As the 2021 model year of vehicles is starting to fill up, it’s an exciting time to learn about the latest and greatest of popular brands and models. In the full-size SUV category, two heavyweights are revealing more about their 2021 models, and it’s time to put them to the test. Known for their size and premium features, the Ford Expedition and Chevy Tahoe are consistently at the top of their class, and the 2021 models are proving to be no different. The 2021 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Chevy Tahoe is a battle between power and capability, interior, safety features, and what trims are available. We’re sharing what we know about each 2021 model and how they face each other in each category.
Power & Capability: Who Has More Juice?
The 2021 Ford Expedition has a turbocharged 3.5L V6 engine that’s made to get up and go. You get 375 horsepower, even more in the Platinum models, and 470 lb-ft of torque. On the Platinum model of the 2021 Expedition, you can get up to 400 horsepower. Reading those stats, you may think you’re looking at Ford’s newest truck model, but rest assured, this full-size SUV is just powerful. A 10-speed automatic transmission doesn’t hurt either. The 2021 Ford Expedition gets an estimated 17 MPG city and 23 MPG highway, not bad for an SUV.
For the 2021 Chevy Tahoe, it has a standard 5.3L V8 engine and features dynamic fuel management. While it’s a larger engine than the 2021 Expedition, Ford’s SUV beats out the Tahoe on horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency. The 2021 Tahoe gets a standard 355 horsepower with 383 lb-ft of torque. On the highway, it’s estimated the Tahoe gets 20 MPG with only 16 MPG in the city. While it may not be a big difference to most, if you’re going to drive a full-size SUV, don’t you want it to have all the power and fuel economy it can?
The 2021 Expedition can tow up to 9,300 lbs, while the 2021 Chevy Tahoe has a max-tow rating of 8,400 lbs. Both SUVs come standard with two-wheel drive but have the option for four-wheel drive. Based on what we know now about the 2021 Ford Expedition and 2021 Chevy Tahoe, the Expedition prevails slightly in power and capability. This is especially important if you’re purchasing a full-size SUV for the towing and horsepower.
Interior: Who Is More Jazzed?
Full-size SUVs as a segment have really stepped up their game in regards to convenient and premium features. Many of which are standard these days, but with quite a few luxurious upgrade options as well. What we currently know about the 2021 Expedition and the 2021 Tahoe will help us decide which has the best overall interior, based on convenience, design, and features.
Quite frankly, the 2021 Ford Expedition is huge on the inside. When you step inside, it’s a little surprising how spacious it is. Second-row passengers have over 42 inches of legroom, and the third row stays comfortable as well with its standard power reclining seats. Both rear rows can fold flat, which helps you take advantage of that overly spacious cargo room. There’s 20.9 cu.ft. of cargo volume in the trunk, and with the second and third-row folded flat, you get a whopping 104.6 cu.ft.
The 2021 Chevy Tahoe has a slightly larger cargo volume than the 2021 Expedition, but Ford still beats out on second-row legroom. Chevy did increase its legroom for the second row in this 2021 model, but it’s still smaller than the 2021 Expedition. Most of the Tahoe and Expedition models have seating capacities from 7-8 passengers.
The 2021 Expedition has a large amount of interior features. It’s honestly too much to list here, so we’ll hit the highlights. Each model of the Expedition has 15 cupholders, a surprising feature, but one that could come in handy. An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, available rear entertainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are sure to keep the family entertained along the ride. The most premium 2021 Expedition models have options for extended leather seating, 360 camera views, and parking sensors and assistance. It’s fair to say that the Expedition doesn’t slack in upgrades and features.
With the 2021 Chevy Tahoe, they have their own infotainment touchscreen that also offers Apple Carplay and Android Auto, with an option to add a rear entertainment system. On the top models, you can expect parking assistance and upgraded camera views, similar to the 2021 Expedition. These two full-size SUVs are very similar in their interior, but the more comfortable third row in the 2021 Expedition gives it an edge to the 2021 Tahoe if you plan to use the third row frequently.
Safety: Who Gives More Standard?
This isn’t a competition as to which SUV is safer. We’re here to say that both the 2021 Ford Expedition and 2021 Chevy Tahoe are made confidently and packed with assisting safety features. This has become the industry standard in 2021 vehicles, and we’re here for it! Let’s talk specifically about what is standard and what’s available as an upgrade.
The 2021 Expedition comes with Ford’s Co-Pilot360, which is a variety of standard safety features that provide warnings for changing lanes, blind spots, and even automatic braking in certain scenarios. Also standard are automatic high beam lights and a rearview camera with a washer. There is also an available adaptive cruise control as an upgrade.
The 2021 Tahoe also comes equipped with the same standard safety features, including automatic braking. Available features to add on include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and surround vision. While the features are similar, the 2021 Expedition does offer features like the lane keep assist as a standard feature, where it’s an upgrade in the 2021 Tahoe.
Trims Means Options for Everyone
Just like any model year, there are quite a few trims to choose from for both the 2021 Ford Expedition and the 2021 Chevy Tahoe. Including the MAX trims, which add extra length to the usual Expedition models, there are 9 trims to choose from for the 2021 Expedition. On the 2021 Chevy Tahoe, there are only 6 available trims. Just like with previous years, there are options only available on higher models for both the Tahoe and Expedition. What’s notable is the Expedition XL STX (the base trim) seats 5 passengers, while the other Expedition models seat up to 8 passengers. This, along with the MAX trim options, gives customers more options to find a 2021 Expedition that fits their needs perfectly.
An SUV Battle for the Ages
The 2021 Ford Expedition vs the 2021 Chevy Tahoe is a tough battle. Both of these full-size SUVs are built to last, entertain, and give you incredible power to get you where you want to go. We are eager to see more of these new models as they take on the roads in 2021. We have no doubt both will perform well, but in our opinion, the 2021 Ford Expedition rises higher than the 2021 Tahoe thanks to its performance, towing capability, options, increased standard safety features, and third-row comfort. Be prepared to be the hottest ride in town when you’re driving around the 2021 Ford Expedition!
