The 2021 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban are among the most popular SUVs in America. Although the two are in the same vehicle family and share many traits, these siblings also have several differences. And sales numbers reveal that bigger isn’t always better. In fact, the smaller Chevy Tahoe is more popular than the Suburban.

More consumers choose the Chevy Tahoe over the Suburban

The 2021 Chevy Tahoe is a full-size SUV that’s in high demand. According to GoodCarBadCar and GM Authority sales data, unit sales have been consistently higher for the Tahoe than the Suburban over the past few years.

In 2018, Chevrolet sold 104,152 Tahoe units — 43,000 more than the Suburban. In 2019, the Tahoe experienced a slight drop in sales, with 101,189 new units sold nationwide. Even with the slight decrease in sales, Chevrolet sold nearly twice as many Tahoe units as Suburban units in 2019.

2020 was a challenging year for everyone, including the automotive industry. People hunkered down at home to slow the spread of COVID-19, resulting in a temporary drop in demand for new vehicles. Considering how drastically the pandemic changed lives during 2020, Chevrolet still performed well and sold 88,237 Tahoes in the United States, more than double the number of Suburbans.

These 2 full-size SUVs have plenty in common

Buyers typically consider the sales price when purchasing a vehicle. The Chevy Suburban’s MSRP starts at $52,300. The Tahoe has a slightly lower starting price of $49,600. Because the base prices for the two are so similar, cost probably isn’t a factor in popularity.

Both SUVs are engine options. The 5.3-liter V8 makes 355 hp, and the upgraded 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 boasts a max of 420 hp. These massive SUVs are gas-guzzlers, rated for 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

Large SUVs like the Suburban and Tahoe had an outstanding advantage during the pandemic due to their size. While many people stayed home in 2020 due to social distancing, others hopped into their SUVs and hit the open road for socially distanced camping trips.

The Chevy Suburban and Tahoe are impressive inside and out and offer smooth handling and a quiet ride. With third-row seating, plenty of cargo space, and all the latest infotainment features, these two SUVs pack plenty of fun into every trip.

But the Chevy Tahoe’s slightly smaller size is its strength

Though the mammoth Chevy Suburban packs the same engine power as the Tahoe, the beefy Suburban can tow only 8,300 pounds. That’s a whole 300 pounds less than its smaller sibling can tow. The Suburban needs a lot of engine power to support its weight, which likely contributes to its slightly lower max tow weight limit.

The Tahoe’s smaller size gives it an acceleration advantage. It can roar from 0 to 60 mph in only 5.9 seconds. The bulkier Suburban takes 7.1 seconds to reach the same speed. That’s still pretty impressive, considering its enormous size.

Though the Chevy Tahoe is smaller than the Suburban, both SUVs are massive. Consumers aren’t just buying new Tahoe models; they’re also happily purchasing used models, such as the 2018 Tahoe. U.S. sales consistently perform well and show no signs of slowing anytime soon. So no matter how luxurious the Suburban may be, the sales figures speak volumes: American drivers prefer the Tahoe.