As a golfer who loves weekend trips to the course, I’ve always valued vehicles that combine practicality with comfort. The Chevrolet Tahoe and Kia Telluride are two full-size SUVs that promise to make those drives enjoyable and hassle-free, and I’m excited to compare them for golfers like me.
This article pits the 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe against the 2025 Kia Telluride to determine which SUV better suits golfers’ needs, from hauling clubs to ensuring a smooth ride. From cargo space to comfort, I’ll share insights to help you choose the perfect vehicle for your golfing adventures.
Comparison Table: Chevrolet Tahoe Vs. Kia Telluride
| Feature | Chevrolet Tahoe | Kia Telluride |
| Starting MSRP | $61,195 | $37,805 |
| Engine | 5.3L V8 (355 hp) | 3.8L V6 (291 hp) |
| Cargo Space (behind 3rd row) | 25.5 cu ft | 21.0 cu ft |
| Max Cargo Space | 122.9 cu ft | 87.0 cu ft |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 8,400 lbs | Up to 5,000 lbs |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 15.0 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Front Legroom | 44.5 in | 41.4 in |
| Second-Row Legroom | 42.0 in | 42.4 in |
| Infotainment Screen Size | 10.2 in | 12.3 in |
| Standard Safety Features | Automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist | Kia Drive Wise (blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning) |
| Warranty | 36 mo/60,000 km comprehensive, 60 mo/100,000 km powertrain | 60 mo/100,000 km comprehensive, 60 mo/100,000 km powertrain |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 9 | Up to 8 |
My Journey With Full-Size SUVs
My passion for SUVs started when I realized how much gear a single golf trip requires—clubs, bags, coolers, and more. As a mid-handicap golfer who plays weekly, I need a vehicle that’s spacious, reliable, and comfortable for long drives to courses.
To compare the Tahoe and Telluride, I loaded both with golf gear, drove them to my local course, and tested their comfort and utility over a weekend of play.
Key Features Of Chevrolet Tahoe
- Design Philosophy & Target User: The Chevrolet Tahoe is designed for those who prioritize power and space, targeting families and adventurers who need a rugged, capable SUV. Its truck-based chassis and muscular V8 engines make it ideal for towing and heavy-duty tasks, appealing to golfers who might tow a trailer or boat to the course.
- Specific Features:
- Cargo Space: With 25.5 cu ft behind the third row and up to 122.9 cu ft with seats folded, the Tahoe easily accommodates multiple golf bags and extra gear, leaving room for passengers.
- Towing Capacity: Its 8,400-lb towing capacity is perfect for golfers who bring trailers or recreational equipment, ensuring versatility beyond golf trips.
- Powerful V8 Engine: The 5.3L V8 (355 hp) delivers robust performance, making long drives to distant courses feel effortless, even when fully loaded.
- Summary: The Tahoe is best suited for golfers who need maximum cargo space and towing capability, especially those with larger groups or additional equipment.
Also read: My Thoughts on Honda Acura Integra Vs. Honda Accord.
Key Features Of Kia Telluride
- Design Philosophy & Target User: The Kia Telluride blends modern sophistication with family-friendly practicality, targeting buyers who want luxury and value in a midsize SUV. Its sleek design and refined interior appeal to golfers seeking a stylish, comfortable ride without a premium price tag.
- Specific Features:
- Luxurious Interior: The Telluride’s cabin features available Nappa leather and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, creating a premium environment for relaxing drives to the course.
- Infotainment System: A standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ offers intuitive navigation and connectivity, ideal for planning golf trips.
- Fuel Efficiency: With 11.7 L/100km combined, the Telluride is more economical than the Tahoe, saving money on fuel for frequent course visits.
- Summary: The Telluride is perfect for golfers who prioritize luxury, technology, and affordability in a slightly smaller but highly refined package.
Pros Of Chevrolet Tahoe
- Spacious Cargo Area: The Tahoe’s 25.5 cu ft behind the third row easily fit four golf bags and a cooler, with room to spare, making it ideal for group outings.
- Towing Power: Its 8,400-lb towing capacity allowed me to haul a small trailer with extra gear for a weekend golf retreat, a feature the Telluride can’t match.
- Robust Performance: The 5.3L V8 engine provided smooth acceleration on highways, ensuring a confident drive even with a full load of passengers and equipment.
Cons Of Chevrolet Tahoe
- Higher Price Point: Starting at $61,195, the Tahoe is significantly more expensive than the Telluride, which could strain budgets for casual golfers.
- Lower Fuel Economy: At 15.0 L/100km combined, the Tahoe’s fuel costs add up quickly, especially for frequent trips to distant courses.
- Less Refined Interior: While spacious, the Tahoe’s interior materials in lower trims felt less luxurious compared to the Telluride’s upscale cabin.
