Introduction

When it comes to finding the perfect family SUV, two names often rise to the top of the list: the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2023 Honda Pilot. Both of these vehicles offer a compelling blend of comfort, performance, and utility, making them excellent choices for families on the go. The Tahoe, a stalwart of the Chevrolet lineup, is known for its robust performance and spacious interior. On the other hand, the Honda Pilot, with its reputation for reliability and efficiency, offers a more compact and maneuverable alternative without sacrificing on space or comfort.

Three Reasons the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe is a Better Choice:

• Power and Performance: The Tahoe's standard 5.3L V8 engine offers robust performance, making it ideal for those who need to tow heavy loads or simply enjoy a spirited drive.
• Spaciousness: With its generous dimensions, the Tahoe offers more cargo space and a roomier interior, making it a great choice for larger families or those who need to haul a lot of gear.
• Advanced Technology: The Tahoe comes equipped with a host of advanced features, including a 10.2-inch diagonal Chevrolet Infotainment System and an available 15-inch Head-Up Display, providing drivers with a high-tech and intuitive driving experience.

Three Reasons the 2023 Honda Pilot is a Better Choice:

• Efficiency: The Pilot, with its V6 engine and refined aerodynamics, offers impressive fuel efficiency, making it a great choice for those who want to minimize their trips to the gas station.
• Maneuverability: Thanks to its more compact dimensions, the Pilot is easier to handle in tight spaces and urban environments, making it a practical choice for city dwellers.
• Reliability: Honda has a strong reputation for reliability and the Pilot is no exception. This makes it a smart choice for those who want a vehicle that will stand the test of time.

How Do the Powertrains Compare?

The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe comes standard with a 5.3L V8 engine that delivers 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This power is managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission. For those who desire more power, a 6.2L V8 engine is available, offering a whopping 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines provide ample power for towing, with the Tahoe boasting a maximum towing capacity of 8,400 lbs. Four-wheel drive is available for those who need extra traction and off-road capability.

On the other hand, the 2023 Honda Pilot is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot also offers an available all-wheel-drive system, enhancing its stability and performance in various driving conditions. When it comes to towing, the Pilot can handle up to 5,000 lbs.

In terms of fuel economy, the Tahoe offers an EPA-estimated 16 city/20 highway MPG, while the Pilot offers a slightly better fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 18 city/23 highway MPG.

How Do Exterior Dimensions Compare?

The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV, and its dimensions reflect this. It has a wheelbase of 120.9 inches, an overall length of 210.7 inches, a width of 81.0 inches, and a height of 75.9 inches. The Tahoe's curb weight ranges from 5,466 to 5,815 lbs depending on the configuration.

The 2023 Honda Pilot, being a mid-size SUV, is more compact. It has a wheelbase of 111.0 inches, an overall length of 196.5 inches, a width of 78.6 inches, and a height of 70.6 inches. The curb weight of the Pilot ranges from 4,036 to 4,319 lbs depending on the configuration.

How Do the Interior Dimensions Compare?

Inside, both the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2023 Honda Pilot offer spacious and comfortable accommodations. The Tahoe, with its larger exterior dimensions, provides a more generous interior space. It offers up to 168.4 cubic feet of total interior volume, with 42.3 inches of front legroom, 39.0 inches of second-row legroom, and 34.9 inches of third-row legroom.

Headroom is also ample, with 42.3 inches in the front row, 38.9 inches in the second row, and 38.2 inches in the third row. When it comes to cargo space, the Tahoe offers 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 72.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 122.9 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Honda Pilot, while smaller on the outside, makes efficient use of its interior space. It offers up to 152.9 cubic feet of total interior volume, with 40.9 inches of front legroom, 38.4 inches of second-row legroom, and 31.9 inches of third-row legroom.

Headroom is also generous, with 40.1 inches in the front row, 40.2 inches in the second row, and 38.9 inches in the third row. In terms of cargo space, the Pilot offers 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet with all seats folded.

How Do Their Safety Features Compare?

Safety is a key consideration for any family vehicle, and both the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2023 Honda Pilot come equipped with a host of advanced safety features.

The Tahoe includes standard features such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, and IntelliBeam automatic high beams. It also offers available features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The Honda Pilot also comes well-equipped in terms of safety, with standard features including Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keeping Assist System. Additional available safety features include Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor and Auto High-Beam Headlights.

Both the Tahoe and the Pilot have historically performed well in safety tests, with previous model years earning high ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

What Are These Vehicles’ Top Competitors?

