Chevy Tahoe vs. Ford Expedition – What is the Best Full Size SUV?

When it comes to large three-row SUVs, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the Ford Expedition are two of the best in their class. In fact, U.S. News and World Report named the Tahoe the second-best large SUV in its class. But how do you know which vehicle works best for your needs? Here are some of the differences you can expect between these two powerful SUVs.

Trims

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe underwent a complete redesign for the 2021 model year. It’s available in five trims: LS, LT, Z71, Premier, and High Country. The Expedition is based on one of Ford’s most popular vehicles: the F-150 pickup truck. The Expedition last underwent a major redesign in 2018, but it still stands its ground compared to others in its class. It’s available in four trims: XLT, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum, and you can also opt for the extended-wheelbase Max model in all trims.

Engine Options

Despite its bulk, the 2021 Tahoe is very easy to maneuver and has three solid engine options. On the LS, LT, Z71, and Premier trims, you get a 5.3-liter V-8 engine that gives you 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The High Country comes with an impressive 3.0-liter V-8 engine that makes 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Chevy also introduced a turbodiesel 3.0-liter inline-six engine that gets 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. No matter what engine you have, they all include a 10-speed automatic transmission.

On the other hand, the 2021 Expedition only has one engine option, but it provides plenty of power. The 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine makes 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. However, the top-of-the-line Platinum trim gets 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. Just like the Tahoe, you get a 10-speed automatic transmission with the Expedition.

Performance

Large SUVs don’t normally get stellar gas mileage, but these two vehicles get decent mileage compared to others in their class. The base Tahoe earns an estimated 16 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway, no matter if you have rear- or four-wheel drive. The larger V-8 engine gets 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive and 14/19 mpg on the highway with four-wheel drive.

The Expedition gets 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive dips highway mileage to 22 mpg. The rear-wheel Max Expedition gets 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Four-wheel drive drops the numbers by 1 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.
When it comes to towing capacity, the Tahoe has a maximum towing capacity of 8,400 pounds when properly equipped, while the Expedition can tow 9,300 pounds.

Seating

Both SUVs can fit plenty of people depending on the vehicle’s interior configuration. Thanks to its fresh redesign, the Tahoe has an additional 10 inches of third-row legroom. The Tahoe can seat up to nine people in the base LS trim, while other trims can seat eight if you opt for the second-row bench seat. It also comes standard with cloth upholstery and an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. You can opt for leather upholstery, 10- and 12-way power-adjustable front seats, ventilated and heated seats, and power-folding second- and third-row seats.

There’s a premium feel to the interior of the Expedition, which can seat up to eight people. If you select second-row captain’s chairs, that number drops to seven people. No matter where you sit, there is ample room. However, you won’t gain any additional room in the third row if you opt for the Expedition Max. The base trim includes synthetic leather upholstery as well as heated and ventilated seats, and you can opt for full leather upholstery and power-adjustable seats.

Cargo Space

Just as there is plenty of interior space for passengers, the Tahoe boasts just as much room for cargo. The Tahoe’s brand-new independent rear suspension gives it a lower load floor than previous years, boosting its storage capacity. It has 25.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row and 72.6 cubic feet of space behind the second row. Folding down both of these seats gives you a massive 122.9 cubic feet of space. These numbers are some of the best in its class.

The Expedition boasts similar numbers. Behind its third row, you get 20.9 cubic feet of space and 63.6 cubic feet of space behind the second row. When you fold down the second and third rows, you get 104.6 cubic feet of space. Behind the third row of the Expedition Max, you have 36.0 cubic feet of space, 79.6 cubic feet of space behind its second row, and 121.5 cubic feet of space when you fold down those seats.

Technology

One of the upgraded features of the Tahoe is its intuitive infotainment system, which went from an 8-inch touch-screen display to an impressive 10.2 inches. Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3 Plus system is extremely easy to use as the screen is responsive and there are numerous physical controls for climate and audio settings. It also allows you to connect your phone via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as enjoy HD and satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.

There are several upgrades available as well, including wireless charging, navigation, and a rear-seat entertainment system that includes two 12.6-inch touch-screen displays.
The Expedition comes standard with the SYNC 3 infotainment system along with an 8-inch touch-screen display. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a Wi-Fi hot spot, satellite radio, and voice recognition. Available upgrades include wireless device charging, HD radio, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

If you’re looking for a large SUV with plenty of cargo space and seating and a powerful engine, make the 2021 Tahoe your top priority. Contact us today to schedule a test drive and see the Tahoe up close and personal. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you pick the best trim to suit your family’s lifestyle.