Chevy SUV Showdown: Which is the Best Family Vehicle - Tahoe, Equinox, or Trailblazer?

Price and Trim Levels

The cheapest family SUV out of the three is the Chevy Trailblazer, followed by the Equinox. However, all three come in a variety of trim levels.

Price & Trim Levels | Tahoe

• LS | $56,095
• LT | $61,595
• RST| $64,195
• Z71 | $66,195
• Premier | $69,495
• High Country | $76,295

Price & Trim Levels | Equinox

• LS | $27,995
• LT | $29,095
• RS | $32,095
• Premier | $33,195

Price & Trim Levels | Trailblazer

• LS | $23,395
• LT | $25,595
• Activ | $27,495
• RS | $27,495

Exterior & Colors

The 2023 Chevy Tahoe is the larger of the three SUVs, measuring 211″ L x 81″ W x 76″ H. The 2023 Chevy Equinox has measurements of 183″ L x 73″ W x 65″ H, while the new Trailblazer is rated at 174″ L x 71″ W x 65-66″ H. The Trailblazer comes with 17-18" wheels, the Equinox offers 17-19," and the Tahoe has 18-22", but all three have various color options. 

Interior Design & Seating

The 2023 Chevy Tahoe is meant to hold up to nine people, depending on the configuration. On the other hand, the new Equinox and Trailblazer only have two rows for seating to hold five.

Infotainment & Features

You will find similar features among the three SUVs. They all include a six-speaker stereo, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports. However, the Trailblazer and Equinox have a 7" touch screen, while the Tahoe includes a standard 10.2" touch screen. 

Cargo Capacity

The 2023 Chevy Tahoe has the largest cargo hold of the three. Here are the measurements behind the SUVs' first, second, and third rows (measured in cubic feet).

• Tahoe: 25.5/72.6/122.9
• Equinox: 29.9/63.9/NA
• Trailblazer: 25.3/54.4/NA

Towing Capacity

The 2023 Chevy Tahoe tows most of the three with an 8,400-pound rating. The Equinox is rated for up to 1,500 pounds, and the Trailblazer can tow up to 1,000 pounds.

Drivetrain & Suspension

The 2023 Chevy Equinox and Trailblazer come standard as a front-wheel drive SUV, while the Tahoe has rear-wheel drive. However, the first two can be outfitted with all-wheel drive, while the Tahoe can be ordered with four-wheel drive.

Engine

The 2023 Chevy Tahoe has a 355-hp 5.3L V8 engine, an optional 420-hp 6.2L V8, or the available 277-hp six-cylinder turbodiesel. With any of the three, you get a ten-speed automatic transmission. The 2023 Chevy Equinox includes a 175-hp 1.5L four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. In comparison, the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer includes a standard 137-hp three-cylinder motor with a CVT, or an available 155-hp turbocharged three-cylinder with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Performance & MPG

The 2023 Chevy Tahoe has an EPA rating of 21/28 mpg when choosing the turbodiesel engine. On V8 models, the rating is 16/20 mpg and 15/20 mpg with the other gas engine. The 2023 Chevy Equinox with front-wheel drive earns 26/31 mpg, and all-wheel drive gets 24/30 mpg. The 2023 Chevy Trailblazer is rated at 29/31 mpg with the standard engine and 29/33 mpg with the optional motor.

Safety Features

The 2023 Chevy Tahoe, Equinox, and Trailblazer include a long list of standard safety features. There is little difference between the three; you can always add anything else you want.

Ratings & Reviews

The 2023 Chevy Tahoe receives four stars from the NHTSA. Plus, Car and Driver says, "The Tahoe delivers exactly what buyers want in an XXL SUV: a generously sized cabin, an impressive suite of features, and a broad range of trims to suit a variety of budgets."

The 2023 Chevy Equinox also received favorable safety ratings from the IIHS. Additionally, Car and Driver says, "It offers plenty of features even in base LS trim, including myriad safety tech, heated power side mirrors, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and LED headlights with auto-high-beam functionality.

Finally, the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer was awarded the Top Safety Pick+ status from the IIHS, while Car and Driver list the benefits as being "attractive styling, spacious cabin [and] technology rich."