2021 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of six trims, each with distinct styling elements. The base LS and popular LT trims featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST trim boasted a slotted grille, a blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 trim combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, a redesigned front end for off-roading, red tow hooks, a skid plate, and unique 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. The upscale Premier trim adopted the RST’s slotted grille with chrome accents, while the luxurious High Country trim showcased a chrome bar grille, large 22-inch wheels, and body-colour mirror caps. The Tahoe’s design was characterized by its dominant grille, standard LED headlights, and expressive taillights. Despite its familiar design themes, the new Tahoe appeared more slab-sided, with larger wheels enhancing its overall look.

The interior of the Tahoe was centred around a 10.2-inch infotainment screen and new electronic transmission controls, which improved storage capacity but compromised control layout. The Tahoe LS featured cloth seats, while leather became standard from the LT trim onwards. The Premier trim added perforated leather, and the High Country offered perforated and textured leather options. The Z71 trim we tested included numerous upgrades, such as a power panoramic sunroof and a power sliding floor console, bringing the total price to $80,293. The quality of the cabin met expectations, with exposed stitching and soft-touch surfaces in the upper half, while the lower half was covered in hard plastic.

The 2021 GMC Yukon, positioned as a premium-grade SUV, offered a rugged yet refined design. Available in standard and extended-length body styles, the Yukon came in SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. The new AT4 trim was designed for off-road adventures, while the Denali trim, which accounted for half of new Yukon sales, emphasized substance over image. The Denali featured an exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, leather-wrapped panels, and unique interior stitching. The Denali Ultimate option package added a panoramic sunroof, enhancing the upscale cabin. The Yukon Denali Ultimate, priced at $93,703, showcased intricate grillework, vent-style fender badges, chrome lower body trim, and appealing rear styling, making it more upscale than the Chevrolet Tahoe High Country.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. The standard engine for most trims was a 5.3-litre V8, delivering 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country trim featured an exclusive 6.2-litre V8 engine, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel inline six-cylinder engine was available for all trims except the Z71, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, with improved fuel efficiency. The Tahoe’s 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a four-wheel-drive system optional on base trims and standard on others. The Z71 trim included a two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, and off-road enhancements. The Tahoe could tow up to 3,810 kilograms and handle a payload of 831 kilograms.

The major engineering change for the 2021 Tahoe was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride and handling. The Tahoe also offered Magnetic Ride Control suspension and an Air Ride suspension option, enhancing ride quality. The Z71 trim impressed with its smooth ride, thanks to the independent rear suspension, adaptive damping, and air suspension upgrades. The 5.3-litre V8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission provided refined and capable performance. The engine’s Dynamic Fuel Management technology improved fuel efficiency, with a combined driving estimate of 13.5 litres per 100 kilometres. The Z71’s all-terrain tires affected cornering on pavement, but the suspension upgrades controlled body roll, making the Tahoe feel planted and athletic.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options. The standard engine for most trims was a 5.3-litre V8, producing 355 horsepower. The Denali trim featured an exclusive 6.2-litre V8 engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine was optional for all trims except the AT4. The Denali’s 6.2-litre V8 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided robust acceleration. However, fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, with an average of 16.3 litres per 100 kilometres on the testing loop. The Yukon’s independent rear suspension and available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension improved ride quality and handling. The 22-inch wheels and 275/50 tires affected ride quality, but the Yukon remained capable with its Active Response 4WD system, which included an Autotrac two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. The Yukon Denali could tow 3,629 kilograms and handle a payload of 915 kilograms.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from a new independent rear suspension, improving passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated seats available on higher trims. The power sliding storage console offered convenience and security. The second row offered a 3-person bench seat or individual captain’s chairs, with the latter option providing comfort and easy access to the third row. The third-row seat room was substantially improved, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe offered 722 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, 2,056 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,480 litres.

The 2021 GMC Yukon also benefited from the new independent rear suspension, enhancing passenger and cargo space. The Denali trim featured leather upholstery with perforated inserts and special stitching. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with a heated steering wheel included. The power sliding console added convenience and storage solutions. The second-row seats slid and collapsed to fold flat, improving comfort and cargo room. The third-row seat provided actual thigh support, accommodating adults comfortably. The Yukon Denali offered 722 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 2,056 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,480 litres.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system offered over-the-air updates and enhanced cybersecurity protection. Standard features included a voice-recognition system, Chevrolet Connected Services, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Navigation and Bose premium audio systems were available upgrades. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with impressive voice recognition. The test vehicle included a wireless charging pad and a mid-grade 9-speaker Bose audio system. The Rear Seat Media system offered versatility, though the test vehicle lacked the available 15-inch head-up display.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali, with the Ultimate Package, offered a comprehensive infotainment system. The standard 10.2-inch touchscreen provided wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included wireless device charging, navigation, a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system, and a Rear Seat Media system with dual 12.6-inch displays. The rear-seat entertainment system required an Apple-brand adapter for streaming content. The Denali included a 15-inch colour head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and multiple surround-view camera vantage points, enhancing maneuverability.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features such as Teen Driver, a rear-seat reminder system, forward collision alert with pedestrian detection, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and rear pedestrian detection. Premier and High Country trims included adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Tahoe’s driving-assistance features worked as expected, with no false threats. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the SUV in tight spaces. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2021 GMC Yukon included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, daytime pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. Teen Driver and a rear-seat reminder system were also standard. Starting with the SLT trim, the Yukon included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim offered adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The Yukon Denali’s adaptive cruise and lane assistance technologies operated smoothly. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.