 | +0.1 |
| Overall Height (in.) | 75.7 | 75.9 | -0.2 |
| Front Track (in.) | 68.5 | 68.5 | 0 |
| Rear Track (in.) | 68.3 | 68.3 | 0 |
| Dimension | 2021 Chevrolet Suburban | 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe | +/- Suburban |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3406 | 3071 | +335.3 |
| Overall Length (mm) | 5733 | 5352 | +381 |
| Overall Width (mm) | 2060 | 2057 | +2.5 |
| Overall Height (mm) | 1923 | 1928 | -5.1 |
| Front Track (mm) | 1740 | 1740 | 0 |
| Rear Track (mm) | 1735 | 1735 | 0 |
2021 Suburban
2021 Tahoe
Naturally, the different lengths would suggest different specs with regard to interior room as well. However, both models offer, more or less, the same amount of passenger room.
| Dimension | 2021 Chevrolet Suburban | 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe | +/- Suburban |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Row Headroom (in.) | 42.3 | 42.3 | 0 |
| First Row Legroom (in.) | 44.5 | 44.5 | 0 |
| First Row Shoulder Room (in.) | 66.25 | 66.25 | 0 |
| First Row Hip Room (in.) | 61 | 61 | 0 |
| Second Row Headroom (in.) | 38.8 | 38.9 | -0.1 |
| Second Row Legroom (in.) | 42 | 42 | 0 |
| Second Row Shoulder Room (in.) | 65.25 | 65.25 | 0 |
| Second Row Hip Room (in.) | 60.25 | 60.25 | 0 |
| Third Row Headroom (in.) | 38.2 | 38.2 | 0 |
| Third Row Legroom (in.) | 36.7 | 34.9 | +1.8 |
| Third Row Shoulder Room (in.) | 63.75 | 63.75 | 0 |
| Third Row Hip Room (in.) | 50 | 50 | 0 |
| Dimension | 2021 Chevrolet Suburban | 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe | +/- Suburban |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Row Headroom (mm) | 1074 | 1074 | 0 |
| First Row Legroom (mm) | 1130 | 1130 | 0 |
| First Row Shoulder Room (mm) | 1683 | 1683 | 0 |
| First Row Hip Room (mm) | 1549 | 1549 | 0 |
| Second Row Headroom (mm) | 986 | 988 | -2.5 |
| Second Row Legroom (mm) | 1067 | 1067 | 0 |
| Second Row Shoulder Room (mm) | 1657 | 1657 | 0 |
| Second Row Hip Room (mm) | 1530 | 1530 | 0 |
| Third Row Headroom (mm) | 970 | 970 | 0 |
| Third Row Legroom (mm) | 932 | 886 | +45.7 |
| Third Row Shoulder Room (mm) | 1619 | 1619 | 0 |
| Third Row Hip Room (mm) | 1270 | 1270 | 0 |
2021 Suburban
2021 Tahoe
So where’s all that extra metal go? Into available cargo room, of course, with the Suburban offering an extra 22 cubic-feet of storage behind the first row, an extra 20 cubic-feet of storage behind the second row, and an extra 16 cubic-feet of storage behind the third row.
| Dimension | 2021 Chevrolet Suburban | 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe | +/- Suburban |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Volume Behind First Row (cu. ft.) | 144.7 | 122.9 | +22 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Second Row (cu. ft.) | 92.9 | 72.7 | +20 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Third Row (cu. ft.) | 41.1 | 25.5 | +16 |
| Dimension | 2021 Chevrolet Suburban | 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe | +/- Suburban |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Volume Behind First Row (L) | 4097 | 3480 | +617 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Second Row (L) | 2631 | 2059 | +572 |
| Cargo Colume Behind Third Row (L) | 1164 | 722 | +442 |
The extra space and metal also makes for a price difference, with the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban adding a flat $2,700 across the board for equivalent trim level starting prices when compared to the 2021 Tahoe.
The question is – which one would you rather have? Let us know in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Tahoe news, Chevrolet Suburban news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
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You can essentially call the Tahoe a shorter Suburban since they’ve taken a Chevrolet Suburban and reduced its wheelbase by 14 inches and its overall length by 15 inches and gave it a different name to appeal to other full-size SUV consumers that don’t need the maximum cargo space of the Burb.
