2021 Nissan Armada vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling elements that set them apart. The base LS and popular LT trims featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST boasted a slotted grille, blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, red tow hooks, a skid plate, and unique 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. The upscale Premier trim adopted the RST’s slotted grille with chrome accents, and the luxurious High Country showcased a chrome bar grille and bright-finished 22-inch wheels. The Tahoe's design was characterized by its dominant grille, standard LED headlights, and expressive taillights. Despite its familiar design themes, the new Tahoe appeared more slab-sided, with larger wheels enhancing its overall look. Prices ranged from $57,048 for the base LS to $81,448 for the High Country, with the Z71 trim tested at $80,293, including various option packages.

The interior of the Tahoe was centred around a 10.2-inch infotainment screen and new electronic transmission controls, which improved storage capacity but compromised control layout. The Tahoe offered a maximum seating capacity of eight, with leather seats standard from the LT trim upwards. The Z71 trim tested featured quality materials, with exposed stitching and soft-touch surfaces in the upper cabin, while the lower half was covered in hard plastic. The Tahoe's interior execution met expectations for its segment, providing a comfortable and spacious environment for passengers.

The 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its design with Nissan's new signature exterior style. Available in SL and Platinum trims in Canada, the Armada's redesigned exterior featured a new grille, front fenders, bumpers, and LED headlights and taillights, giving it a modern look while retaining its traditional beefy and athletic body styling. Standard features included body-colour over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, and an acoustic windshield, along with a power sliding sunroof and LED lighting. The Armada rode on 20- or 22-inch aluminum alloy wheels, with a full-size spare tire included in Canada. The new Nissan logo was prominently displayed on the SUV's grille, rear, steering wheel, and wheel caps.

Despite the exterior updates, the Armada's interior remained dated, with upgraded connectivity and infotainment features. The upper half of the centre stack appeared modern, but other design choices, such as rouched material on the door panels and abstract patterned hard plastic inlays, detracted from the overall aesthetic. The Armada's interior offered practicality and functionality, with standard running boards and in-cabin handles for easy access. The Platinum trim offered captain’s chairs in the second row, reducing seating capacity from eight to seven. Cargo space was limited by a high load floor, making loading and unloading challenging for petite adults. The Armada's centre console storage bin provided ample space for small items, but overall, the interior storage was not as accommodating as some competitors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options, with a standard 5.3-litre V8 delivering 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.2-litre V8 exclusive to the High Country producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel inline six-cylinder was available for all trims except the Z71, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, with improved fuel efficiency. The Tahoe featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard on base trims and four-wheel drive optional or standard on others. The Z71 trim included a two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, and off-road enhancements. The Tahoe could tow up to 3,810 kilograms and handle 831 kilograms of payload. The major engineering change was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality and interior comfort. The Z71 impressed with its smooth ride, thanks to adaptive damping and air suspension upgrades, and the 5.3-litre V8 provided ample power and refinement.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was equipped with a 5.6-litre V8 engine paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The Armada featured standard automatic four-wheel drive and was capable off-road, with a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and 23.4 centimetres of ground clearance. The SUV's maximum towing capacity was 3,856 kilograms, with standard trailer sway control and a trailer brake controller. Fuel efficiency was not a strong suit, with estimates of 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 15.4 combined. The Armada's handling improved with each revision, but its turning radius and maneuverability in tight spaces remained challenging. The SUV's driving experience was enhanced by standard safety and driver-assist features, though advanced driving assist technologies were not available.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from a new independent rear suspension, improving passenger comfort and cargo space. 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 was a recommended feature, providing ample storage and comfort for front passengers. The second row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain’s chairs, with the latter providing comfort and easy access to the third row. The third-row seat room was substantially improved, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe offered 722 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 3,480 litres with seats folded, surpassing most competitors in the segment.

The 2021 Nissan Armada offered practicality and functionality, with standard running boards and in-cabin handles for easy access. The interior was spacious, with 10-way power-adjustable front seats and power lumbar support. The Platinum trim offered second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. Third-row seating was less comfortable for adults, with limited legroom. The Armada provided 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,692 litres with seats folded. The high load floor limited cargo area usability, making loading and unloading challenging. Small-item storage was limited, with the centre console storage bin being the exception, offering ample space for personal items.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with enhanced computing power, over-the-air updates, and cybersecurity protection. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. Navigation and Bose audio systems were available upgrades. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with fast Bluetooth pairing and effective wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system, offering versatility for rear passengers. A 15-inch head-up display was available, providing useful data at a glance.

The 2021 Nissan Armada boasted a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, with standard navigation, a 13-speaker Bose stereo, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The system was responsive, with clear camera views and plentiful standard features, including a WiFi hotspot, keyless entry, and a wireless charging pad. The Platinum trim offered a rearview camera mirror and rear-seat entertainment system. The Armada's steering wheel provided limited control of the infotainment system, but the overall tech package was comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe came standard with Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward collision alert with pedestrian detection, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. The Tahoe had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2021 Nissan Armada featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. Additional standard safety features included adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. The Armada received a three-star rollover rating from NHTSA, with a 23.7-percent rollover risk. Advanced driving assist technologies were not available, but the standard safety suite was comprehensive.