Though they have different nameplates and live on competing showrooms, the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe have been virtually the same vehicle since the Tahoe replaced the Chevy Blazer in 1995. The big difference between the Yukon and Tahoe has long been the GMC’s more luxurious Denali trim.
In 2021, the Yukon and Tahoe are all new, and the Yukon Denali further separates itself from the pack with an exclusive interior. We took a deep dive into both models to determine which of these closely related SUVs is superior.
What the Yukon Gets Right
While the GMC Yukon shares its base body with the Chevy Tahoe, giving them striking similarities, the Yukon’s soft parts make a huge difference from afar. From its big, bold grille to its C-shaped headlights and taillights to its additional chrome trim, the Yukon’s body stands out. This eye-catching design becomes even more evident in the Denali trim, which adds larger wheels and even more chrome.
Inside, things are a bit different. If you skip the steering wheel, it’s virtually impossible to tell the base Yukon from the base Tahoe. Bump up to the Denali trim, and everything changes, as it gains a chunky, upright dash with two-tone coloring, an in-dash touchscreen, and upgraded upholstery. The Denali looks and feels like a legit luxury rig and separates itself from the rest of the Yukon lineup.
The Yukon shares many of its standard features with the Tahoe, but the Denali trim pushes luxury to a higher level than the Tahoe does. The Yukon Denali includes a 14-speaker audio system, wood trim, heated second-row seats, a power-folding third row, and more.
Buyers who need more room can move up to the roughly 15-inch-longer Yukon XL. Over the Tahoe (and regular Yukon), the Yukon XL offers an extra 16 cubic feet of cargo room with the seats upright, an additional 22.1 with the third row folded, and an additional 21.8 cubes with both rear rows folded.
What the Tahoe Gets Right
At $50,295 to start, the Chevy Tahoe is $1,700 cheaper than the GMC Yukon. Despite this lower cost, the Tahoe’s standard features are virtually identical to those in the base Yukon. The same goes for its interior space and design.
The Tahoe also has the same powertrain options. These engines include a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8, a 420-hp 6.2-liter V8, and a 277-hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six.
Save With the Chevy Tahoe
The Chevy Tahoe may not have the bold looks of the GMC Yukon or its range-topping features, but its lower price and similar standard features make it a great option for budget-minded buyers.
Our Verdict: GMC Yukon
The base GMC Yukon is pricier than the Chevy Tahoe, and there’s not much reason for it. However, for buyers who want a bolder look, that extra $1,700 likely makes no difference. Plus, buyers who want a legit luxury SUV without moving into BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Cadillac prices will find this balance in the Yukon Denali.
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