That extra 15″ in length also results in a slight reduction in performance and fuel mileage.
Then there’s the real PITA of parking the “school bus” in parking lots designed for “roller skates” with narrow lanes and shorter depth parking spaces.
There’s also a maneuverability issue with the Suburban’s increased wheelbase and turning radius.
I’ve had both Tahoes and Suburbans and prefer the Tahoe.
Montana Bob
As a previous owner of 3 Suburban’s;
I say “go big or go home” 😉
Cuzed,
Dat’s why GM builds both sizes. I was merely providing my opinion, as requested by Mr. Lopez, the author of the article. No dis intended.
Montana Bob
Montana Bob,
No worries – Actually I agree with having both sizes.
In fact now that the kids have grown and I no longer tow – I have now down-sized to a “7/8 size” Suburban, a Traverse. It’s a lot more parking lot friendly
I sell GMCs. There is one more difference that appears in the chart but you didn’t really highlight: that extra 1.8 inches of legroom in the third row is substantial. The longer wheelbase is entirely in the position of the rear axle, which gets pushed back far enough for the floor in front of the third row to drop down more. It is SUBSTANTIALLY more comfortable for taller passengers. It doesn’t sound like much on paper but it’s the difference between being willing to sit in the third row in a Suburban or Yukon XL and not being willing to do so in a Tahoe or Yukon shorty. When we have to drive to a meeting at our corporate office we always take an XL, never a shorty, and we aren’t taking cargo with us.
Incidentally with all the seats raised the Buick Envision holds more cargo than the Tahoe or Yukon. I never recommend a shorty to someone with enough kids to fill the seats, because kids come with stuff. And sometimes so do parents.
True enough, Jon. My comparison did not cover those differences, none of which are important to me. That said, I should have included the data to be accurate.
In my case, the third row seats end up stored in my barn, only to be reinstalled when we sell the vehicle. I can’t ever remember needing them.
I buy Tahoes for their ability to haul copieous amounts of groceries and supplies, for their ability to negotiate deep snow, with more ground clearance than sedan-based SUVs, and the fact that they are a true 4 x 4, as opposed to an all-wheel drive, but most importantly, their heft, as the vehicle is body-on-frame. (Sorry for the run-on sentence!)
Montana Bob
We had suburbana in our Family since the early 60s back when they were called carryalls now am in my 50s and I own 2 suburbans and 1 Tahoe all are Z71 4×4 these are the best trucks on the market would not have anything else Thanks GM For one great ride
I bought a new 2019 Tahoe Premier. I LOVE it. Comfort, safety features, luxury mahogany leather interior Is really a treat to climb into. It’s size is a good fit in my 2 car garage. This is important to me in FL because of sun & storms. It has more than enough passenger & cargo space for my needs. I like it’s height for high water security. I have only put 6,200 miles on it in over a year. Haven’t had any mechanical problems. Such a great vehicle to own.
It seems to me that the best way to understand the difference between a Tahoe and a Suburban is that you can put a full 4×8′ sheet of plywood or sheetrock in a Suburban flat in the cargo hold and close the hatch. The hatch can’t close in the Tahoe. It will lie flat side to side and front to back but there will be some overflow of out the back.
I love my 2009 Tahoe and I still carry the materials I need but it takes more care to do so. The Tahoe and Suburban are among a few SUVs to allow sheet goods to lie flat.
Excellent point John!!
Thanks for the reminder; was a lifesaver for me when I owned our last suburban and was finishing my basement.
Seemed there was nothing that truck couldn’t haul or do.
Tahoe = SWB and less legroom/cargo space
Suburban = LWB and more legroom/cargo space.
Seriously. You needed to write an entire article for something so stupidly simple? The distinction between these vehicles has been both the same and common knowledge for literally over 25 years. How about something actually interesting like differentiating the Tahoe and Yukon, or Denali and Escalade?
I was really hoping for something more than “its longer”
You never hear a Suburban owner say “I wish I had bought a Tahoe” on the other hand I bet a lot of Tahoe owners wish they had bought the Suburban.
Not so, Tim.
Please read my first post.
Montana Bob
suburban. except a 99 or older 3/4 ton. nearly bulletproof transmission, and rear end. steel and chromed bumpers. the newer ls engines are better. if outside of ca you do an ls conversion.