The range of GM SUVs commanded the top two spots in the mainstream full-size SUV segment during the third quarter of 2021. As the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban continued to hold their first place position, the GMC Yukon family pushed the Ford Expedition down to third place during the quarter, a circumstance that hasn’t taken place in at least five years. This noteworthy accomplishment in a very lucrative segment is good news for The General and its shareholders.
A rundown of the Chevrolet segment sales figures for Q3 2021 shows that the 10.4 percent increase in Chevy Tahoe and Chevy Suburban sales enabled the Bow Tie brand’s two full-size SUVs to continue dominating the segment.
Sales Numbers - Mainstream Full-Size SUVs - Q3 2021 - United States
| MODEL | Q3 21 / Q3 20 | Q3 21 | Q3 20 | Q3 21 SHARE | Q3 20 SHARE | YTD 21 / YTD 20 | YTD 21 | YTD 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEVROLET TAHOE | +4.68% | 24,202 | 23,121 | 33% | 33% | +26.21% | 75,148 | 59,540 |
| CHEVROLET SUBURBAN | +28.07% | 9,667 | 7,548 | 13% | 11% | +42.08% | 34,183 | 24,059 |
| GMC YUKON | +7.31% | 10,733 | 10,002 | 15% | 14% | +48.55% | 36,975 | 24,891 |
| GMC YUKON XL | +64.46% | 6,695 | 4,071 | 9% | 6% | +65.11% | 22,768 | 13,790 |
| FORD EXPEDITION | -13.95% | 16,696 | 19,402 | 23% | 27% | +24.07% | 64,204 | 51,747 |
| NISSAN ARMADA | -13.19% | 3,790 | 4,366 | 5% | 6% | +6.64% | 18,684 | 17,520 |
| TOYOTA SEQUOIA | -16.99% | 1,773 | 2,136 | 2% | 3% | +29.11% | 6,111 | 4,733 |
| JEEP WAGONEER | * | 42 | * | 0% | 0% | * | 42 | 0 |
| TOTAL | +4.18% | 73,598 | 70,646 | +31.50% | 258,115 | 196,280 |
Cumulative Tahoe and Suburban sales totaled 33,869 units, comprised of 24,202 units of the Tahoe and 9,667 units of the Suburban. The results give Chevy a 46 percent segment share.
Sales Numbers - Chevy Full-Size SUVs - Q3 2021 - United States
| MODEL | Q3 21 / Q3 20 | Q3 21 | Q3 20 | Q3 21 SHARE | Q3 20 SHARE | YTD 21 / YTD 20 | YTD 21 | YTD 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEVROLET TAHOE | +4.68% | 24,202 | 23,121 | 71% | 75% | +26.21% | 75,148 | 59,540 |
| CHEVROLET SUBURBAN | +28.07% | 9,667 | 7,548 | 29% | 25% | +42.08% | 34,183 | 24,059 |
| TOTAL | +10.43% | 33,869 | 30,669 | +30.78% | 109,331 | 83,599 |
Joint sales of the GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL totaled 17,428 units, up 24 percent year-over-year. The results give GMC a segment share of 24 percent, enabling Big Red to displace the Ford Expedition family for a second place rank.
Sales Numbers - GMC Full-Size SUVs - Q3 2021 - United States
| MODEL | Q3 21 / Q3 20 | Q3 21 | Q3 20 | Q3 21 SHARE | Q3 20 SHARE | YTD 21 / YTD 20 | YTD 21 | YTD 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC YUKON | +7.31% | 10,733 | 10,002 | 62% | 71% | +48.55% | 36,975 | 24,891 |
| GMC YUKON XL | +64.46% | 6,695 | 4,071 | 38% | 29% | +65.11% | 22,768 | 13,790 |
| TOTAL | +23.84% | 17,428 | 14,073 | +54.45% | 59,743 | 38,681 |
Speaking of the Ford Expedition, it missed a second place finish by only 732 units during the quarter, taking 23 percent segment share. Note that Expedition sales figures include those of the regular-length Expedition (a Tahoe competitor) and those of the extended-length Expedition XL (a Suburban competitor), as does the GMC Yukon (Yukon and Yukon XL) while Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon and Yukon XL sales are reported separately.
Taking into account the Tahoe, Suburban, and both Yukon models, GM saw sales rise 15 percent to 51,297 units for a domineering 70 percent segment share during the quarter.
