Toyota 4Runner vs Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, but with a more robust and industrial look that defined its exterior. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly blended with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner included design elements like the slanted rearmost window from the first generation. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Toyota Tacoma's design, with beveled styling throughout. The interior was functional yet comfortable, with hard plastics for durability and light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe continued its legacy as a popular full-size SUV, combining capability and practicality. Its design refresh was conservative, with a new grille and updated lighting elements that aligned with other Chevy trucks. The Tahoe offered six trim levels, each benefiting from these updates. The base LS trim was no-frills, while higher trims like the Premier and High Country targeted luxury buyers. The Z71 and RST trims catered to lifestyle-driven consumers, with the Z71 focusing on off-road capability. The Z71 model featured full-length skid plates, front recovery hooks, and an extra lift, enhancing its rugged appearance. Inside, the Tahoe boasted a new 17.7-inch touchscreen display, complemented by a redesigned dashboard with stylish controls and sophisticated air vents. The steering-column-mounted stalk replaced the previous electronic shifter buttons, offering a more intuitive driving experience.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The entry-level trims came with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup promised improved acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous generation's V6. Rear-wheel drive was standard on some trims, with four-wheel drive available as an option. The more off-road-oriented models came standard with 4WD. Toyota introduced the i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, combining the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid variant offered stronger power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling improved significantly, with reduced nosedive and body roll, making it more composed on pavement. Off-road capabilities remained impressive, with nine distinct trims offering varying levels of off-road prowess. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most capable, with approach angles ranging from 18 to 33 degrees and ground clearance between 8.1 and 10.1 inches.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. The 5.3-liter V8, delivering 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, was the mainstay powerplant. The 6.2-liter V8, with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, was standard in the High Country trim and available in other trims. A 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine, producing 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, was available in multiple trims, including the Z71. The diesel engine offered up to 27 mpg on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient option. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Tahoe's steering was surprisingly light, given its size, though the brake pedal felt heavy and difficult to modulate. The Tahoe featured an independent rear suspension system, with optional Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride adaptive suspension for improved ride quality.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was five inches longer than its predecessor, with a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase. While this typically results in more passenger space, the gains were minimal. The front seats offered ample room for taller passengers, but the middle row was less accommodating, with adequate legroom and headroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped and lacked thigh support. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. Storage options included slatted door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a center armrest bin. Cargo capacity was 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row, reduced to 42.6 cubic feet in hybrid models due to the battery placement. A sturdy roof rack could support a static load of 800 pounds.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe excelled in cargo and towing capacity. With the 5.3-liter V8, RWD, and Max Trailering package, it could tow up to 8,400 pounds. The 6.2-liter V8 and diesel engines maxed out at 8,200 pounds. The Tahoe featured a 24-gallon fuel tank, allowing the diesel variant to cover nearly 650 miles on the highway. Cargo volume was impressive, with 122.9 cubic feet available with all seats folded. With the second row in place, there were 72.6 cubic feet, but only 25.5 cubic feet with all seats up. The Tahoe offered a 24-inch wheel option, requiring Magnetic Ride Control for improved ride quality. However, these wheels were expensive and added significantly to the vehicle's cost.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch option available. Both screens were user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad were offered. Hybrid models included a digital instrument panel, available on other trims as well. Off-road models came with external camera views and automatic activation for easier trail navigation. A 14-speaker JBL premium audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were possible through a smartphone app, and a digital key function allowed phone-based vehicle access.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe showcased a significant tech upgrade with a 17.7-inch touchscreen, an 11-inch driver information screen, and an optional 15-inch head-up display. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Google Built-in offering seamless integration of Google Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store. The touchscreen was user-friendly, but customizing the driver information display was challenging. The steering wheel was cluttered with buttons, complicating navigation of the display. Despite these issues, the Tahoe represented a major tech improvement over its predecessor. The premium Bose sound system was underwhelming compared to rivals.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, the Tacoma pickup on which it was based received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. All 4Runner models came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The Proactive Driving Assist feature could be intrusive but was disableable. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2024 model received four out of five stars from the NHTSA and an Acceptable rating from the IIHS. The Tahoe included standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian and bicycle braking, automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera, and a teen driver monitoring system. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving tech would be available in 2025.