General Motors debuted the all-new 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2021 Chevrolet Suburban with a ground-up overhaul that completely revamps both nameplates. The next-gen full-size SUVs offer customers off-roader flavoring and capably via their respective Z71 trim levels, but the question is this – how do they fare against the competition? To find out, we’re lining up the specs and equipment list for the 2021 Tahoe Z71 and 2021 Suburban Z71 to see how they compare against the Ford Expedition FX4.
While all four are designed for moderate off-roading duties, the most accurate comparison would be between the 2021 Suburban Z71 and Expedition FX4, while the 2021 Suburban Z71 is best suited to rival the Ford Expedition Max with the FX4 package.
So then, with that out of the way, let’s dive right in.
2021 Tahoe Z71
Ford Expedition FX4
Exterior
Outside, the two Chevy products sport all-new styling, plus a few unique touches for the Z71 trim level, such as black accents and unique badging. Both the 2021 Tahoe Z71 and 2021 Suburban Z71 come standard with 20-inch wheels, which are wrapped in 33-inch all-terrain tires.
Meanwhile, the Ford products get 18-inch cast aluminum wheels and 32-inch all-terrain tires, plus their own unique aesthetic treatments.
It’s hard to pick a winner here, especially with something as subjective as styling, so really, the win should go whichever model looks best in the eyes of the beholder.
| Expedition FX4 / Expedition MAX FX4 | Tahoe Z71 / Suburban Z71 | |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior | ||
| Skid Plates | Seven skid plates protecting engine, steering gear, transmission, fuel tank, and transfer case, plus sand shield (to protect the turbocharger intercoolers) | Front only |
| Wheels | 18 inch Magnetic Metallic cast aluminum | 20 inch machined aluminum with Technical Gray pockets |
| Tires | 32-inch all-terrain | 33-inch all-terrain |
| Tow Hooks | Silver | Red |
| Unique exterior elements | None | Unique front fascia with high approach angle |
| Running Boards | Chrome running boards | Black running boards |
| Badging | FX4 badging on liftgate and front fenders | Z71 badging on front fenders and grille |
2021 Tahoe Z71
Ford Expedition FX4
Powertrain / Drivetrain
Under the hood, the 2021 Tahoe Z71 and Suburban Z71 are powered by the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84, which doles out 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The ‘eight connects to the 10-speed automatic transmission that GM co-developed with Ford, as well as standard 4WD and a two-speed transfer case. Hill Descent Control adds some extra assistance as needed.
Meanwhile, the Ford Expedition FX4 gets the Blue Oval’s 3.5L EcoBoost V6, which produces 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, and also connects to co-developed 10-speed automatic. The rest of the drivetrain includes a two-speed electronic 4WD system, terrain management, and electronic limited-slip differential.
While the Ford offers more peak power and a lot more peak torque, the meaty V8 in the Chevy still provides very linear power delivery.
| Expedition FX4 / Expedition MAX FX4 | Tahoe Z71 / Suburban Z71 | |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.5L V6 EcoBoost | 5.3L V8 Atmospheric |
| Horsepower | 375 | 355 |
| Torque | 470 | 383 |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Rear Axle | 3.73:1 | 3.71:1 |
| Rear Differential | Electronic limited slip | Mechanical Limited Slip |
| Four-Wheel-Drive System | Two-speed electronic four-wheel-drive system and terrain management system | Standard four-wheel-drive with a two-speed transfer case and Hill Descent Control |
2021 Tahoe Z71
Ford Expedition FX4
Off-Roader Gear
The 2021 Tahoe Z71 and 2021 Suburban Z71 offer improved approach angles thanks to a unique front fascia. A front skid plate and red tow hooks are also on board. While the standard suspension includes fixed dampers, the options list also includes Air Ride Adaptive Suspension with Magnetic Ride Control, adding up to four inches of ride height adjustments. And independent rear suspension is equipped as standard, dropping in as a new addition for the latest generation.
Meanwhile, the Ford Expedition FX4 gets off-roader-spec dampers and a seven skid plates. There’s also a sand shield for the intercooler, black tow hooks, and a fully independent suspension.
Without the options ticked, the 2021 Tahoe Z71 / 2021 Suburban Z71 make for a comparable product against the Fords. However, once those air suspension pieces come into play, the Chevys are the clear winners. After all, adding skid plates isn’t too difficult or expensive for those willing to dip their toes into the aftermarket. However, adding competent air suspension with four inches of ride height adjustability is a different story.
| Expedition FX4 / Expedition MAX FX4 | Tahoe Z71 / Suburban Z71 | |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | ||
| Standard Suspension | Fully independent suspension, off-road front and rear shocks | Fully independent suspension |
| Optional Suspension | - | Magnetic Ride Control with Air Ride Adaptive Suspension (allows 4 inches of ride height adjustment) |
| Skid Plates | Seven skid plates protecting engine, steering gear, transmission, fuel tank, and transfer case, plus sand shield (to protect the turbocharger intercoolers) | Front only |
| Tow Hooks | Silver | Red |
Pricing
The 2021 Tahoe Z71 and 2021 Suburban Z71 are offered as specific trim levels, with the Tahoe Z71 priced at $60,495, and the Suburban Z71 priced at $63,195.
