A versatile three-row SUV is a popular choice for consumers looking for extra space for passengers and cargo. Most automakers offer a midsize or large SUV with third-row seating, available in a wide variety of configurations and price points. Chevrolet offers three family-friendly SUVs, including the Tahoe and Suburban. However, despite their immense popularity, another Chevy 3-row SUV has been outselling both models.

What you need to know about the Chevy 3-row SUVs

The iconic and popular Chevy Tahoe has been consistently rated as the best-selling full-size SUV, offering reliable performance, a spacious interior, and a powerful V8 powertrain. With a maximum cargo space of 94.7 cubic feet and three rows of seating to accommodate up to nine passengers, the Tahoe is an excellent choice for large families. The entry-level LS model has a starting MSRP of $52,000, while the fully-loaded High Country trim can be as much as $80,000.

The Chevy Suburban also provides enough seating for nine occupants, providing a maximum cargo space of 121.7 cubic feet, with 39.3 cubic feet available behind the third row. The rear-seat entertainment system with monitors for both the second and third rows is ideal for long road trips, keeping everyone engaged. The starting MSRP for the base LS trim is $54,700, and the upper-level High Country model has a price tag of $75,300 before options.

The Chevrolet Traverse is a midsize Chevy 3-row SUV that can seat up to eight passengers, offering 98.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The vehicle receives a 5-star safety rating and includes family-friendly options such as Enhanced Smart Slide second-row capabilities, a hands-free liftgate, a Rear Seat Reminder feature, and a handy underfloor rear storage compartment. The appealing starting price of $33,920 plus destination fees could be what is catching consumer attention, as it is priced considerably lower than the other Chevy 3-row SUV options.

An award-winning combination

Of the three models, the Chevy Suburban and Chevy Tahoe have been around the longest and seem to get the most attention from auto industry critics and Chevy’s marketing team.

Both vehicles have received numerous awards and accolades. According to Chevrolet, the Chevy Suburban was picked as the 2021 Car and Driver Editors’ Choice for large SUVs. It has also been named the “Best Large SUV For Families” by U.S. News for three consecutive years, with 2023 being the most recent.

The Chevy Tahoe was named the 2021 “Best Family Car” by Kelley Blue Book, the 2021 “Best New Car” by Autotrader, and the 2021 Editors’ Choice by Car and Driver. The Chevy Traverse has also received its fair share of recognition, named in 2018 and 2019 by U.S. News as the “Best 3-Row SUV For Families.”

The Chevy Traverse is outselling both models so far this year

In terms of year-to-date sales, the Chevy Traverse is outselling both models so far this year. GoodCarBadCar compared Q2 sales from last year (2022) to the same model’s Q2 sales for this year (2023). The Chevy Traverse SUV has sold 37,147 units, compared to 20,841 for the same period last year, indicating an astounding 56% sales increase.

Meanwhile, the Chevy Tahoe sold 29,257 units in Q2 2023 compared to 21,069 last year. The Chevy Suburban also experienced a considerable increase in sales, rising 53% from the same period last year, selling 8,997 units in Q2 2022 and 16,661 in Q2 2023.

The most recent monthly sales figures indicate the Chevy Traverse is still outselling the Suburban and Tahoe models. In June 2023, the Traverse sold 12,543 units compared to 9,879 units of the Tahoe and 5,626 of the Suburban.

With sales trending upward for the Traverse, consumers appear to be willing to forego the longstanding reputation of the Suburban and Tahoe, instead selecting the lower-priced mid-size SUV. Not only is the Chevy Traverse easier to drive, but it also offers a comfortable interior, user-friendly technology, impressive safety ratings, and is easier on the wallet.