If it’s an off-road-flavored full-size SUV that you’re after, General Motors has a few options on the table, including the Chevy Tahoe Z71 and GMC Yukon AT4. Although these two models are similar in many ways, there’s also quite a few differences between them. Now, we’re highlighting those differences to ask the following question – which is better?
Before we get into it, it’s worth mentioning the Chevy Suburban Z71 and GMC Yukon XL AT4, the comparison of which is analogous to comparing the Chevy Tahoe Z71 and GMC Yukon AT4, but with larger exterior dimensions and roomier cabins. We should also mention that this comparison focuses on the current 2024 model year, and does not include the refreshed 2025 Chevy Tahoe.
With that said, let’s start outside. While the Chevy Tahoe Z71 is equipped with LPO/dealer-installed Black tubular assist steps (RPO code RVS), the Yukon AT4 gets standard Black assist steps with a Gloss Black insert (RPO code BVE). The Yukon AT4’s standard steps can be upgraded to the power-retractable assist steps with perimeter lighting (RPO code B3L), which aren’t available on the Tahoe Z71.
Meanwhile, the Chevy Tahoe Z71 is equipped with manual-folding and heated body-color outside mirrors (RPO code DLF), whereas the GMC Yukon AT4 is not.
As for the wheels, the Chevy Tahoe Z71 rolls on 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with Technical Gray pockets (RPO code NZU), while the Yukon AT4 rolls on 20-inch 6-spoke machined aluminum wheels with Carbon Gray Metallic accents (RPO code NZH). Neither model offers optional wheel designs.
Finishing off the exterior differences, the Chevy Tahoe Z71 available in nine paint colors, including two extra-charge, while the GMC Yukon AT4 available in seven colors, with only Summit White offered for no extra charge.
Moving into the cabin, the Chevy Tahoe Z71 is equipped with a manual second-row 60/40 split-folding bench seat (RPO code AT6), a manual third-row 60/40 split-folding bench (RPO code ARN), and a manual tilt and telescopic steering column (RPO code N37). The Yukon AT4 is not. The GMC gets standard ventilated front seats (RPO code KQV) that aren’t available on the Chevy.
With regard to interior colorways and upholstery, the Chevy Tahoe Z71 is decked out in leather-appointed seating with either Jet Black or Gideon / Very Dark Atmosphere coloways, while the Yukon AT4 is outfitted with perforated leather seating surfaces and the Jet Black colorway.
As for packages, the Chevy Tahoe Z71’s Luxury Package (RPO code WPL) includes the following content (relevant RPO codes listed in parentheses):
- Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert (UKC)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (UFG)
- HD Surround Vision (UV2)
- Rear Pedestrian Alert (UKK)
- Memory settings (A45)
- Outside heated power-adjustable, power-folding, body-color mirrors with driver-side auto-dimming and integrated turn signal indicators (DXR)
- Power tilt and telescopic steering column (N38)
- Heated steering wheel (KI3)
- Second-row outboard heated seats (KA6)
- Second-row power 60/40 split-folding bench seats (ATT)
- Third-row power 60/40 split-folding bench seats (AS8)
All of the content included in the Chevy Tahoe Z71’s Luxury Package is standard on the Yukon AT4.
Moving on to the mechanical bits, Magnetic Ride Control suspension (RPO code Z95) is optional in the Chevy Tahoe Z71 via the Off-Road Capability Package (RPO code Z6E), while Magnetic Ride Control suspension is standard on the Yukon AT4.
Finally, the Chevy Tahoe Z71’s tow rating is 100 pounds higher than that of the Yukon AT4 when both models are equipped with the optional 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine.
Pricing for the Chevy Tahoe Z71 starts at $69,295, while the GMC Yukon AT4 starts at $73,500 (prices include destination freight charge).
So, with all that covered, we want to know – which is better? The Chevy Tahoe Z71, or the GMC Yukon AT4? Let us know by voting in the poll below, and remember to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevy Tahoe news, GMC Yukon news, Chevy news, GMC news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Huh? The z71 DOES come with assist steps. Not sure where they got that info from.
You’re right, it does. The Tahoe Z71 gets Black tubular steps, but not the optional power-retractable steps that are available on the Yukon AT4. The article has been updated. Thanks for noticing.
The Tahoe Z71 is just a nicer looking vehicle.
You can’t be very much of a GM Authority if the first thing you’ve done is miss the Z71 Tahoe’s standard black tubular assist steps, LOL. People trust what this site posts so accuracy should be important. A quick visit to Chevy.com is all it takes.
Better at what?
Funny my 2022 Z71 came with side steps in the form of black nerf bars and realistically despite what may be on option on one and stock on the other, functionally nothing mentioned here leads to any meaningful difference in performance and capability. What was the point of this article other than simply turning something in to meet a deadline and sell some ad space? This article was 5 minutes wasted reading things that we already know that I can’t get back.
What about off road capability? Any off road modes? Locking differentials? At4 is supposed to be off road version
Both are more a 3row luxury family school bus , us true off roader s car campers/overlanders don’t want , need or will ever have a use for a 3row . I want cargo space payload and towing no 3rd row no power heat cooled fold this and that no moon roofs = less wt and more payload, towing , nice to see a custom/trail boss model bring back the G80 solid rear axle
ventilated seat std on AT4 not avlb on Z71