2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a more refined and athletic design compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and handsome appearance. The ST version, with its blacked-out trim and sporty features, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite its high price tag, the interior materials felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior struggled to compete with more luxurious options available at similar price points, leaving it feeling either too expensive or not luxurious enough.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a variety of trims, each with unique styling cues. The Tahoe's design was dominated by its grille, with standard LED headlights and expressive taillights enhancing its look. The new independent rear suspension improved both ride comfort and interior space, making it a more practical choice for families. The Tahoe's interior featured a larger infotainment screen and new electronic transmission controls, although the control layout was somewhat compromised. Despite this, the Tahoe's interior quality met expectations, with soft-touch surfaces and exposed stitching in the upper cabin, providing a more upscale feel than the Explorer.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of engines, with the ST trim featuring a 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered smooth and addictive power. The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive chassis provided excellent weight distribution, enhancing its nimble handling and cornering capabilities. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and a gas-electric hybrid option with a net 318 hp. However, the hybrid's fuel efficiency did not justify its higher price. The Explorer's towing capacity varied, with the V6 capable of towing up to 2,540 kilograms.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe came with three engine options, including a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower and a 6.2-litre V8 exclusive to the High Country trim, producing 420 horsepower. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel engine was also available, offering improved fuel efficiency. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission and optional four-wheel-drive system provided versatility and capability. The Z71 trim, with its off-road enhancements, impressed with its smooth ride quality, thanks to the new independent rear suspension and adaptive damping. The Tahoe's towing capacity reached up to 3,810 kilograms, making it a strong contender for those needing to haul heavy loads.

The 2020 Ford Explorer excelled in interior space, offering ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The second row felt luxurious with air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row accommodated adults for short trips, although the bench was flat for long-distance comfort. Cargo space was generous, with 509 litres behind the third row and 2,491 litres with all seats folded. The Explorer's physical controls were intuitive, but thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras hindered visibility.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from its new independent rear suspension, providing comfortable seating for adults in all three rows. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated seats available on higher trims. The power sliding storage console added convenience, while the second row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs. The third row provided improved space, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 722 litres behind the rear seat and a maximum of 3,480 litres with seats folded.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was well-organized, the system lacked innovation, and updates required an external Wi-Fi connection. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system offered semi-automated driving features but needed refinement.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with over-the-air update capability and enhanced cybersecurity. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Chevrolet Connected Services, were standard. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with impressive voice recognition. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system, although the available 15-inch head-up display was not tested. The Tahoe's technology package offered a comprehensive suite of features, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came equipped with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. Adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking were also standard. The Explorer received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features such as Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward collision alert with pedestrian detection, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe's safety systems worked effectively, although the audible pedestrian alert could be distracting. The Tahoe had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.