2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2020 Acura MDX presented itself as a stylish yet understated crossover SUV. Its design was not groundbreaking, but it was certainly not lacking in appeal. The Jewel Eye LED headlights added a touch of sophistication to the front, flanking a trapezoidal grille with a prominent Acura logo. The MDX's sleek, low-slung profile, combined with flawless paint and chrome, contributed to its refined appearance. Inside, the MDX offered a modern and simple aesthetic, with a centre stack featuring twin infotainment screens and a high-quality fit and finish that exuded solidity and craftsmanship.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a more varied and bold design across its six different trims. Each version had a distinct grille pattern, with the sporty RST and rugged Z71 trims featuring blacked-out appearances and unique wheel designs. The Tahoe's styling was characterized by its dominant grille and expressive taillights, with larger wheels enhancing its overall look. Inside, the Tahoe boasted a spacious cabin with a 10.2-inch infotainment screen and new electronic transmission controls. The interior quality met expectations, with exposed stitching and soft-touch surfaces in the upper cabin, while the lower half was covered in hard plastic.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, and a Sport Hybrid version with a 3.0-litre V6 and three electric motors, delivering a combined 321 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. The gasoline-only model tested featured Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which provided nimble handling and impressive cornering capabilities. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension ensured a comfortable ride, making it a reliable choice for long journeys.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe came with three engine options: a standard 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, a 6.2-litre V8 exclusive to the High Country trim with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel inline-six offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission and available four-wheel-drive system, including a two-speed transfer case in the Z71 trim, provided excellent towing capabilities and off-road performance. The new independent rear suspension, along with adaptive damping and air suspension options, significantly improved ride quality, making the Tahoe a smooth and capable performer on various terrains.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered a practical and spacious interior, with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It provided 447 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 1,229 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,574 litres with both rear rows down. The MDX featured numerous storage options, including a flexible centre console and tri-zone climate control, making it a versatile choice for families seeking minivan-like functionality without the stigma.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from its new independent rear suspension, which improved passenger comfort and cargo space. It offered 722 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,056 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,480 litres. The Tahoe's interior featured a power sliding storage console, comfortable captain’s chairs, and an available Rear Seat Media system. The third-row seat room was significantly improved, accommodating adults comfortably, making the Tahoe a top choice for those needing ample space and versatility.

The 2020 Acura MDX came equipped with a range of technology features, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, and a CD/MP3 player. The Technology Package added navigation, parking sensors, and a premium audio system, while the A-Spec and Elite Packages offered additional tech upgrades such as heated and ventilated seats and a rear entertainment system.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The system was user-friendly, though some controls were recessed into the dashboard. The Tahoe offered a wireless charging pad, a mid-grade Bose audio system, and an available Rear Seat Media system with Wi-Fi wireless device projection. The test vehicle lacked the available 15-inch head-up display, which would have been a useful addition.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall safety rating from the latter.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features such as Teen Driver, forward collision alert, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Tahoe's safety features worked as expected during testing, though it had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.