Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick Georgetown

Aug 17, 2022

When shopping for a family-friendly vehicle, you might find yourself torn between the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. These large SUVs have plenty of seats, big cargo areas, and many other features that make them the perfect vehicles for your large crew. While these vehicles are similar, researching their subtle differences can help you choose the right one.

Check out this 2022 Chevy Tahoe versus Chevy Suburban guide from Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Georgetown to learn everything you need to know. We compare the engines, performance, cargo space, and more to help you become an informed buyer.

Trim Levels

The Tahoe and Suburban are available in the same six trim levels, making it easier to compare their key features. The most basic version for both vehicles is the LS, while the premier trim level is the High Country. Other trim levels include:

  • LT
  • RST
  • Z71
  • Premier

Note that the Z71 trim level only comes with four-wheel drive. If you select any of the other five trim levels, you can choose either two-wheel or four-wheel drive.

Engine

The standard engine for the Tahoe and Suburban is a 5.3L V-8 that delivers 355 horsepower at 5600 rpm. It produces 383 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm, comes with variable valve timing, and pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

If you want more torque, you can opt for the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine that produces 460 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 rpm. Drivers looking for even more power can get the 6.2L V-8 engine that comes standard with the High Country trim. This 420-horsepower engine produces 460 lb-ft of torque and pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel Efficiency

The basic LS trim level for both models has an estimated combined fuel efficiency of 17 mpg, with 15 mpg for city driving and 20 mpg for highway driving. If you upgrade to the most advanced High Country trim level, the fuel efficiency only reduces to 16 mpg. The 16 mpg translates to an average of 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

While the fuel efficiency is the same for the Tahoe and Suburban, it’s worth noting the different sizes of their fuel tanks. The Suburban has an approximate capacity of 28 gallons, while the Tahoe holds about 24 gallons. It’s a subtle difference, but if you buy a Tahoe, you may make more frequent trips to the gas station.

Exterior Size

When you buy a large SUV and have a garage, it’s important to ensure the vehicle fits before making your purchase. If not, you may need to move your belongings around to make extra room or find another parking spot for the vehicle. The height difference between these two vehicles is slight, with the Tahoe being 75.8 inches tall and the Suburban being 75.7 inches tall. As for the length, know that the Suburban is slightly longer than the Tahoe (225.7 inches compared to 210.7 inches).

Wheelbase

The Tahoe has a wheelbase of 120.9 inches, while the Suburban wheelbase is 134.1 inches. The Suburban’s longer wheelbase translates into more room for passengers and cargo while creating a more stable ride. On the other hand, some drivers appreciate the increased agility from Tahoe’s shorter wheelbase.

Passenger Room

Both vehicles can seat seven to eight passengers, depending on the trim level. If you get the optional front-bench seat with the Suburban LS, you can comfortably fit up to nine passengers. The dimensions for the front and second-row seats are the same for both models, but third-row passengers in the Suburban may have a little extra shoulder room.

Cargo

One of the major differences between the Tahoe and the Suburban is their cargo space. The Suburban will probably be the ideal choice if you plan to haul a lot of stuff. Folding the rear row seating down gives you 44.7 cubic feet of storage space, with the Tahoe providing 122.9 cubic feet using the same configuration.

The cargo volume to seat two is 72.6 cubic feet for the Tahoe and 93.8 cubic feet for the Suburban. As for the cargo volume to seat three, it’s 25.5 cubic feet for the Tahoe and 41.5 cubic feet for the Suburban.

Interior Features

The similar interior features of the Tahoe and Suburban make for a comfortable ride, even if you opt for a lower trim level. The basic trim levels come with a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth capabilities, a 4.2-inch diagonal color Driver Information Center, and an eight-inch diagonal infotainment screen. Higher trim levels include luxurious features like Bose 10-speaker Surround, a CenterPoint audio system, a 10-way power driver, and front passenger seats.

Safety

Yet another factor worth considering when comparing these models is their safety. You’ll be glad to hear that these family-friendly cars have plenty of features that protect your loved ones. The Tahoe and Suburban have essentials like automatic emergency braking, forward collision alerts, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Safety-conscious drivers will also appreciate rear child security door locks, rear cross-traffic alerts, and an HD rear-vision camera.

Price

The Tahoe MSRP is $52,000, and the MSRP for the Suburban is $54,700. The difference is relatively subtle, so it’s more important to focus on the price differences between the trim levels. For instance, whether you buy a Tahoe or Suburban, an LS will be cheaper than a High Country. Budget appropriately to determine whether you want to invest in a luxurious trim level or stick to the basics.

As you can see from this guide, the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban are similar at first glance. They have several engine options, safety mechanisms, and interior features that prioritize your comfort. The major difference boils down to size. If you want more cargo space and passenger room, the Suburban might be the better option. The Tahoe is ideal if you want a slightly more compact vehicle that can still accommodate large families. If you want more advice on your shopping journey or want to test drive one of these vehicles, contact Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Georgetown today.