2023 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. GMC Yukon: Pros and Cons of Each Full-Size SUV

As members of the General Motors family, the 2023 Tahoe and 2023 Yukon have the same range of engines. Both vehicles are offered with a base 5.3-liter V-8 as well as an available 3.0-liter turbodiesel and a 6.2-liter V-8. All models make use of a 10-speed automatic transmission. For ultimate performance, Chevrolet squeezes out the win with the 2023 Chevy Tahoe RST Performance Edition. This model receives a 13-hp bump to the range-topping 6.2-liter V-8 engine for a total output of 433 hp and 467 lb-ft of torque. Chevrolet claims that this is the quickest Tahoe, with a very precise 0-60 mph time of 5.78 seconds. Other upgrades come from the pursuit-rated Tahoe PPV package and the Tahoe Luxury package.

Chevrolet manages another narrow win in the fuel economy category. Most versions of the 2023 Tahoe and the 2023 Yukon have identical ratings from the EPA. Four-wheel-drive versions of both vehicles using the high-output 6.2-liter V-8 engine return the poorest fuel economy at 14/18 mpg city/highway. However, the best-performing SUV here is the rear-wheel-drive 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe equipped with the 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, which is rated at 21/28 mpg. The GMC Yukon only manages 21/27 mpg when equipped with the same powerplant.

Given their identical powertrain specifications and dimensions, the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2023 GMC Yukon have the same towing and hauling capabilities. Depending on trim, maximum towing is 8,400 pounds for both models when equipped with the 5.3-liter V-8 engine and two-wheel drive. That figure drops to 8,200 pounds with four-wheel drive. If towing is the main appeal for either of these SUVs, we recommend sticking with the Tahoe for cost savings.

The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon receive the same safety ratings from the NHTSA. This means an overall four out of five stars for crashworthiness with four stars in the frontal crash test, five stars in the side crash test, and three stars in the rollover test.

Both models come standard with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, parking sensors, and automatic high-beams. Chevy and GMC offer blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. The dealbreaker is GM's incredible Super Cruise hands-free driving system, which is available on the Tahoe and the Yukon. Despite being offered on both models, the feature comes equipped on the Tahoe Premier trim, which starts at $69,495. The Yukon doesn't receive Super Cruise until buyers spring for the Denali or Denali Ultimate, which start at $74,700 and $95,395, respectively. Simply put, buyers get more impressive driver assistance tech for less if they opt for the Tahoe.

If you'd asked us a couple of years ago, the GMC Yukon would have been our pick over the 2023 Tahoe thanks to its off-road ready AT4 trim. For the 2023 model year, Chevrolet evens things out with updates to its own off-road model, the Tahoe Z71. Both vehicles come equipped with a high-approach angle front bumper, a choice of a 5.3-liter or 6.2-liter V-8 engine, standard four-wheel drive, red recovery hooks, magnetic ride control dampers, an Autotrac two-speed transfer case, and available air suspension. As of this writing, Chevrolet asks $66,195 for the Tahoe Z71, and the GMC Yukon AT4 starts at $72,600. Although the Yukon's interior is more upscale, the Tahoe is our preferred off-roader due to its discounted starting price.

Once again, the Chevy wins despite the similarities between the 2023 Tahoe and 2023 Yukon. Although GMC offers the Yukon XL, an even bigger Yukon with a cavernous interior, Chevrolet sells the Suburban as the extra large version of the Tahoe. The Tahoe and the Yukon share interior dimensions. Both vehicles offer 44.5 inches of legroom up front, 42.0 inches for the second row, and 34.9 inches in the rear. The same goes for cargo volume. The Tahoe and Yukon have 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 72.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and 122.9 cubic feet behind the first row. Buyers requiring this much space can save money by purchasing a Tahoe rather than a Yukon.

Materials and build quality in the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe are nice enough, especially if you spring for the range-topping High Country model, but we'd much rather drive or be driven in the 2023 GMC Yukon. We've found the Yukon's upholstery, wood, and soft-touch points to be far more upscale than those found in equivalent versions of the Tahoe. The new Denali Ultimate trim coddles occupants with sumptuous full-grain leather, intricate contrast stitching, and open-pore wood trim. Luxurious features including ventilated and massaging seats and details such as a topographical map of Mt. Denali laser etched on the seatbacks contribute to the cabin's exclusive ambiance. Buyers in search of a genuine luxury SUV should skip the Tahoe and spring for the Yukon Denali or Denali Ultimate trims.

Chevrolet and GMC offer a similar list of technology features, although the equipment is  available for less in the Tahoe. The base Tahoe LS only comes equipped with a 8.0-inch infotainment display and a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, but all other models from the LT trim and up receive a large 10.2-inch infotainment display and a 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster. All models receive wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and features such as Google Maps, wireless charging, and premium Bose sound are also offered for models above the LS trim level. The base Yukon SLE is well-equipped and starts about $2,000 less than the comparable Tahoe LT, so GMC takes the win in this category.

Whereas Chevrolet is positioned as a mainstream brand, GMC positions itself as a premium automaker that sits between Chevy and Cadillac within the GM portfolio. GMC backs up the Yukon's upscale image with its chrome-intensive exterior design and upscale cabins, the styling of which varies by trim. The Denali and Denali Ultimate trims are genuinely luxurious, and undercut American luxury three-row SUVs like the 2023 Cadillac Escalade and the 2023 Lincoln Navigator. Some buyers will find appeal in the Tahoe's sportier exterior design, but those who prefer representing a more prestigious brand will want to drive a Yukon.

As of this writing, the base 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe LS starts at $56,095, about $3,000 less than the base 2023 GMC Yukon SLE. However, the GMC Yukon's entry-level trim starts at $59,295 and represents a better feature-per-dollar value than the more expensive Tahoe LT, which starts at $61,595. With superior interior quality and a comparable suite of equipment, we think that the 2023 Yukon SLE represents the best bang for the buck out of the Tahoe and Yukon lineups. However, if sheer utility is the primary objective, save a few thousand dollars and stick with the most basic version of the Tahoe.

Ultimately, brand preference will play a big role for many of the shoppers selecting between the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2023 GMC Yukon. The range-topping Tahoe High Country represents a welcome compromise for those looking to get the most features for their dollars, but we understand the draw of the Denali Ultimate's fully loaded package and borderline opulent interior. For those looking to maximize savings, we recommend forgoing the GMC's premium badge and upscale interior for the more mainstream Chevrolet full-size SUV.

2023 Chevrolet Tahoe Advantages

2023 GMC Yukon Advantages