2021 Chevrolet Tahoe vs 2021 Nissan Armada

CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe a 7 out of 10 in terms of look and feel, while the 2021 Nissan Armada earns a 6 out of 10. The Tahoe impresses with its variety, offering six distinct trims, each with unique design cues that set them apart. The grille designs vary across the range, with the base Tahoe LS and the Tahoe LT featuring different patterns, while the sporty Tahoe RST adopts a blacked-out appearance complemented by a slotted grille and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Tahoe Z71 is designed for off-roading, featuring a blacked-out look with a redesigned front end, red tow hooks, and unique wheels. The upscale Tahoe Premier and the luxurious High Country offer chrome accents and polished wheels, emphasizing their high-end appeal. The Tahoe's design is further enhanced by standard LED headlights, expressive taillights, and a choice of wheel designs up to 22 inches. The 2021 Nissan Armada, undergoing a significant facelift, maintains its capability while aligning with Nissan's new exterior design language. Available in several trims, including the feature-packed Platinum and the Midnight Edition Package, the Armada features a modernized exterior with new grilles, bumpers, and LED lighting. Despite these updates, the Armada's design shows its age, especially compared to the Tahoe's more cohesive aesthetic.

In the performance arena, the Tahoe outshines the Armada with a rating of 8 out of 10, versus the Armada's 7 out of 10. The Tahoe offers a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8 exclusive to the High Country, and an available turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel. With these options, the Tahoe provides impressive towing and payload capacities, enhanced by a new independent rear suspension and available adaptive suspension systems for improved ride quality and handling. The Armada's performance relies on a single engine choice: a 5.6-liter V8 paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, delivering robust power but at the cost of fuel efficiency. Despite its off-road capability and a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, the Armada's performance and efficiency lag behind the more versatile Tahoe.

The Tahoe's adoption of an independent rear suspension significantly improves passenger comfort and cargo space, offering the best cargo volume in its class. Features like a power sliding storage console and improved third-row seating comfort highlight the Tahoe's commitment to form and function, with cargo space reaching up to 122.9 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The Armada provides a comfortable ride for first- and second-row passengers and includes features like power-adjustable front seats and an optional second-row captain's chairs. However, its cargo capacity and high load floor, which complicates loading, aren’t a match for the Tahoe, with a maximum of 95.4 cubic feet of storage area with the rear seats folded.

The Tahoe shines in technology with a 9 out of 10 rating, boasting a 10.2-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates and impressive connectivity options, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available Rear Seat Media system and a head-up display enhance the experience further. The Armada, rated 8 out of 10, counters with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and comprehensive standard features, including navigation, a Bose audio system, and wireless charging. However, the Armada's tech offerings, while improved, still fall slightly short of the Tahoe's more modern and intuitive system.

Safety scores also favor the Tahoe, with a 9 out of 10 rating, offering a comprehensive suite of standard and optional safety features including Teen Driver technology and advanced driving aids. The Armada, scoring an 8 out of 10, includes Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard but lacks some of the more advanced technologies available in the Tahoe.

When it comes to value, the Tahoe earns an 8 out of 10 rating, offering significant space, technology, and capability at a price that, while high, is justified by its comprehensive offerings. The Armada, rated 7 out of 10, starts at a competitive price but struggles to match the Tahoe's overall package, making it less appealing when directly compared.