Chevrolet Tahoe vs. Toyota Sequoia

When Toyota redesigned its Sequoia in 2023, it was clear that the Chevrolet Tahoe was the model they were targeting. Both SUVs are large, built on their respective brands’ full-size truck platforms, and offer seating for eight or seven with 2nd-row captain’s chairs. Both have rear-wheel drive, and 4-wheel drive is an option. Dieffenbach GM Superstore takes a closer look at how these models compare.

The Tahoe has a range of six grades with a starting MSRP range of $58,195 for the LS, which climbs to $76,900 for the High Country. Prices include destination fees. The Sequoia starts a bit higher at $63,125 MSRP, including destination fees for the SR5. There are five grades, topping off with the Capstone, which starts at $80,115. That said, the SR5 starts out with a few extra features, such as heated front seats and a sunroof. On the top end of the range, both models come with quite a few luxury features, though it can be well-argued that the Sequoia Capstone doesn’t quite reach the luxury levels of the Tahoe High Country. 

Powertrain 

The Sequoia has a one-size-fits-all powertrain with the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain, producing 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. The engine is combined with a 10-speed automatic. EPA mpg estimates are 21 in the city, 24 on the highway, and 22 combined. Four-wheel-drive, which is a $3,000 option on both models, drops everything by two mpg to 19/22/20. 

By comparison, the Tahoe has three engine choices. Standard on the LS and other lower grades is the 5.3-liter V8, producing 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. EPA estimates are 15 / 20 /17 for both 2WD and 4WD models. This and all Tahoe engines are also paired with a 10-speed automatic. That gives the Sequoia an advantage in power and efficiency, but the Tahoe counters by offering the 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel V6 as a $995 option on all models but the off-road focused Z71. The Duramax produces 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, which peaks at a low 1,500 rpm. Its EPA-city mpg figures match Sequoia’s 21 city mpg, but it has a higher 28 mpg on the highway, dropping to 26 with 4WD.  The 6.2-liter V8, which produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, is standard on the High Country and available on the next three highest trims.

Chassis

The Sequoia features a double-wishbone suspension up front and a solid rear axle with coil-over springs in the rear. An air suspension is available in upper grades. The Tahoe boasts a four-wheel independent suspension, which pays off immediately with a smoother highway ride and improved agility. The available magnetic ride control dampers on upper trims improve things further, and an air suspension is also available on upper models. 

Size

This is the primary reason for selecting a full-size SUV, and it is where the Tahoe shines. It trades exterior dimensions with the Sequoia having an inch shorter wheelbase (120.9 vs. 122.0 inches) but is about two and a half inches longer overall (210.7 vs. 208.1). The difference is evident in the cabin, where legroom is greater in all three rows (1st: 45 vs. 41, 2nd: 39 vs. 38, 3rd: 35 vs. 34) as is headroom (1st: 42 vs. 39, 2nd: 39 vs. 38, 3rd: 38 vs. 36). For shoulder room, the Tahoe has more for the first two rows (1st: 66 vs. 65, 2nd: 65 vs. 62) while the Sequoia has an inch more for the 3rd row (62 vs. 63). In standard form, both models seat eight, though the Tahoe can be ordered with a front bench seat, increasing maximum seating capacity to nine.

When it comes to cargo space, the two vehicles don’t even seem to be in the same class. With both 3rd and 2nd row seat backs down, the Tahoe can claim 123 cubic feet of space compared to 87 for the Sequoia. With the 2nd row seats occupied, the figures are 73 for the Tahoe versus 49 for the Sequoia. At first glance, it appears closer when all the seats are up, with the Tahoe having 26 cubic feet compared to the Sequoia’s 22. However, the Sequoia’s 3rd-row slides forward and back, and if you have people in them, they will likely be fully back, and this shrinks the space behind the seats to a mere 11 cubic feet.

Towing

The Sequoia’s maximum towing capacity of 9,520 pounds exceeds the Tahoe’s maximum of 8,400 pounds. If you have a trailer between those two figures, that certainly can make a difference. However, if your trailer is below 8,400 pounds, the Tahoe offers significant trailering technologies that make the process easier, including Hitch Guidance, which helps you line up to the hitch, and Hitch View, which displays your ball in relation to the hitch. Upper models include Trailer Side Blind Spot, which can display an extended blind spot section that consists of both the Tahoe and Trailer. These trims are also available with the trailer integration app that can monitor multiple trailer status features such as lights, water levels, generator status, and even slide-out status on compatible travel trailers. Of these, the Sequoia only offers Hitch View and, like the Tahoe, has a Tow/Haul drive mode.

Cabin Technology

Both models start with an 8-inch touch screen on their base models, but the price-comparable LT upgrades to a 10-inch display. Wireless smartphone compatibility is standard on both models, as is keyless start, 8-way power front seats, and tri-zone climate control. As you move up the model hierarchy, you will likely find what you want in the way of convenience features in either model, except that only the Tahoe is available with the true hands-free driving technology of Super Cruise. 

While the Sequoia hybrid drivetrain is impressive, the model simply does not have the cabin and cargo space, smooth ride, or towing sophistication you want in a full-size SUV. But the Tahoe has it all. Check out all of what the Tahoe has to offer at the Dieffenbach GM Superstore.