2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse lineup with six distinct trims, each showcasing unique design elements. The base LS and popular LT trims featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST boasted a slotted grille, blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, red tow hooks, and all-terrain tires. The upscale Premier trim added chrome accents and polished wheels, and the luxurious High Country featured a chrome bar grille and body-color mirror caps. The Tahoe's design was dominated by its grille, with standard LED headlights and expressive taillights. Despite its familiar design themes, the new Tahoe appeared more slab-sided, with larger wheels enhancing its overall look. Prices ranged from $49,000 for the LS to $72,600 for the High Country, with the Z71 trim tested at $76,225, including various option packages.

Inside, the Tahoe's interior focused on a larger 10.2-inch infotainment screen and new electronic transmission controls, improving storage capacity but compromising control layout. The LS trim included cloth seats, while leather became standard with the LT trim. The Premier and High Country trims offered perforated leather options. The Z71 trim met quality expectations, with exposed stitching and soft-touch surfaces in the upper cabin, while hard plastic covered the lower half. The Tahoe's interior execution was centered around functionality, though the control layout posed some challenges.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover, once a rugged tool, had evolved into a luxury SUV with a starting price of $92,000. The long-wheelbase version could reach $250,000 with premium options like a $23,500 paint job and $5,850 tailgate event seating. The test vehicle, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim with standard paint, wheels, and leather. Despite its age, the Range Rover's design remained timeless, with hallmark cues like blacked-out pillars and clean styling. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with an Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance. The InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, though not as advanced as newer models, offered a way to coexist with its technology.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options, with the standard 5.3-liter V8 delivering 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country trim featured an exclusive 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine, available for most trims, provided 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, promising improved fuel efficiency. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a towing capacity of up to 8,400 pounds. The Z71 trim came with standard 4WD, hill descent control, and off-road features. The major engineering change was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, enhancing ride quality and interior comfort. The Z71 impressed with its smooth ride, thanks to adaptive damping and air suspension upgrades. The 5.3-liter V8 and 10-speed transmission delivered refined performance, with Dynamic Fuel Management technology improving fuel economy. The Tahoe returned 16.4 mpg on the testing loop, with commendable handling despite the Z71's all-terrain tires.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrains, including turbodiesel V6, supercharged V8, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. The HSE Westminster trim featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Range Rover's 4WD system included a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control. The turbo-six engine provided smooth power delivery, with near-total silence in the cabin. The adaptive air suspension offered a classic wafting sensation, while the Range Rover's steering required a measured approach to twists and turns. The EPA estimated 20 mpg in combined driving, with the test vehicle achieving 18.5 mpg. The Range Rover excelled in a sedate, unhurried driving style, with its adaptive air suspension managing its weight and tall center of gravity.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's new independent rear suspension improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel. The power sliding storage console offered valuable storage options. The second-row provided a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs, with the latter offering comfort and entertainment displays. The third-row seat room was substantially improved, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe offered 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 122.9 cubic feet with seats folded. These figures surpassed most full-size SUVs, except for longer-wheelbase models.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's air suspension included a kneel mode for easier access. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability. The back seat offered a slouched seating position, despite features like quad-zone climate control and heated seats. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for a small center-console bin. Luggage volume was restricted to 25 cubic feet, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet. The Range Rover's cargo area included a suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered over-the-air updates and enhanced cybersecurity. The voice-recognition system was impressive, though the climate system lacked voice activation. Bluetooth pairing was fast, and the wireless charging pad kept devices charged. The test vehicle included the Rear Seat Media system, offering versatility for rear passengers. The Tahoe's available 15-inch head-up display was not included in the test vehicle.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's digital instrumentation and infotainment were rendered on three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, though not entirely intuitive, offered numerous features. The head-up display was comprehensive but not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Range Rover's technology included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for assistance. The touch-sensing steering wheel controls and voice assistants with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enhanced usability.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward-collision warning, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe's safety features worked as expected, with the surround-view camera recommended for maneuvering in tight spaces. Crash test ratings were not available at the time of review.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, with effective safety features. The adaptive cruise control was slow to respond, but overall, the safety features performed well.