The Chevy Tahoe is one of Chevrolet’s best-known models. This full-size SUV and its corporate twin, the Yukon, are similar but have a few key differences. Here’s a look at why Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon sales are going in opposite directions.

Recent Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon sales figures reveal 1 model is struggling

According to recent sales figures, General Motors — Chevrolet and GMC’s parent company — is doing great, especially in the full-size SUV segment. One of GM’s models leading the charge is the Chevy Tahoe, the best-selling full-size SUV on the market.

In the first quarter of 2022, Chevy sold over 24,000 Tahoe units. In comparison, the automaker moved about 27,000 units in Q1 2023 — a 13.6% gain since the previous year. That number means the Tahoe is responsible for 28% of the segment’s sales. It also gives the Chevy SUV a commanding lead over the Ford Expedition, which came in second place with 19,000 units sold.

Meanwhile, the Tahoe’s corporate twin is not doing well. The GMC Yukon saw a 13.6% decrease in sales year-over-year. So far this year, GMC has sold only about 10,500 units of this full-size SUV. That puts the Yukon below the Chevy Suburban in 2023.

GM Authority splits the sales data between the Yukon and Yukon XL. The larger version is doing ok, selling over 9,000 units in Q1 2023. However, that’s about the same number as the automaker moved in the same timeframe last year. Even combined, both Yukon models are selling worse than the Tahoe.

Why is the Chevy SUV more popular than the GMC SUV?

Because the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon are so similar, it’s difficult to know why the standard Yukon is performing poorly while its twin is doing well. A possible explanation concerns one of their main differences: the sticker price. GMC is General Motors’ premium brand, so the Yukon is more upscale than the Tahoe and has an MSRP to match.

The 2023 Chevy Tahoe starts at about $54,000, while the 2023 GMC Yukon retails for $57,000. That $3,000 difference is big enough for some consumers, especially those concerned about the current economy. On top of that, there may be more Chevy fans than GMC fans, and those Chevy enthusiasts want a Tahoe.

Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon similarities and differences

Either way, shoppers interested in either full-size SUV will probably be satisfied with their purchase. The 2023 Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon look different on the outside, but they’re virtually identical under the hood. Their base engine is a 5.3-liter V8 harnessing 355 hp. GM also gave both SUVs the same engine options. So many of their powertrain specs are the same, including their towing capacities. 

Their cabins have noticeable differences, but not in size. For instance, they have the same maximum cargo capacity of 122.9 cubic feet. But as for technology and luxury features, the Yukon wins. It has a 10.2-inch touchscreen, nearly two inches larger than the Tahoe’s standard 8.0-inch display.