Sales Numbers - GM Mainstream Full-Size SUVs - Q3 2021 - United States
| MODEL | Q3 21 / Q3 20 | Q3 21 | Q3 20 | Q3 21 SHARE | Q3 20 SHARE | YTD 21 / YTD 20 | YTD 21 | YTD 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEVROLET TAHOE | +4.68% | 24,202 | 23,121 | 47% | 52% | +26.21% | 75,148 | 59,540 |
| CHEVROLET SUBURBAN | +28.07% | 9,667 | 7,548 | 19% | 17% | +42.08% | 34,183 | 24,059 |
| GMC YUKON | +7.31% | 10,733 | 10,002 | 21% | 22% | +48.55% | 36,975 | 24,891 |
| GMC YUKON XL | +64.46% | 6,695 | 4,071 | 13% | 9% | +65.11% | 22,768 | 13,790 |
| TOTAL | +14.65% | 51,297 | 44,742 | +38.27% | 169,074 | 122,280 |
The full-size mainstream SUV segment expanded 4 percent to 73,598 units in Q3 2021, meaning that the 15 percent growth in combined Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon and Yukon XL sales outperformed the segment average.
The Chevy Tahoe received a complete overhaul (re-engineering and redesign) of the flagship SUV for the 2021 model year, debuting the Tahoe nameplate’s fifth generation. The Tahoe’s extended-length variant, the 2021 Chevy Suburban, was similarly overhauled for the nameplate’s 12th generation.
Both models feature the most interior space in the full-size SUV class, exclusive technologies and features, and the best driving dynamics in the full-size segment. This was achieved through a complete transformation of Chevrolet’s and GMC’s full-size SUVs, combining the strongest aspects of the Bow Tie’s full-size body-on-frame architecture with entirely new systems tailored to the needs of today’s SUV drivers and passengers. Noteworthy changes include the introduction of the Z71, RST, and High Country trim levels.
Built on the same GM T1 platform, the GMC Yukon range – comprised of the regular-length Yukon and extended-length Yukon XL – similarly received a complete overhaul, representing the model’s fifth generation. The 2021 GMC Yukon lineup enjoys the same improvements mentioned above for Chevrolet, while adding a more upscale Denali model and the first-ever Yukon AT4.
The former features a range-exclusive interior while the latter takes Yukon into the premium off-road space never occupied prior to its introduction.
It’s worth noting that full-size SUVs are extremely lucrative products for General Motors, so much so that the automaker allocated scarcely-available microchips to the vehicles while choosing to pause production of other, less profitable models. In fact, the GM Arlington plant where the Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon and Yukon XL are made, is one of the only GM plants worldwide to not be idled during the ongoing semiconductor shortage.
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View Comments (7)
This is well deserved for General Motors. You can tell that they’ve really done their homework with these new body-on-frame SUVs, and their sales figures reflect that.
Best looking full size SUV’s on the road, for sure.
The Ford/Lincoln Expedition/Navigator has made inroads in this segment especially to Ford heritage buyers that could never see their selves in a GM product. That being said, FoMoCo still doesn't have it quite right and won't for the foreseeable future. Buyers in this segment wince and turn away when the power plant is a historically dubious boosted 6 cylinder as their premium offering. I understand the numbers that engine (eco boost variants) can achieve but the facts are GM offers outstanding V-8's and now light duty diesel choices that are smooth, powerful, and reliable and can reach the emissions and economy without the worry of turbo issues and long range durability. The GM full size, body on frame SUVs are now and will remain very tough to beat in nearly every category of this segment.
I'm curious to read long term reliability feedbacks from Expedition /Navigator owners concerning the Ecoboost V6, I really doubt it can equal GM's V8 in this domain.
Ford's marketing strategy to restrain its offer to this sole powertrain is refraining many potential buyers from buying them, I know few old Expedition loyal owners (V8 Triton era) who are now seduced by the Yukon/Tahoe/Suburban, it was unthinkable for them few years back.
I test drove a 2021 Expedition prior to purchasing my 5th Tahoe. As far as ride, handling, interior ergonomics & materials and outside design, the Tahoe was far superior in every category. Although the Ford Eco-Boost 6 cyl twin turbo had amazing off the line torque, I understand that Ford is having issues with this engine. There's just something about the look and stance of a Tahoe & Yukon that just blows Ford away, in my opinion.
Still puzzles me that GM still hasn’t added capacity to produce more of these money makers over the years. Instead it prefers to invest 30billion in evs that will be challenged to turn a profit….for years if at all.
"Note that Expedition sales figures include those of the regular-length Expedition (a Tahoe competitor) and those of the extended-length Expedition XL (a Suburban competitor), as does the GMC Yukon (Yukon and Yukon XL) while Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon and Yukon XL sales are reported separately."
I think you might have said something contradictory here via the Yukon?