2020 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that gave it a car-like appearance, closely resembling Honda's sedan lineup. This design approach made the CR-V more akin to a station wagon than a traditional SUV, setting a standard for modern family transportation. However, the interior of the CR-V was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery in higher trims clashing with lower-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier versions were upgrades of a commodity car rather than premium products.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered six distinct versions, each with unique styling cues. The base LS and LT trims had different grille patterns, while the sporty RST featured a blacked-out appearance with 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 trim was designed for off-roading, with a modified front end, red tow hooks, and all-terrain tires. The upscale Premier and luxurious High Country trims boasted chrome accents and polished wheels. The Tahoe's design was dominated by its grille, with standard LED headlights and expressive taillights. The new model's styling was more subtle, with a slab-sided appearance, but larger wheels improved its overall look. Prices for the Tahoe ranged from $57,048 for the LS to $81,448 for the High Country, with various options and packages available to enhance its features.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine across all trims, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), this powertrain offered a responsive driving experience, especially in Sport mode. The CR-V's car-like handling and nimble steering made it feel more like a small sedan, with a well-balanced chassis that provided a comfortable ride. Its lightweight design contributed to its excellent fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined and AWD models at 8.1, making it one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid models in its class.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options, including a standard 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, and an exclusive 6.2-litre V8 for the High Country trim, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel engine was also available, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, with improved fuel efficiency. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth power delivery, and the Z71 trim featured off-road enhancements like a two-speed transfer case and hill descent control. The new independent rear suspension, along with adaptive damping and air suspension options, significantly improved ride quality, making the Tahoe Z71 smooth and capable both on and off the road. The Tahoe's towing capacity reached up to 3,810 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 831 kilograms.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was known for its excellent packaging, offering a spacious cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan. It provided ample head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers, with a well-designed seating position that enhanced visibility. The cargo area was versatile, with a two-position load floor and a total cargo space of up to 1,110 litres. Clever storage solutions, like the deep centre console and large door pockets, made the CR-V practical for everyday use.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from its new independent rear suspension, which improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, with an optional power sliding storage console for added convenience. The second row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs, with easy access to the third row. The third-row seat provided ample space for adults, and the cargo area offered 722 litres of space behind the rear seat, expanding to 3,480 litres with all seats folded. These improvements made the Tahoe one of the most spacious full-size SUVs in its class.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system was showing its age, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that lacked the sophistication of competitors. It offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the system's interface was cumbersome, requiring multiple taps to navigate. The CR-V did provide ample USB ports and a wireless phone charger in higher trims, but its overall technology offerings were limited compared to newer models.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with advanced computing power and over-the-air update capability. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice-recognition system, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with fast Bluetooth pairing and effective wireless charging. The test vehicle also had a Rear Seat Media system, offering versatile entertainment options for passengers. The Tahoe's available 15-inch head-up display provided additional convenience for drivers.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the "Honda Sensing" suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with some caveats for lower trims. The CR-V's safety features were comprehensive, but only higher trims offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, forward collision alert, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe's safety systems worked effectively during testing, and the available surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. As a new model, the Tahoe had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.