2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Vs 2021 Ford Expedition - a match between a giant and a has been

Today we'll go into detail and examine two of the best 2021 full-size SUVs, the Chevrolet Tahoe and the Ford Expedition, to see which one is the better choice.

The first thing on the list is exterior design. No longer enough to look imposing and bulky, the modern full-sized SUV needs to impress through design to attract prospective buyers. And the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe does just that.

Completely redesigned for the 2021 model year, the Tahoe is just... well... splendid. Sharp, modern lines that culminate with the huge front grille with boomerang running lights to each side give the Tahoe character and an unapologetic commanding presence that's both menacing and refined.

The truck-like, full-sized Tahoe is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise sea of bland crossovers.

In the second corner, the Ford Expedition can't be labeled as ugly, but we can't say it turns any heads either. The same Ford design language that can be identified even in the absence of Ford badging from a mile away is at once both modern and dusty. The lines are clumsy and the overall feel of the Expedition is that of a clumsy SUV, and there's nothing on it to write home about.

Exterior design goes to the Tahoe, but what about once you step inside?

Here both SUVs score top marks. First of all, there's obviously no shortage of room. Be it legroom or storage space, the Tahoe and the Expedition have plenty of both! There's also no shortage of features with color touchscreens, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and USB ports filled under standard on both cars. Soft-touch materials all-round, impeccable craftsmanship, and very comfortable seating, regardless of where you decide to sit. Top marks and we move on to engine options.

Here, as with exterior looks, the Tahoe is a clear winner, miles ahead of its competitor.

The reason? As Ford decided to offer a single engine for all Expedition trim levels, the Tahoe offers three, all designed to perfectly cater to the needs of buyer subdivisions of the full-sized SUV market.

Looking for a powerful engine? Then fit your 2021 Tahoe with the 6.2-liter V-8 and get access to 420 horsepower. Fuel-conscious? Then opt for the 3.0-liter inline-6 turbodiesel that will produce 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque without burning a hole in your pocket. Finally, there's the standard 5.3-liter V-8 that will churn out 355 horsepower.

Three options, each with a particular purpose, so everyone can find precisely what they're looking for.

Then there's the Expedition with its twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 that's neither here nor there. It's not a bad engine by any means as it delivers 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. But it doesn't take first place in any category. Most fuel-efficient? Not by a long shot. Tahoe's turbodiesel wins that spot. Most powerful? Not that one either as Chevrolet's 6.2-liter V-8 belts out an extra 45 horsepower.

Expedition's powertrain is a lukewarm attempt to satisfy competing needs that ends up doing neither type of buyer any real good. The fuel-conscious will not be impressed, and neither will the petrol heads that find the presence of a V—6 under the hood of such a mighty SUV quite underwhelming.

Here at O'Neill's Chevrolet Buick in Avon, CT we put down the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe as the clear winner, and we should know a thing or two about SUV considering we've been selling them for decades. Visit us anytime to see the Tahoe in all its trims and most available color. Best part? Our sales team can arrange for you to take the 2021 Tahoe out for a spin, and really get a feel for how exceptional it is.