Conversely, the Expedition FX4 is a standalone package for XLT and Limited trims, priced at $1,650 and $2,035 respectively, bringing the grand total to $59,810 for the standard Expedition and $62,835 for the Expedition Max.
| Expedition FX4 / Expedition MAX FX4 | Tahoe Z71 / Suburban Z71 | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Standalone package for XLT and Limited models | Standalone trim level based on mid-tier LT model |
| MSRP | $1,650 – $2,035 package cost, $59,810 Expedition, $62,835 Expedition Max | $60,495 Tahoe, $63,195 Suburban |
Both models are impressive in their own ways, but which would you prefer? Let us know by voting in the poll, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Tahoe news, Chevrolet Suburban news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
This post was created in collaboration with our sister publication, Ford Authority.
Comments
“Tow Hooks Silver Red”
Really? Colour is an offroad spec. Nothing about height, ease of access, access opening, hook size and gage? They are supposed to be for recovery i.e offroad specs, no point on having tow hooks if they are tucked behind plastic cladding that you can barely get your hand into.
Little odd having the photos opposite the spec tables for each vehicle
You would be surprised how difficult automakers make it to find information on even the most straightforward items. Sometimes you can’t find the answer on their website, in their brochures, even in their owner’s manuals.
Chevy still needs to make up some ground compared to Ford. That said they are fully capable so let’s step on the gas and get it done. I just purchased my new Silverado. It’s nice but GM could of done better. Tahoe/ Suburban/ Silverado should and can be numero uno!
They should start with the interior and start now! Putting it off another year just confirms how far behind GM is to the competition. I want to continue to buy GM products, but they definitely make the decision making harder than it should be.
1 skid plate on a Z-71 is extremely disappointing. Especially how that is considered their off road trim. I get extremely tired of this typical GM tactic.
GM/Chevy need to make on a Colorado Platform a real Trailblazer ZR2 Bison. Holden was able to make a Trailblazer using their version of the Colorado Platform. Seems they are/were smarter that the “brains” here in North America. Can you spell BRONCO?
Get rid of the stupid G-80 auto locker. Add a rear e locker and a front e-locker as an option.
Make the wheel wells so they can accept 35’s.
If they were to do this, it would be astronomical. The overlanding community is growing every year and these additions would be well received.
Chevy is and always will be number one, they are better built and look so much better than ford. Oh, and the so called bronco has to be the most ugliest vehicle I’ve ever seen in my life and looks nothing like the original bronco. Let’s just say Ford’s are and always will be a peace of junk.
I was a diehard Chevy guy way back and left to Ford for a few decades. I came back because I like the look of the new Silverado and I bought one. Now that I have it I say not bad but has shortcomings. Improvement is needed, they fell short in a few areas. Silverado is good but it needs to be great to really be number one. GM knows. Get after it GM!
yeah ok … if the bronco is ugly ..then the camaro is a completely cartoonish version of the original. If it wasn’t for the Obama bailout of 11 years ago , Ford would be the only American car manufacturer left . GM and Chrysler would now only be distant memories of their crappy quality control since the 80’s… In 1983 I was looking for a GM F body firebird as a college car. I went to a dealer that had tons of inventory. They had about 100 Fbirdsin stock . I saw one I liked until I walked around to the passenger side and the right fender had a “camaro” logo on it. It left the factory ended up at the dealer and no one spotted it?.. Impressive quality control… Needless to say I walked over across the street and bought a new black TRoof mustang GT off the floor. I kept it for 18 years without a Troof leak and a perfect running 5.0 and original clutch. Im sure those GM s would have met the crusher way before then . Now I have an Expedition FX4 and no way would I trade it for the ugly Tahoe . The face looks like a grinning chesire cat
The Ford Ecoboost needs premium fuel to make it’s power numbers. Chevy 5.3 burns regular. You should have noted this.
One of my reasons to buy the Silverado was that it’s a V8 not a V6. No turbos, regular fuel, and new looks…. all good reasons but like I said GM can do a lot better but I hope my new Silverado gives me years of trouble free service.
I know this is big on 4×4 capability. But another great feature to write about is towing capability. This is huge for alot of us like minded folks that purchase these truck like SUVs. For years Ford Expedition has come in above Chevy in Towing Capacity. I love both Chevy and Ford. They are both hugely Red White & Blue right. Thats very important to alot of us Americans. But Like i said Towing Capacity. Thats a big deciding factor in what direction we will spend our money. Ford Expedition can tow about 1000lbs more than Chevy. Hopefully Chevy catches up on this feature. Nice Suv/Truck.