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We Compare the 2021 Chevy Tahoe to the Ford Expedition, Which One Would You Get?

For the current model year, the Chevy Tahoe receives a complete makeover that makes it more appealing than ever before. The question on everyone's lips is how does it stack up against the fourth-generation Expedition.
2021 Chevy Tahoe 8 photos
Photo: Chevrolet
2021 Chevrolet TahoeFord Expedition2021 Chevrolet TahoeFord ExpeditionFord Expedition2021 Chevrolet Tahoe2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
The Expedition and the Tahoe clearly stand out among the finest American-made three-row SUVs available this year in the $50,000 to $80,000 range.

In this article, we will look at these models' premium trim levels. For the Ford, we chose the standard-wheelbase Platinum version, which starts around $76,000, while the Chevy we’re comparing it to is the 4WD, V8-powered High Country, which has a starting price of $74,000.

Let’s start with the exterior of these gentle giants, shall we? On the one hand, the Expedition, which received the last major update in 2018, is a present looking vehicle. Its bulky body features just the right amount of chrome highlighted by the big mesh grille exclusive for the King Ranch and Platinum trims.

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
Photo: Chevrolet
On the other hand, the redesigned Tahoe is really attractive, especially when viewed from the front. The slim headlights and C-shaped turn indicators blend perfectly with the muscular design of the body.

Both models are equipped with 22-inch alloy wheels and have full LED headlights, but only the Ford comes with full LED taillights and fog lights.

Under the hood, all Expedition models come with one available choice, the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost, which is good enough for 400 hp and 480 lb-ft (651 Nm) of torque. This translates to a standard towing capability of 6,500 lbs (2,949 kg), upgradable to 9,300 lbs (4,219 kg) with the $795 Heavy-Duty Trailer Towing Package.

Ford Expedition
Photo: Ford Motor Co.
The Tahoe High Country has a huge 6.2-liter V8 that spits out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, but a 3.0-liter diesel is also available; the Duramax straight-six oil-burner has the same peak torque value but only 277 hp. With the V8, the Tahoe can tow up to 7,600 lbs (3,447 kg), which can be increased to 8,100 lbs (3,674 kg) with the Max Trailering Package that only costs an extra $465.

Now, although the Ford has a smaller displacement engine, the successful EcoBoost technology makes it more capable than the much larger Chevy V8 and will surprise owners with how good it sounds.

Both SUVs use the same transmission, a 10-speed automatic developed through a joint venture between the two cross-town rivals, and the Tahoe finally gets an easy-to-use electronic shifter, a feature that was already available with the Expedition.

Ford Expedition
Photo: Ford Motor Co.
But for this kind of vehicle, the interior and what it offers is extremely important. Both SUVs come with smart entry systems that feature a remote start option, yet only the Ford has a sensor behind the door handle.

Inside, we find full leather upholstery on both models that extends to the upper dashboard, something that one would expect from the top-level trim. The front seats are heated and ventilated, but only the Expedition comes with a massage feature.

The driver is treated to a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel with multi-function buttons and digital central gauge clusters. A head-up display is offered as standard with the Tahoe High Country, something that we won’t find in the Ford.

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
Photo: Chevrolet
Another feature that impresses in the Tahoe, compared to its rival, is the new 10.2-inch navigation display that is bigger and has a much better resolution than Ford’s aging 8-inch version.

The Expedition comes with Ford’s SYNC 3 software, and although it features Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility, it only works by plugging in the device, unlike the Tahoe that brings wireless compatibility.

Moving to the back seats, we can see an improvement in legroom for the Chevy, which is now comparable to what we find in the Ford.

The available features are largely the same with both featuring heated seats, separate climate controls, and multiple connections for smart devices.

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
Photo: Chevrolet
To access the third row, the second row of seats is power foldable. This is another area where the Tahoe has made huge improvements in legroom, thanks to the new independent suspension layout on the rear axle. Mind you, the seats cannot power recline, a feature that comes standard with the Expedition Platinum.

Finally, we turn our attention to the cargo area where the redesigned Chevrolet offers 123 cu-ft (3,483 liters) of space, as opposed to the  Ford's 105 cu-ft (2,974 liters).

To conclude, both these big SUVs are highly capable, offering largely similar features, a quality three-row cabin, and potent powertrains.

If we had compared the previous model year versions, the Expedition would have been the clear winner. Still, with all the improvements of the fifth generation, the Tahoe is not only capable of competing with the Expedition but might just be the better option of the two.
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About the author: Vlad Radu
Vlad Radu profile photo

Vlad's first car was custom coach built: an exotic he made out of wood, cardboard and a borrowed steering wheel at the age of five. Combining his previous experience in writing and car dealership years, his articles focus in depth on special cars of past and present times.
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