The full-size SUV segment is as hot as ever these days, with automakers throwing down to capture the hearts, minds, and wallets of a utility-crazed buying public. Chevrolet is in the game with several new products, including the all-new 2021 Chevy Tahoe. Now, MotorTrend is comparing the new Tahoe in its off-road-flavored Z71 trim against the 2020 Ford Expedition XLT.
2021 Chevy Tahoe Z71
As the MotorTrend reviewer points out, there are some clear differences worth pointing out from the very start. To begin, the Ford XLT is not as off-road focused as the Chevy Tahoe in terms of equipment. The XLT is also less expensive, with as-tested prices set at $76,175 for the Tahoe, and $64,520 for the Expedition.
Outside, the reviewers conclude that the Expedition looks somewhat dated even though it’s just a few years old. This is especially true compared to the all-new 2021 Chevy Tahoe, which, although polarizing look, meets the approval of the reviewers, especially with the Z71 package.
2021 Chevy Tahoe Z71
Ford Expedition XLT
Inside, the 2021 Chevy Tahoe “is a mixed bag.” Although the Chevy’s infotainment screen is bigger and better than the Ford’s, the Chevy’s controls get dinged compared to the high-quality switchgear in the Ford. The reviewers also say that the Ford feels more premium inside overall.
Access to the third row was easier in the Chevy. The reviewers also liked the Tahoe’s second-row entertainment screens, but question if a few iPads might be better, especially for the price.
2021 Chevy Tahoe
Ford Expedition
Under the hood, the Ford Expedition gets a twin-turbo 3.5L V6 with 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission developed jointly by Ford and GM. The 2021 Chevy Tahoe in this comparison is equipped with the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84, which has 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and it also mated to the same jointly developed 10-speed.
Both offer more muscle if desired. The Chevy can also be had with diesel power with the 3.0L I6 LM2 from the Duramax family, although the oil burner is not offered in the Z71 model.
“One would think that with the decisive power advantage, the Ford would feel much quicker than the Chevrolet, or at least a little quicker,” writes MotorTrend. “Crazy thing? It doesn’t.”
Although the Ford’s ‘six impresses, propelling the Expedition to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds compared to the 7.4 seconds in the 2021 Chevy Tahoe, the two feel more or less equal in terms of grunt when driven normally.
Finally, The 2021 Chevy Tahoe and its new independent rear suspension, plus the optional magnetic dampers and air springs, bless the Chevy with “the most sophisticated suspension system of any body-on-frame vehicle in the world, full stop.”
All, when it’s all said and done, the Ford Expedition is good, but the Chevy Tahoe is better, giving that X-factor that the Ford doesn’t have, and taking the win in the comparison.
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Comments
Just as I predicted!
After looking at both the new Tahoe and Expedition and comparing the two vehicles in regards to interior and reading MotorTrend’s review on the new SUVs, I simply 100% do not understand why MotorTrend still thinks the Expedition’s interior is better than the new Tahoe and Suburban’s cabin when its interior design deficiencies are so readily apparent compared to its newer rivals. Its interior isn’t nearly as luxurious or indicative for its price point compared to the new GM SUVs, especially compared to the top trim level versions of the Suburban/Tahoe Premier and High Country, and GMC Yukon/XL Denali. Cars.com also says that the GM SUVs offer better built interiors than the Ford does, on almost every single level. The upcoming Jeep Grand Wagoneer is also expected to have an upscale interior that’s on par with the new GM utilities, and may very well make the Expedition’s inferior materials littered cabin look even worse.
last 2 guys lol…
I have owned multiple Z71 Tahoes, I live most of the year in Southern Baja…
Buena Vista BCS.
always have been my first go to….
soild, reliable, get one fully loaded it’s a Denali, Escalade….
lot less $$$ I still haul 23 ft boats in style….
Fords don’t even meet the comparison…
Looking at the interiors side-by-side, the Ford’s vents look obnoxiously large.
Have owned them all, Suburbans, Tahoe, Navigator, Expedition & Excursion. Over 20 years and hundreds of thousands of miles, the Fords have held up much better than the GM products. I’ve never replaced a transmission or rebuilt a rear end in the Fords, the GM transmissions just don’t stand up to towing and mileage. Interior wise, I think the GM products do the initial appearance better, looking more sophisticated and plush, but the Ford materials and switchgear hold up better long term. I don’t believe MT however when they say the two engines are equal; that 3.5 EcoBoost has the low-end torque the 5.3 GM motor just doesn’t have and the Ford is clearly the faster accelerating. Feels like MT trying to level the score for Chevy here. Appearance and exterior wise, it’s subjective, I like them both, my all time favorite was my ’87 Suburban LT, clean and solid appearance without all the exterior plastics that discolor over time. I’ve got the Ford in my driveway although a Duramax Suburban will be tempting if the powertrain holds up.
Why did you chose an XLT vs. FX4 trim for the Ford to get it closer to the Z71 trim? I know it doesn’t do much but at least you’d be comparing apples to apples.