2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
Overview | |
MSRP$32,765 | MSRP$44,000 |
Listings3081 | Listings2706 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.5 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2020 Ford Explorer Reviews SummaryFor nearly 30 years, the Ford Explorer has settled into the American lexicon like Cheerios. We've gobbled up millions of them, from the rock-crawling Eddie Bauers of the 1990s to the brand-new ST that can take down sports cars. The 2020 Explorer brings an all-new chassis, cranks up the technology, and introduces hybrid and high-performance powertrains in a space the size of a small living room. The Explorer's also getting very expensive while other automakers catch on to Ford's winning formula—for a lot less money. | |
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Reviews SummaryThe full-size SUV segment is a relatively small one, and Chevrolet dominates it. The Tahoe, and its extended-length twin, the Suburban, account for about half of all big SUV sales despite competitive shortcomings in terms of interior comfort, cargo space, and towing capability. With the all-new 2021 Chevy Tahoe (and Suburban), two of those three flaws are resolved. At the same time, the 2021 Tahoe gets a big upgrade in terms of driving dynamics, technology, and innovation. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine5.3L 355 hp V8 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive Train4X2 |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity6 |
Horsepower | Horsepower355 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City21 | MPG City15 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway20 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine Name5.3L 355 hp V8 |
Torque | Torque383 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower355 hp @ 5600 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | Drivetrain4X2 |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City21 | MPG City15 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway20 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity6 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space18.2 cu ft | Cargo Space25.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight4345 lbs | Curb Weight5542 lbs |
Height69.9 in | Height75.8 in |
Length198.8 in | Length210.7 in |
Width89.3 in | Width81.0 in |
Wheelbase119.1 in | Wheelbase120.9 in |
Maximum Payload1425 lbs | Maximum Payload1600 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity5300 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity6000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | Standard Towing Capacity6000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $32,765 | $44,000 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.2 out of 10Read full review | 8.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | For nearly 30 years, the Ford Explorer has settled into the American lexicon like Cheerios. We've gobbled up millions of them, from the rock-crawling Eddie Bauers of the 1990s to the brand-new ST that can take down sports cars. The 2020 Explorer brings an all-new chassis, cranks up the technology, and introduces hybrid and high-performance powertrains in a space the size of a small living room. The Explorer's also getting very expensive while other automakers catch on to Ford's winning formula—for a lot less money. | The full-size SUV segment is a relatively small one, and Chevrolet dominates it. The Tahoe, and its extended-length twin, the Suburban, account for about half of all big SUV sales despite competitive shortcomings in terms of interior comfort, cargo space, and towing capability. With the all-new 2021 Chevy Tahoe (and Suburban), two of those three flaws are resolved. At the same time, the 2021 Tahoe gets a big upgrade in terms of driving dynamics, technology, and innovation. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 5.3L 355 hp V8 |
Drive Train | RWD | 4X2 |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 6 |
Horsepower | 355 hp @ 5600 rpm | |
MPG City | 21 | 15 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 20 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 5.3L 355 hp V8 |
Torque | 383 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm | |
Horsepower | 355 hp @ 5600 rpm | |
Drivetrain | RWD | 4X2 |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 21 | 15 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 20 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 6 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 18.2 cu ft | 25.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4345 lbs | 5542 lbs |
Height | 69.9 in | 75.8 in |
Length | 198.8 in | 210.7 in |
Width | 89.3 in | 81.0 in |
Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 120.9 in |
Maximum Payload | 1425 lbs | 1600 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5300 lbs | 6000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 6000 lbs | |
Look and feel
The 2020 Ford Explorer has evolved significantly from its early '90s roots, adapting to consumer demands for more technology, power, and space, while also introducing hybrid and high-performance variants. However, its price point has risen, challenging its value proposition against less expensive competitors.