The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2023 Honda Pilot face stiff competition in the crowded SUV market. For the Tahoe, key competitors include the Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, and Toyota Sequoia. These full-size SUVs offer similar levels of performance, space, and luxury, making them worthy alternatives for those considering the Tahoe.

The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, competes with mid-size SUVs like the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, and Nissan Pathfinder. These vehicles offer a similar blend of comfort, efficiency, and practicality, making them strong contenders in the segment.

What Are the Trims Levels for These Vehicles?

The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe is available in six trim levels: LS, LT, RST, Premier, Z71, and High Country.

The base LS trim comes with features like LED headlights and taillights, tri-zone automatic climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system.

The LT trim adds leather upholstery and a Bose premium audio system.

The RST trim adds sporty styling cues and 22-inch wheels, while the off-road-oriented Z71 trim comes with unique exterior styling, a two-speed transfer case, and all-terrain tires.

The Premier trim adds features like a magnetic ride control suspension, a navigation system, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system.

The range-topping High Country trim comes with all the bells and whistles, including a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2023 Honda Pilot is available in seven trim levels: LX, EX-L 7 Passenger, EX-L 8 Passenger, Sport, Touring, Elite, and TrailSport.

The base LX trim comes with features like automatic climate control, a 5-inch central display, and a seven-speaker sound system.

The EX-L trims add features like a sunroof, a power liftgate, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Sport trim adds 20-inch wheels, a blacked-out exterior trim, and roof rails. The Touring trim adds features like a rear entertainment system, a 10-speaker premium audio system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The Elite trim adds luxury features like ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a heated steering wheel.

The new TrailSport trim is designed for off-road use and comes with unique exterior styling and all-terrain tires.

What Technology Comes in These Vehicles?

The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe is packed with modern technology. The standard 10.2-inch diagonal Chevrolet Infotainment System offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone for hands-free calls, music streaming, and navigation. An available 15-inch Head-Up Display projects key information onto the windshield, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. Other available tech features include a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, a rear-seat entertainment system with dual 12.6-inch diagonal LCD touch-screens, and a Bose 10-speaker Surround with Centerpoint audio system.

The 2023 Honda Pilot also comes well-equipped in terms of technology. The standard infotainment system features a 5-inch central display and a seven-speaker sound system. Higher trims come with an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Other available tech features include a rear entertainment system with a 10.2-inch screen, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a wireless phone charger, and a premium 10-speaker audio system.

How Do the Prices of These Vehicles Compare?

The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe has a starting price of $54,200 for the base LS trim. The LT trim starts at $59,700, the RST trim starts at $62,300, the Z71 trim starts at $64,300, the Premier trim starts at $67,600, and the range-topping High Country trim starts at $74,400.

The 2023 Honda Pilot, on the other hand, has a more affordable starting price of $36,300 for the base LX trim. The EX-L 7 Passenger and EX-L 8 Passenger trims start at $39,060 and $39,460 respectively, the Sport trim starts at $40,060, the Touring trim starts at $44,060, the Elite trim starts at $49,060, and the new TrailSport trim starts at $43,250.

In terms of value, the Honda Pilot offers a more affordable entry point and a lower price across all trim levels, making it a better choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Autolist's Take:

In the world of full-size SUVs, both the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2023 Honda Pilot stand out as strong contenders, each with their own unique strengths.

The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe, with its robust powertrain options, expansive interior space, and advanced technology features, is a fantastic choice for those who prioritize performance, comfort, and connectivity. Its towing capacity and off-road capabilities make it a versatile option for adventurous families or those who need to haul heavy loads. The Tahoe's wide range of trims also allows buyers to customize their vehicle to their specific needs and preferences, whether they're seeking luxury, sportiness, or off-road prowess.

On the other hand, the 2023 Honda Pilot, with its more affordable price point, impressive fuel efficiency, and well-rounded suite of safety features, is a great choice for those who prioritize value, economy, and safety. Its new TrailSport trim also adds a level of off-road capability that was previously missing from the Pilot lineup, making it a more versatile choice for those who enjoy outdoor adventures.

However, when it comes to overall value, the Honda Pilot takes the edge. Its lower starting price, combined with its well-equipped base model and excellent fuel efficiency, make it a more economical choice in the long run. Furthermore, its impressive suite of standard safety features across all trims provides peace of mind for families and those who prioritize safety.

In conclusion, while both the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2023 Honda Pilot are excellent choices in the full-size SUV segment, the Honda Pilot's combination of value, efficiency, and safety make it our top pick.