The Chevy Tahoe is one of the first three-row vessels that comes to mind when someone mentions a family vehicle. It’s an icon of mobility, highly capable of moving a lot of people and things. However, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas puts one particularly important Chevrolet Tahoe feature to shame. 

At a glance, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas looks significantly different than the larger 2020 Chevy Tahoe. It’s easy to see the two and assume that cabin and cargo space is vastly larger inside of the Tahoe. Some buyers may look to the 2020 Tahoe to save some money since the all-new 2021 version is out and in high demand.  

But apparently, not everything is as meets the eye. Let’s compare the cargo space between the Atlas and the Tahoe to find out a bit more about these two popular family SUV models. 

How much cargo space does a 2020 Chevy Tahoe have? 

The 2020 Chevy Tahoe is a large three-row SUV that has high predicted reliability ratings. But its shortcomings prompted some big changes in the most recent fully redesign of both the interior and exterior, according to U.S. News and World Report. 

One of the Chevy Tahoe’s calling cards has always been its size. Chevrolet’s Suburban takes the cabin space up a notch, but the Tahoe is still plenty spacious. However, the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe fell a bit short. According to Car and Driver, the 2020 Tahoe can manage only four carry-on suitcases behind the third row.  

Behind the third row seat, the 2021 Chevy Tahoe offers more cargo space now that it’s fresh off a redesign. In fact, the newest Chevrolet Tahoe is a much more spacious SUV than before. So let’s talk a little more about the tighter space inside the 2020 model. 

Behind the third row, the 2020 Chevy Tahoe is a family SUV that offers just 15.3 cubic ft. of cargo space. This isn’t small, but compared to rivals it falls short. Behind the second row, there are 51.7 cubic ft. and with all the seats down the 2020 Chevy Tahoe offers 94.7 cubic ft. The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas offers even more. 

Is the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas interior nice? 

Car and Driver call the Atlas a “competent SUV lacking the upscale feeling of some of its rivals.” It also describes the interior as “spartan” or “uninspiring.” On the other hand, C/D also commends the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas for offering great value and loads of interior space for people and stuff. In fact, before the Tahoe’s recent redesign, the Volkswagen Atlas put the Tahoe’s cargo specs to shame. 

Behind the third row, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas can also fit 4 carry-on suitcases. However, its measurement is over 5 cubic ft. larger than the Tahoe at 20.6 cubic ft. behind the second row, the 2020 Atlas offers 55.5 cubic ft. of room and with all of the seats down, Atlas drivers get 96.8 cubic ft. of cargo space. 

Is the Atlas better than the Tahoe? 

These are two very different SUVs. Neither of them offer fantastic fuel economy. The Chevy Tahoe will obviously be the better vehicle if you need a bigger brute for things like towing and hauling. However, most buyer probably think that the Tahoe is always a better option in terms of cargo space. 

But it turns out that until the recent redesign, the 2020 Chevy Tahoe fell short in terms of cargo space. In fact, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas put that surprising Chevrolet feature to shame. Both of these family SUVs are good options, and the choice will obviously always be subjective to the buyers. That said, if cargo space is a high priority, you may find your family rolling around in a Volkswagen––not a Chevrolet.