2026 Best Full-Size SUV: Chevrolet Suburban/Tahoe

The category of Best Full-Size SUV was added to the AutoTrader Awards in 2023, and the win has gone to the Chevrolet Suburban/Tahoe every year since, including for 2026. Our panel of more than 20 automotive experts from across the country considered every vehicle in this category and voted for this Chevrolet duo as the best of them all.

A note on the Suburban/Tahoe name: These two vehicles are essentially one model. They are identical ahead of the rear doors, but the Suburban is longer, with more third-row legroom and cargo space. Other automakers that offer two vehicle lengths – the Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, and Jeep Grand Wagoneer – use the same model names but add Max, XL, and L, respectively, to the stretched version.

The Suburban and Tahoe received a makeover for 2025, including new styling, a 17.7-inch centre touchscreen, improvements in their ride and handling, and a more powerful optional diesel engine. All of that carries forward for 2026.

Three engines are on offer, depending on trim, starting with a 5.3-litre V8 that makes 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. A 6.2-litre V8 increases power to 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.0-litre inline-six turbodiesel makes 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. All use a 10-speed automatic. The entry trim is available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and can be optioned with the four-wheel-drive (4WD) system that’s standard in all other trims.

When properly equipped, the maximum towing capacity for the Tahoe is 3,810 kg (8,400 lbs), and 3,719 kg (8,200 lbs) for the Suburban. Available towing technologies include blind-spot monitoring with the trailer, turning guidelines, a hitch-view camera, and a navigation feature that calculates the best route for the trailer’s size. The Tahoe and Suburban also offer a hands-free highway driving system called Super Cruise that our experts rate as one of the best available right now.

While the Tahoe is large and the Suburban even more so, they both handle very well, with responsive steering and a surprisingly tight turning circle. The ride is smooth and composed, especially when they’re equipped with available features including an air suspension and Magnetic Ride Control, which almost instantly adjusts the shock absorbers depending on road conditions. Despite the comfort level, the ride never feels too soft or floaty, and these models have a confident, well-planted feel that make them a pleasure to drive, especially on the highway.

Both seat up to eight occupants, and for the third row, the Tahoe offers 886 mm (34.9 inches) of legroom, while the Suburban expands that to 932 mm (36.7 inches). That third row is set high up from the floor, which provides a more natural seating position than in many three-row SUVs with lower seats that give a “chin-on-knees” posture. The 722 litres of cargo space in the Tahoe expands to 1,175 L in the Suburban, allowing you to fill the seats with people and still have room for the luggage or equipment they need to bring along.

All trims come with a full suite of driver-assist features, while available convenience items include rear-seat entertainment, self-parking, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, power-folding seats, and camera mirror.

The Tahoe and Suburban are siblings to the GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade (which won as Best Full-Size Luxury SUV for 2026), and these impressed our auto experts as well; but ultimately, they felt the Chevrolet versions provide the best combination of features and performance for the price. All of the full-size models on the market do a good job of getting a lot of people to their destination in comfort, but the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe take that to a level that earned then win as the Best Full-Size SUV for 2026.