2021 Chevrolet Tahoe vs Ford Explorer

The rivalry between Ford and Chevrolet is unlike any other in automotive history. These two automakers are giants in the industry. Both of these American manufacturers have fascinating stories filled with milestones and innovations. These two companies also have fiercely loyal fan bases. Any vehicle produced by one company will always be compared to its counterparts made by the other.

Some industry analysts insist that the full-size SUV market is slowing down and making way for smaller models and crossover vehicles. Make no mistake, though, plenty of buyers have a need for the extra passenger room and cargo space that only a full-sized SUV can provide. That's where the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 Ford Explorer come in.

The Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Explorer are two of the auto industry's longest-running SUVs. Each model provides a comfortable interior, reliable performance, and enough seating to transport up to nine passengers in the case of the Tahoe. The 2021 versions offer enhanced handling - allowing for smooth rides with exceptional stability through turns - plus increased tow capacity making them perfect options for those who need both passenger comfort and practical cargo power.

The Powertrain

Chevrolet's 2021 Tahoe offers drivers an array of power and performance options, with three engine choices available. A 5.3-liter V8 provides 355 horsepower, while a larger 6.2-liter V8 takes it up to 420 horses – or you can opt for the 3.0-L Duramax turbo diesel that delivers 277 hp plus 460 pound feet of torque! Whichever option is chosen will provide great acceleration in this large SUV thanks to 4 wheel anti lock disc brakes; ensuring plenty of stopping power no matter your choice behind the wheel - making sure even the toughest terrain won't stand a chance against Chevrolet's new Tahoe!.

With the available trailering package, Tahoe impressively offers a maximum towing capacity of 8,400 pounds with its 5.3-liter engine option. For those who desire more power and efficiency from their vehicle's V8 or diesel options, they can still enjoy impressive capabilities up to 8300 and 8200 lbs respectively without sacrificing Chevrolet's dependable bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage for 36 months or an additional five years' assurance on your powertrain - all this backed by 60,000 miles in either case!

With its latest Ford Explorer, drivers can choose from two powertrain options: a powerful 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder with 300 horsepower or the 3.0 liter V6 boasting an impressive 400 horses under the hood - not to mention 365 for those opting for Platinum trim level! Both engines feature turbocharged performance and come mated with a 10 speed automatic transmission equipped with overdrive as well as auto/manual mode capabilities so you'll never miss out on that extra kick of acceleration when you need it most. Take your pick between 2WD and 4WD while still enjoying fuel economy ratings up to 24 miles per gallon in many cases; efficiency is guaranteed in whatever configuration fits your lifestyle best!

The Ford Explorer provides drivers with a powerful and reliable towing package. With its optional V6 models, the Explorer can handle up to 5,600 pounds of cargo while the hybrid model is capable of hauling up to 5,000 pounds - all without sacrificing off-road abilities that are rarely found in hybrids. In addition, explorers come with an extensive warranty program; offering 36 months or 36K miles basic coverage plus 60/60 powertrain and corrosion protection as well as roadside assistance for those same periods respectively.

Drivability

This latest version of the Tahoe offers more passenger space than ever before. There are three full rows of seats here. Previous models had a somewhat cramped third row, but the 2021 models have done away with this issue. There's plenty of room for cargo too, especially with the second- and third-row seats folded down. Owners can get an enormous 123 cubic-feet of storage space here.

The Chevrolet Tahoe offers a seamless loading experience with its low and flat load floor. Enjoy an incredibly smooth drive courtesy of the newest suspension system, while you sink into comfortable heated front bucket seats– perfect for long journeys! You can also take in the road ahead through an expansive view provided by the cleverly designed interior cabin.

Every trim level of the 2021 Tahoe gets a large 10.2-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system. There are USB ports that function as a connection point or simply for charging. Charging ports are located throughout the vehicle for the rear-seat passengers as well. The infotainment system is intuitive to use with controls that are conveniently located on the display as well as the steering wheel.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto apps are fully compatible with the Tahoe's infotainment system. The Tahoe even provides a WiFi hotspot for everyone's portable devices. Higher trim levels get a premium sound system by BOSE. There is also a rear entertainment system with two separate 12.6-inch screens to keep all passengers occupied.

