2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser presented a design that was understated yet functional, with subtle styling choices that became apparent over time. Its dished hood improved forward sight lines, enhancing the driver's ability to navigate obstacles. The fenders, slightly bulging from the vehicle's sides, provided space for wheel travel and indicated the SUV's width. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels, while the interior offered luxury with black perforated leather seating and a functional, albeit plain, dashboard.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered six distinct trims, each with unique grille designs and styling cues. The Tahoe's design was more expressive, with LED headlights and taillights, and a variety of wheel options up to 22 inches. The Z71 trim, tested for its off-road capabilities, featured a rugged look with red tow hooks and a skid plate. Inside, the Tahoe boasted a larger 10.2-inch infotainment screen and a new electronic transmission control, though the control layout was somewhat compromised. The cabin quality met expectations, with soft-touch surfaces and exposed stitching in the upper half.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. It was designed for both on-road and off-road performance, with a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and a Multi-Terrain Select control knob for various driving conditions. The Land Cruiser's off-road geometry included an approach angle of 32 degrees and a departure angle of 24 degrees, with 8.9 inches of ground clearance. Its fuel economy was estimated at 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options: a standard 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-liter V8 exclusive to the High Country trim with 420 horsepower, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine with 277 horsepower. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission and optional 4WD system, standard on the Z71, provided a smooth and capable driving experience. The new independent rear suspension, along with adaptive dampers and air suspension, significantly improved ride quality. The Tahoe's fuel economy was estimated at 18 mpg combined for the 4WD model.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a dual personality, with standard skid plates and tow hooks for off-road adventures, and a luxurious interior for daily commutes. The standard model offered a three-row configuration with heated second-row seats and a split tailgate for easy loading. The Land Cruiser could tow up to 8,100 pounds and included a cooling box in the center console.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from a new independent rear suspension, providing improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated front seats and a power sliding storage console. The second-row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs, with easy access to the third row. The Tahoe's cargo space was substantial, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and a maximum of 122.9 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser included a 9-inch touchscreen with Toyota Premium Audio, featuring 14 JBL speakers and integrated navigation. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system was a useful feature for off-road and daily driving.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice-recognition system, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The system was user-friendly, though some controls were hard to reach. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system and a wireless charging pad, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, including features like pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also had 10 airbags and a highly rigid body structure, though it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, forward-collision warning, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera. The Tahoe had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.