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe has made substantial improvements in interior comfort, cargo space, and driving dynamics, addressing previous criticisms while maintaining its stronghold in the full-size SUV market. This iteration brings technological advancements and a variety of trim levels to cater to a wide range of preferences and needs.
Performance
CarGurus rates both the 2020 Ford Explorer and the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe at 8 out of 10 for performance.
The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive chassis and available engines, particularly the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 in the ST trim, offer exceptional performance, making it a leader in its class for power and driving dynamics. Despite its impressive capabilities, the Explorer's fuel efficiency and towing capacity are points of consideration for potential buyers.
The Tahoe's performance is bolstered by its engine lineup, including a standard 5.3-liter V8 and an available 6.2-liter V8 or turbo-diesel option. The introduction of an independent rear suspension and available adaptive dampers significantly improves ride quality, making the Tahoe impressively smooth and capable, both on and off the road.
Form and function
Experts give the 2020 Ford Explorer a 9 out of 10 and the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe a perfect 10 out of 10 in form and function.
The Ford Explorer provides a spacious and comfortable interior for passengers, with substantial space improvements over its predecessor. The vehicle's design allows for ample room in all three rows, making long journeys more comfortable for passengers. The cargo space behind the third row is 18 cubic feet, which, while slightly reduced from previous model years, prioritizes passenger space without significantly compromising luggage capacity. With the second row folded, cargo space expands to 48 cubic feet, and with all seats folded, the Explorer offers a total of 88 cubic feet, marking a significant improvement in cargo capacity.
The Chevrolet Tahoe has made remarkable strides in enhancing passenger comfort and maximizing cargo space, benefiting from its new independent rear suspension design. This change allows for a more comfortable seating arrangement across all three rows and a substantial increase in cargo volume. The Tahoe boasts 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which expands to 72.6 cubic feet with the third row folded and reaches a maximum of 122.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded, setting a new benchmark for cargo capacity in the full-size SUV category. Additionally, the Tahoe's innovative features, such as the power sliding storage console, further enhance its functionality and user-friendliness, solidifying its top score in form and function.
Technology
Technology ratings are 7 out of 10 for the Explorer and 9 out of 10 for the Tahoe.
The Explorer's technology package includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims offer more advanced features, but the system lacks some of the innovation and user-customization options found in competitors.
The Tahoe's 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system represents a significant upgrade in terms of computing power, over-the-air updates, and cybersecurity. Its user-friendly interface, coupled with advanced features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, sets a high standard for the segment.
Safety
Safety ratings are 8 out of 10 for the Explorer and 9 out of 10 for the Tahoe.
The Explorer comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, offering a suite of safety features, though its semi-automated driving system has room for improvement. The Tahoe includes a comprehensive array of standard and optional safety technologies, providing a secure and reassuring driving experience.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Ford Explorer is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe scores 8.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Chevrolet Tahoe is the recommended choice for consumers looking for a full-size SUV that offers a superior blend of performance, comfort, technology, and value.
Choose the 2020 Ford Explorer if:
- You value performance and driving dynamics in an SUV.
- You prefer a more athletic and refined exterior design.
- You're interested in a hybrid option for improved fuel efficiency.
3096 results
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Choose the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe if:
- You prioritize interior space and comfort for passengers in all three rows.
- You seek advanced technology and safety features in your vehicle.
- You need superior cargo capacity and towing capabilities.
2706 results
See all
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Ford Explorer is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe scores 8.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Chevrolet Tahoe is the recommended choice for consumers looking for a full-size SUV that offers a superior blend of performance, comfort, technology, and value.
Choose the 2020 Ford Explorer if:
Shop Now- You value performance and driving dynamics in an SUV.
- You prefer a more athletic and refined exterior design.
- You're interested in a hybrid option for improved fuel efficiency.
3096 results
Choose the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe if:
Shop Now- You prioritize interior space and comfort for passengers in all three rows.
- You seek advanced technology and safety features in your vehicle.
- You need superior cargo capacity and towing capabilities.
2706 results
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.
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