Car and Driver's 1997 full-size SUV comparison test pits three American heavyweights against each other: the 1996 Chevrolet Suburban K1500LS, the Chevrolet Tahoe LS, and the 1997 Ford Expedition XLT. The photo gallery captures both interior and exterior views of these three-row family haulers that defined the segment during the mid-1990s.
The Chevrolet offerings represented GM's dual approach to the segment. The Suburban K1500LS carried the truck brand's identity with maximum cargo space and towing capacity, while the newly refined Tahoe LS positioned itself as a more lifestyle-oriented alternative with better on-road manners. The Ford Expedition XLT marked Ford's direct response to GM's dominance, introducing a fresh platform designed to challenge the established Chevy models.
This era represented a pivotal moment in SUV history. Three-row configurations became standard as families demanded seats for eight passengers plus cargo. V8 engines ruled the segment, with buyers prioritizing towing and payload over fuel economy. Interior space and perceived toughness mattered more than refinement.
The comparison test format reflects how buyers actually evaluated these vehicles at the time. Seeing both the cabins and the exteriors from multiple angles helped prospective owners understand packaging differences, interior ergonomics, and overall presence. The Suburban's stretched proportions, the Tahoe's more modern lines, and the Expedition's fresh design language each told a story about manufacturer strategy.
These three vehicles established patterns that persist today. The full-size three-row SUV remains America's preferred family transporter, and the competitive dynamics between Chevrolet, GMC, and Ford continue unchanged. Modern Suburbans, Tahoes, and Expeditions trace their DNA directly to