Difference between Large SUV and Prem Extra Capacity SUV?
 

Does anyone know what a "4WD/AWD Large SUV Chevrolet Tahoe or similar" and a "4WD/AWD Prem Extra Capacity SUV Yukon XL or similar" will likely be at MIA/FLL (or in general)? What is the difference between the two? Is the premium extra capacity SUV a better equiped vehicle? I'm asking since the price difference isn't much. Additionally I also don't want an SUV that is too large.
Thanks

Cant's speak to MIA/FLL but, generally....

The Chevy Tahoe and its GM variant (the Yukon) is the "short" version of a Chevy Suburban (or a "short" / non-XL version of the Yukon XL).

To make an apples-to-apples comparison, it is
Chevy Tahoe (short)
Chevy Suburban (long)

GMC Yukon (short)
GMC Yukon XL (long)

All generally have three rows of seats, the third row has a bit of cramped legroom between the 2nd and 3rd rows.

The big difference between the Suburban (Chevy) or the Tahoe XL (GMC) and their shorter counterparts is the amount of space behind the third row. The Tahoe and Yukon have less than the longer Suburban and the Yukon XL.

What do you mean by too large? If you mean between the two models above, you'd want the Tahoe or Yukon, which is smaller and thus shorter. They are still "large" compared to say an Explorer or crossover type vehicle (Ford Edge, Saturn Vue, Nissan Rogue, Chevy Equinox).

Thanks for the quick reply. Ok, so the only difference is just the length of the vehicle... I thought the larger (premium) one was also a "better equipped" vehicle (ie. leather).

Actually, by too large I meant too long. I guess the regular version will be just fine.

Tanks again.

What are you hauling? I see you're already in FLL, so on the off chance it's an IKEA run, I really recommend a minivan, especially the Chrysler Town & Country which has two-row stow-and-go seats.

Typically a Yukon will be better equipped then a Tahoe so yes, it might also be better equipped then its smaller cousin.

The size comparison also applies to the Luxury version, the Escalade. The Escalade ESV is the longer version of the Standard Escalade. Someone mentioned the limited room in a standard Yukon/Tahoe (and Escalade), and this is true. The third row in a standard length vehicle is a little cramped, but where room is really limited is behind the third row. In a standard length vehicle, there is VERY limited room (enough for a large piece of luggage on its standing up), where the extended editions have a more SUV typical rear cargo area.

We (3 or 4 people total) are hauling luggage, 6 suitcases and 3 rollaboards.
About a month ago I was given an upgrade from an "Xterra" to a Tahoe, which had leather and Neverlost (which we never used). Oohh, I don't like minivans... :eek:

Thanks for the additional info. I think parking will be a problem with the extended edition. We will not be using the 3rd row for passengers, just for luggage/shopping/groceries... Regular edition it is!!! :cool:

For 3-4 people with lots of luggage, I don't think the Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon is that good of a choice because the 3rd row of seats, that you don't need, really compromises the usability of the area behind the 2nd row of seats. I would just go for a Standard SUV in that situation.

Yah, that's true. Especially if it's going to save you money on the rental rates and fuel on the drive.

Are you guys sure? Even with the third row folded isn't a Tahoe still larger than a standard SUV? I was able to fit a lot of luggage in an Escalade, and that's with the unusuable center console in the 2nd row.

I have the same problem in deciding which way to go with a rental car;
Yukon/Tahoe or a Yukon XL....? The price difference in total is 130USD and we are 6 person renting the car with 6 suitcases/luggage for a 2.5weeks drive thru half the USA about 3000miles...

What would you recommend? The XL or not? We want to be seated comfortably all the way and have good room for luggage so what do you think would be the most appropriate way to go?

Since we dont have these cars in Finland its a little hard to ballpark the amount of space that will be available to us when we arrive to pick up our rental car, so please advise if you can on what we should do.

regards from Finland^

Welcome to FT!
For $130 difference, I would reserve the larger vehicle.
If you find it too big when you get to the airport, you can ask to downsize.
The petrol consumption on Yukon/Yukon XL is terrible ... so over 3000 miles, you'd normally have a hefty fuel bill. But, you're from Finland, so you'll find petrol/gas about half the price you pay at home :)

Roger that Flyer thanks for the information, I have made a reservation for the XL and as you said we will downsize if it seems to be "overkill".

What would you suggest as a similar sized car with room for 6ppl + 6 luggage that would have a more reasonable gas consumption??
I guess the Suburban/Escalade etc all do more or less the same mileage since they are pretty much the same car...?

Im not familiar with any of these cars IRL tho since we dont have em here in Finland.

Thanks for the info tho I reckon we will manage with whatever they give us.
Became a Hertz gold member today also for extra benefits. :)^

In general, a minivan would get better mileage, but I'd stick with the large SUV for comfort, you are on vacation after all.

The Escalade doesn't really have much room for luggage when you have 6 people in the car!

I did a little comparison for you:

Cargo Capacity - All Seats in Place
Large SUV
GMC Yukon: 16.9 cu ft
Nissan Armada: 20 cu ft

Premium SUV
GMC Yukon XL: 45.8 cu ft

Minivan
Dodge Grand Caravan: 33 cu ft
Toyota Sienna: 39.1 cu ft
Nissan Quest: 25.7 cu ft

7-Passenger SUV (Crossover)
Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia: 24.1 cu ft
Ford Explorer: 21 cu ft
Ford Flex: 20 cu ft
Mazda CX-9: 17.2 cu ft
Dodge Durango: 17.2 cu ft
Nissan Pathfinder: 16 cu ft

From what I can see here, I think your only real two options are the Premium SUV or a Minivan. The Crossover category is too much of a gamble as to what you'll actually get, whereas the other two guarantee you're going to get a vehicle that will fit all of you and your kit.

By way of comparison, 16 cu ft is about the trunk capacity of a current-generation Ford Mondeo, so as you can see even some of the larger SUVs aren't much better than that. The Yukon XL (or it's twin the Suburban) will give you plenty of room for luggage along with unbeatable rear hip and legroom for passengers. The 3rd row might be a wee bit tighter than a minivan but I couldn't find data on that - perhaps someone else can chime in re: Caravan vs. Suburban 3rd row?

Also the fuel economy difference between a Yukon XL and a Caravan isn't as huge as one might think. It'll use about a gallon more fuel every 100 miles according to the EPA, so even on a 2000 mile jaunt you're looking maybe another tank's worth in a large car. Also the Yukon won't work as hard pulling all the weight whereas a Grand Caravan (or, heaven forbid, a 4-cylinder Sienna) will struggle on longer highway climbs and therefore won't achieve their maximum EPA highway ratings (I know from experience moving in a Grand Caravan across the US).

Hope this helps!