Compared: 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 2023 GMC Yukon
When looking at models as similar as GM's full-size SUVs, it's the small things that matter.
Chevrolet | GMC
For decades, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon twins have been staples in the full-size SUV segment. They ride on the same rear-drive-based platform and share many of the same parts, including powertrains. Just as in years past, both models have longer versions named the Suburban and Yukon XL, respectively. This article, however, just compares the shorter-wheelbase versions. Here we look at the few ways in which they differ.
Chevrolet
2023 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 2023 GMC Yukon: Price
The Tahoe starts at about $56,000 with a 355-hp 5.3-liter V8 and rear-wheel drive. The base Yukon boasts the same powertrain, but opens a little higher, at $59,000. For that additional $3,000, buyers receive LED fog lamps (unavailable on the Tahoe), a larger infotainment screen, and a digital gauge cluster. To get the better tech setup in the Chevy, you'd have to upgrade to the LT trim level, which costs $62,000.
If leather is a must, the Tahoe is the more cost-effective option. The LT comes standard with cowhide, while GMC reserves the material for the $66,000 SLT trim or better. Four-wheel drive is available across both lineups; except for where it's standard (on the Tahoe Z71, Yukon AT4 and Denali Ultimate), it is a $3,000 option.
GMC
Shoppers can spec a 420-hp 6.2-liter V8 in the Tahoe's mid-level RST trim and above. In addition they can get the Duramax 277-hp 3.0-liter turbo-diesel in all but the performance-oriented Z71 model. The eight-cylinder will set you back at least $68,000, while the diesel demands $57,000 or more.
GMC follows a similar options structure, offering the big V8 in upper trims and the diesel in all but the off-road-focused Yukon AT4. GMC's starting prices for these engines — $75,000 and $60,000, respectively — are considerably higher than Chevy's.
Chevrolet
2023 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 2023 GMC Yukon: Features
The Yukon comes standard with a 10.2-inch infotainment screen and a 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster. The Tahoe offers those things, but not on the base model, which gets an 8.0-incher in the center stack and a 4.2-inch driver display. Otherwise, the base models' feature sets are more or less identical. Choosing a mid-level or higher trim in either lineup opens the door to desirable options such as Magnetic Ride Control and an adaptive suspension.
GMC
The Tahoe High Country and GMC Yukon Denali — and Denali Ultimate — are pretty snazzy with their head-up display, surround-view camera system, rearview camera mirror, and perforated leather seats. The list of available features also includes power-retractable side steps, 22-inch wheels, and an air suspension to help take the edge off of those enormous wheels and tires. It all comes down to style, and preference when you compare the top trims.
Chevrolet
2023 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 2023 GMC Yukon: Fuel Economy
These full-size SUVs are most efficient with rear-wheel drive and the optional turbo-diesel engine. Thus equipped, the Tahoe sees 24 mpg combined and the Yukon, 23 mpg.
Buyers who opt for either of the V8 engines will need to make frequent stops at the pump, where the 5.3-liter accepts regular gasoline and the 6.2-liter demands premium. The EPA estimates that for the average driver with the 6.2-liter V8, despite a rating 1 mpg lower than the 5.3-liter V8, drivers will spend nearly $1000-per-year more with costlier premium, too.
GMC
With either V8 engine, the Tahoe and Yukon return between 16-17 mpg on the EPA's combined cycle. There are myriad differences when it comes to trim levels, drive wheels, and V8 engines that may work out to pennies saved (or spent) at the pump, though. Base models with the 5.3-liter V8 rate 17 mpg, while the off-road Tahoe Z71 and any version with the 6.2-liter V8 nudge down to just 16 mpg combined.
