Slow does not necessarily mean boring

Chevy has redesigned its two biggest SUVs, the Tahoe and Suburban, for the 2021 model years. They share more than their design, riding on GM’s T1 platform. While the powertrains of both vehicles are identical, the test cars in Fast Lane Car don’t. The Tahoe has a 5.3-liter engine, while the Suburban is larger and packs a 6.2-liter V8. To determine which car is faster, the Fast Lane Car pits them in drag races back-to-back.

The Tahoe’s smaller engine produces 355 horsepower (264 Kilowatts) as well as 383 pound-feet (519 Newton meters) of torque. The Suburban’s 6.2 liter produces 402 horsepower (299 kW) as well as 460 lb/ft (623 Nm), of torque. Both are mated to GM’s 10-speed auto gearbox. The Tahoe is not as powerful as it could be, but it is lighter than the other models by around 270 pounds.

The Tahoe took a slight lead in the first race, but Suburban quickly closed the gap. Suburban then started to pull away and crossed the finish line. Although the Suburban’s switched drivers in the second race, the results were the same. The Suburban’s extra power surpasses the weight difference between the two. The video also showed the suburban Tahoe running the race in 9.73 seconds. The Suburban ran in 8.75 seconds and 9.52 seconds, respectively. The hosts agree to subtract 1 second to compensate for the elevation. The track is one mile above sea-level.

The Tahoe can be ordered with the 6.2-liter V8, but this would alter the outcome of a drag racing race. However, there are faster and cheaper options if drag racing interests you. The Tahoe shown in the video is $68,000 with the Z71 package. The 2021 Suburban High Country costs $83,000. Both are impressive but come at a price.