With three rows of seating and an interior that's sure to please, the Ford Explorer is the perfect choice for passengers who want a little extra luxury. Its cargo volume may be smaller than its competitors at 87.8 cubic feet with second and third row seats down flat, but it makes up for this with quality upholstery options including leather as well as improved ride quality and steering handling put together specifically for drivers in mind- allowing you take command on your next journey!

Ford's Sync Infotainment system offers an incredibly user-friendly experience with a simple, intuitive interface. Drivers can easily access the controls while navigating using voice-activated commands in premium trim levels - all accompanied by exceptional sound quality provided by 12 speakers of B&O audio excellence!

Just like the Tahoe, the Explorer provides charging ports for every seat row. The HD radio is all ready for SiriusXM service. There's also a provided 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that allows multiple devices to be connected to the internet at the same time.

Safety

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe comes with six or seven airbags depending on the style of the front seats. There are stability and traction systems including Chevy's own StabiliTrak technology. This helps enhance the drivers control, especially when there's an emergency situation. Extra braking power is employed when needed. The traction control adjusts engine power and braking if required.

Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Alert work together to prevent accidents with the vehicle ahead of the Tahoe. Front Pedestrian Braking detects people in your path and applies brakes to avoid any unfortunate accidents. An HD Rear Vision Camera and HD Surround Camera are installed depending on the trim level.

There are several technologies to assist with lane changes. Lange Change Alert also has a warning for the side blindspots. Lane Keeping Assist gives the driver a warning if they veer out of their lane. Rear Cross Traffic Alert gives the driver a heads up on what's behind them. Rear Park Assist makes it easier than ever before to back into a tight spot.

The 2021 Ford Explorer has an advanced airbag system with an extra bag around the area of the driver's knees. The Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring System keeps watch over the air pressure to make sure the tires are always inflated to a safe level. Active Park Assist 2.0 makes squeezing the large Explorer in and out of spaces a lot easier.

The Explorer has a Lane Keeping System that is similar to what the Tahoe has to offer. Many of the driver-assist technologies are similar here when comparing these two SUVs. Ford has its proprietary traction technology called AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control. This keeps the Explorer from skidding and potentially flipping over.

The IIHS has named the 2021 Ford Explorer a Top Safety Pick. They have not yet ranked the Tahoe as of the time of this article's writing, but the similar 2020 models did not make their list for Top Safety Pick. The NHTSA has yet to conduct extensive crash tests on either vehicle.

Which Has the Best Value?

The Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Explorer offer a range of price points to suit any budget - from the base model costing $50,295 for the Chevy, up to its highest trim level at just over $60K. Meanwhile, you can get into an affordable entry-level version of the Ford starting at only $32,450 with their top tier Platinum edition being surprisingly close in cost despite offering extensive safety features on par with those found in higher trims across both vehicles. Plus it's known that while Chevrolet offers superb interior appointments throughout all models — ranging from high quality leathers used as seat coverings through advanced technological amenities such as Bluetooth audio streaming – rivaling these is no easy task; still even so,,Ford brings formidable competition thanks largely due to their easier-to-use infotainment system which balances out quite nicely if potential buyers need access to accessibility or connectivity options when spending time behind wheel etc..

The Ford may save owners at the gas pumps too, especially if they go with the hybrid model of the Explorer. It's the more economical vehicle over all and the cheapest one to own. Both vehicles come with solid warranty coverage in case something unfortunate should happen too soon in the SUV's lifespan.

The Chevrolet offers a higher quality interior and some extra creature comforts, but not enough to justify the cost increase of the Ford here. The cost differences are largely due to the extra size, power and performance of the Chevy. Not all drivers will need these perks, however, and the Ford wins out here as the better value for your money.

Which Is Better?

The 2021 Ford Explorer and the Chevrolet Tahoe both offer a great full-sized SUV experience. For those looking for extra space to transport family and friends, or an increased cargo capacity - then the Chevy is clearly superior in that regard. However, if power output isn't as much of a priority; smoother handling combined with more enjoyable driving makes it hard to beat what the Explorer has on offer at its lower price point. Ultimately, each vehicle provides quality features which will suit different needs making them well worth considering when evaluating SUV options this year!