2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered six distinct versions, each with unique styling cues. The base LS and popular LT trims featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST had 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, a skid plate, and unique 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. The upscale Premier trim borrowed the RST’s slotted grille with chrome accents and polished wheels, and the luxurious High Country trim boasted a chrome bar grille, 22-inch wheels, and body-color mirror caps. Standard LED headlights and expressive taillights added to the Tahoe's bold look, with larger wheels enhancing its overall appearance.

Inside, the Tahoe featured a 10.2-inch infotainment screen and new electronic transmission controls, improving storage but compromising control layout. The Z71 trim we tested included leather seats, a power panoramic sunroof, and a power sliding floor console, with a total price of $76,225. The interior quality met expectations, with exposed stitching and soft-touch surfaces on the upper half of the cabin, while the lower half was covered in hard plastic.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, available in base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims, started at $25,195 and topped out at $35,295 for the Touring trim. We tested the Wilderness model, priced at $36,014, which featured a dark gray interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and a navigation system. The Wilderness trim added a suspension lift, higher ride height, and massive protective cladding, giving it a rugged appearance. Inside, the Forester emphasized function over form, with hard plastic and soft surfaces creating a cabin that exuded quality and clarity of purpose.

The 2022 Forester retained its 8-inch Starlink infotainment system with physical knobs and buttons, making it easy to use. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Forester's interior was well-made, with comfortable seating and practical features like upgraded roof rails and all-weather floor mats. The Wilderness trim's long-travel suspension and all-terrain tires made it capable of handling various terrains, from forest roads to off-road courses.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. The standard 5.3-liter V8, available in all trims except the High Country, delivered 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country trim featured a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine, producing 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was available for all trims except the Z71. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a four-wheel-drive system optional on most trims and standard on the Z71. The Z71 trim also included hill descent control, all-terrain tires, a front skid plate, and tow hooks.

The major engineering change for the 2021 Tahoe was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality, handling, and interior comfort. The Z71 trim we tested featured Magnetic Ride Control suspension with adaptive dampers and an Air Ride suspension option, providing a smooth ride over various terrains. The 5.3-liter V8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission delivered refined and capable performance, with Dynamic Fuel Management technology improving fuel economy. The Tahoe Z71 impressed with its handling, though the all-terrain tires affected cornering on pavement.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. All Foresters had a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model featuring a design that increased initial torque supply by 25%. The CVT allowed the Forester Wilderness to double its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The EPA estimated the Forester Wilderness's fuel economy at 26 mpg in combined driving, with our test vehicle averaging 25.9 mpg.

The Forester's engine emitted the characteristic grumble of a boxer-style engine, though it felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive's Sport mode provided acceptable performance, but a turbocharger would have been beneficial. The dual-function X-Mode system, standard on most Forester trims, offered improved speed management during hill descents and a new "standby" setting. The Wilderness trim's re-tuned suspension, longer springs, and shocks improved ground clearance and handling, making it capable of tackling various terrains.

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, with a power sliding storage console providing additional storage options. The second-row offered a 3-person bench seat or individual captain's chairs, with the latter option proving comfortable and providing easy access to the third-row seat. The third-row seat room was substantially improved, accommodating adults comfortably.

The Tahoe's cargo space measured 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat, 72.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down, and 122.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. These figures were substantial increases over the previous generation and better than most full-size SUVs, except for the longer-wheelbase models.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality, with easy entry and exit and practical features like water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats. The Wilderness trim included upgraded roof rails with integrated tie-down locations, accommodating a three-person roof tent. The Forester's interior was comfortable, with tall seating positions providing excellent visibility. Rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports added to passenger comfort, and the back seat easily held two adults.

Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it. The squared-off cargo area was usefully shaped, with new cargo hooks located on the ceiling. Folding the 60/40-split rear seat down provided 74.2 cubic feet of space (69.1 with the sunroof), making the Forester one of the roomiest compact SUVs.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice-recognition system, and Chevrolet Connected Services. Navigation and two different Bose premium audio systems were available upgrades. The infotainment system was easy to use, though the main-menu shortcut icons were somewhat hard to access. The voice-recognition system was impressive, and pairing to Bluetooth was fast. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system, offering WiFi wireless device projection and content sharing.

The 2022 Subaru Forester's base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. Premium trim added access to a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation system, and Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim also included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The test vehicle's Harman Kardon audio system produced clear, rich sound, though the voice recognition system was hit-and-miss. The PIN Code Access feature allowed for keyless entry, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, a rear-seat reminder system, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trim levels or options added lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and rear pedestrian detection. Premier and High Country trims included adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, a Safety Alert Seat, and an upgraded blind-spot warning system with trailer coverage. The Tahoe Z71's driving-assistance features worked as expected, and the available surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, with improved accuracy and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. EyeSight 4.0 included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology that monitored for drowsiness and distraction. The 2022 Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with 5-star ratings in all evaluations except for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not rated the new Forester, but it was expected to retain the 2021 model's "Top Safety Pick+" rating.