2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
$44,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Explorer
2021 Ford Explorer
$32,925MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
$44,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Explorer
$32,925MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$44,000

MSRP

$32,925

Listings

2694

Listings

2289

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Pros

  • Powerful engine

  • Spacious

  • Spacious third row

Cons

  • Poor fuel economy

  • Uncomfortable seats

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

Pros

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Great handling

  • Spacious third row

Cons

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Reviews Summary

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.

2021 Ford Explorer Reviews Summary

There was a time when everybody in America seemingly drove an Explorer. That may be an exaggeration, but not by much. In its first four years of production, Ford sold over a million examples. In 1998, Ford was selling its second-generation Explorer at a rate of nearly 440,000 per year. Whether your family purchased an Explorer or not, this was the nameplate that invented the midsize SUV segment.

Fast forward to the 2021 model year and the Explorer is in its sixth generation. It's now a three-row SUV that clocks in at a maximum of 4,700 pounds, with a price tag north of $50,000 for the Explorer Platinum trim level. Long gone are the days when it was the only game in town. Almost every automaker has a competitor. So how does the Explorer shake out for 2021?

No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

5.3L 355 hp V8

Engine

2.3L 300 hp I4

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

6

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

355 hp @ 5600 rpm

Horsepower

MPG City

15

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

20

MPG Highway

28
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
$44,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Explorer
2021 Ford Explorer
$32,925MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
$44,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Explorer
$32,925MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$44,000
$32,925
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.8

4.8

Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Read full review

7.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Powerful engine

  • Spacious

  • Spacious third row

Cons

  • Poor fuel economy

  • Uncomfortable seats

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

Pros

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Great handling

  • Spacious third row

Cons

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

Summary
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.

There was a time when everybody in America seemingly drove an Explorer. That may be an exaggeration, but not by much. In its first four years of production, Ford sold over a million examples. In 1998, Ford was selling its second-generation Explorer at a rate of nearly 440,000 per year. Whether your family purchased an Explorer or not, this was the nameplate that invented the midsize SUV segment.

Fast forward to the 2021 model year and the Explorer is in its sixth generation. It's now a three-row SUV that clocks in at a maximum of 4,700 pounds, with a price tag north of $50,000 for the Explorer Platinum trim level. Long gone are the days when it was the only game in town. Almost every automaker has a competitor. So how does the Explorer shake out for 2021?

Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
5.3L 355 hp V8
2.3L 300 hp I4
Drive Train
4X2
RWD
Seating Capacity
6
7
Horsepower
355 hp @ 5600 rpm
MPG City
15
21
MPG Highway
20
28
Look and feel

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

7/10

2021 Ford Explorer

7/10
According to CarGurus experts, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 Ford Explorer both receive a solid rating of 7 out of 10 for their look and feel. The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offers six different versions with distinct exterior designs, including sporty, rugged, and upscale variations. The prominent grille design sets each trim apart, with LED headlights and expressive taillights enhancing the overall look. Prices start at $49,000 for the base model and go up to $72,600 for the top-tier High Country trim, offering various leather upholstery options and interior features. The 2021 Ford Explorer boasts a sporty and distinctive exterior look, with a variety of trims to choose from, ranging from base to Platinum. The design includes a black grille, chrome accents, and a raked beltline. Pricing starts at $32,925 for the base model and goes up to $52,730 for the top-tier Platinum trim, offering a range of interior features such as leather upholstery, a clean dash design with an 8-inch touchscreen, and ample seating for seven passengers.
Picture of 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
Picture of 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
Picture of 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
Picture of 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
Picture of 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
Picture of 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
Picture of 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
Picture of 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
Picture of 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
Performance

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

8/10

2021 Ford Explorer

7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe with an impressive 8 out of 10 for performance, while the 2021 Ford Explorer receives a rating of 7 out of 10. The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offers three engine options, including a standard 5.3-liter V8 and an exclusive 6.2-liter V8, as well as a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine for improved fuel efficiency. The Tahoe's independent rear suspension, adaptive damping, and Air Ride suspension options enhance ride quality and handling, making it a smooth and capable performer on and off the road. The 2021 Ford Explorer comes with various engine options, including a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, a V6 hybrid drivetrain, and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6. The Explorer's towing capacity ranges between 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, making it a strong contender in this segment. The Explorer ST offers the most engaging driving experience, but the emphasis remains on towing power rather than sporty performance.
Form and function

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

10/10

2021 Ford Explorer

8/10
In terms of seating comfort and passenger space, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe provides comfort for adults in all three rows of seats, offering superior cargo volume compared to competitors. With a maximum cargo volume of 122.9 cubic feet, the Tahoe excels in practicality and functionality, especially with options like individual captain's chairs and the power sliding storage console. The 2021 Ford Explorer offers seating for up to seven passengers in the base model, with a slightly smaller cargo space of 81 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Explorer provides a clean dash design with an 8-inch touchscreen, ample legroom for passengers, and various tech features across different trim levels, making it a functional and practical choice.
Technology

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

9/10

2021 Ford Explorer

8/10
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe scores a solid 9 out of 10 in terms of technology, offering a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multiple safety features like Teen Driver, lane-keeping assistance, and an upgrade to a 15-inch head-up display. Additional options include a surround-view camera system and a range of connectivity and entertainment features. The 2021 Ford Explorer provides a fair amount of tech features across different trim levels, including an 8-inch touchscreen, Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety technology, adaptive cruise control, and a wireless charging pad in higher trims. The Explorer offers a range of audio system options and connectivity features, making it a tech-savvy choice in this segment.
Safety

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

9/10

2021 Ford Explorer

9/10
For safety, both the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 Ford Explorer receive high ratings, with the Tahoe scoring 9 out of 10 and the Explorer scoring 9 out of 10 from CarGurus experts. The Tahoe comes with standard safety features like GM’s Teen Driver system, forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and various optional safety upgrades. The Explorer is rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features like blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive headlights.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe is 8.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford Explorer scores 7.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe emerges as the preferred choice, offering superior performance, technology, safety, and cost-effectiveness compared to the 2021 Ford Explorer.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe is 8.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford Explorer scores 7.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe emerges as the preferred choice, offering superior performance, technology, safety, and cost-effectiveness compared to the 2021 Ford Explorer.

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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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