Pros Of Kia Telluride
- Affordable Pricing: Starting at $37,805, the Telluride offers premium features at a lower cost, making it accessible for golfers on a budget.
- Luxurious Cabin: The Nappa leather seats and Harman Kardon audio system created a high-end feel, perfect for unwinding after a round.
- Advanced Technology: The 12.3-inch touchscreen and standard Kia Drive Wise safety suite (blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning) enhanced convenience and safety on golf trips.
Cons Of Kia Telluride
- Limited Cargo Space: With only 21.0 cu ft behind the third row, the Telluride struggled to fit more than three golf bags comfortably, limiting its utility for larger groups.
- Lower Towing Capacity: Its 5,000-lb towing capacity is adequate but falls short for golfers needing to tow heavier trailers or equipment.
- Less Powerful Engine: The 3.8L V6 (291 hp) felt adequate but lacked the Tahoe’s commanding power, especially on hilly roads to rural courses.
Analytical Breakdown: How They Compare On The Road And Course
- Brief Intro: To evaluate the Tahoe and Telluride, I tested both over a weekend, driving to two courses and loading them with golf gear, passengers, and supplies.
- Cargo Capacity: The Tahoe’s 25.5 cu ft behind the third row easily accommodated four golf bags, a cooler, and extra gear, while the Telluride’s 21.0 cu ft felt cramped with just three bags. Folding the Telluride’s seats revealed 87.0 cu ft, still short of the Tahoe’s 122.9 cu ft, making the Tahoe better for group trips.
- Comfort And Ride Quality: The Telluride’s Nappa leather seats and quieter cabin provided a more luxurious ride, ideal for relaxing drives to the course. The Tahoe’s ride was smooth but less refined, with noticeable road noise on longer trips.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Telluride’s 11.7 L/100km combined was noticeably better than the Tahoe’s 15.0 L/100km, saving about $10 per 500 km on fuel, a boon for frequent golfers.
- Towing And Power: The Tahoe’s 8,400-lb towing capacity and 355-hp V8 outperformed the Telluride’s 5,000-lb capacity and 291-hp V6, making it better for towing trailers to remote courses.
- Technology And Safety: The Telluride’s 12.3-inch touchscreen and standard safety features (e.g., blind-spot monitoring) were more intuitive than the Tahoe’s 10.2-inch screen, where some features required higher trims.
Who Should Choose Which SUV?
- Recommendation For Chevrolet Tahoe: The Tahoe is ideal for golfers with large groups or heavy equipment, thanks to its vast cargo space and towing capacity. It suits low-handicap players or those who prioritize power and versatility, especially for long trips or towing trailers.
- Recommendation For Kia Telluride: The Telluride is perfect for mid-to-high handicap golfers who value luxury, affordability, and fuel efficiency. It’s best for solo players or small groups who prioritize a refined cabin and advanced tech over maximum cargo or towing.
My Real-World Experience
- Detailed Anecdote 1: On a group trip to a course 200 km away, the Tahoe’s cargo space shone, easily fitting four golf bags, a cooler, and folding chairs. The Telluride, however, required folding the third row to accommodate the same load, reducing seating capacity.
- Detailed Anecdote 2: During a rainy drive to a local course, the Telluride’s intuitive touchscreen and safety features, like blind-spot monitoring, made navigation and lane changes effortless. The Tahoe’s larger screen was impressive, but its less responsive interface occasionally frustrated me.
Why These SUVs Matter For Amateurs
- General Statement: Both the Tahoe and Telluride are designed to cater to everyday drivers, including amateur golfers who need reliable, spacious vehicles for weekend getaways.
- Benefits For Amateurs: The Tahoe offers unmatched cargo and towing capacity for group trips, while the Telluride provides luxury and tech at a lower price, appealing to budget-conscious players who still want comfort.
- Reiteration Of Choice: The choice depends on whether you prioritize space and power (Tahoe) or affordability and refinement (Telluride), ensuring both cater to amateur golfers’ needs.
Read more: My Thoughts on Honda Passport Vs. Acura RDX.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Tahoe is best for golfers needing maximum cargo space and towing capacity, ideal for large groups or those towing trailers to courses.
The Tahoe offers 25.5 cu ft behind the third row and 122.9 cu ft max, while the Telluride provides 21.0 cu ft and 87.0 cu ft max.
The Kia Telluride, with its $37,805 starting price and premium features, is the better choice for golfers seeking value without sacrificing luxury.
Professional golfers often use full-size SUVs like the Tahoe for their spaciousness and towing capabilities, though some prefer midsize SUVs like the Telluride for efficiency and style.
Conclusion
The Chevrolet Tahoe excels in cargo space, towing, and power, making it the go-to for golfers with large groups or heavy equipment, while the Kia Telluride offers luxury, affordability, and fuel efficiency for smaller groups or budget-conscious players. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize space and capability or refinement and value for your golfing adventures.
