2021 Toyota 4Runner 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 LT trims featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST trim boasted a slotted grille, blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 trim combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, a redesigned front end for off-roading, 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, while the luxurious High Country trim showcased a chrome bar grille and large 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.

Inside, the Tahoe's interior was centred around a 10.2-inch infotainment screen and new electronic transmission controls, which improved storage capacity but compromised control layout. The LS trim featured cloth seats, while leather became standard from the LT trim onwards. The Premier and High Country trims offered perforated leather options. The Z71 trim tested met quality expectations, with exposed stitching and soft-touch surfaces in the upper cabin, while hard plastic covered the lower half. The Tahoe's interior execution was designed to meet the expectations of its segment, providing a balance of comfort and functionality.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, last redesigned 12 years ago, maintained a rugged and utilitarian design that aged well over time. Most versions adopted a bold and aggressive front fascia, except for the chrome-adorned Limited trim. The 4Runner's two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches contributed to its timeless styling and utility. For 2021, Toyota offered the 4Runner in Trail and SR5 trims, with various packages available, including TRD Off Road, Limited, Venture, Nightshade, and TRD Pro. Prices ranged from $46,200 for the Trail trim to $62,430 for the SR5 with the TRD Pro package.

The Trail model featured black cloth upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and all-season floor mats. The interior predominantly used hard plastic, aligning with the SUV's mission and ease of cleaning. The dashboard was old-school, with large knobs and buttons for manual air conditioning. These characteristics endeared the 4Runner to its owners, representing a simple and durable vehicle that could withstand the test of time. The 4Runner's truck-like driving characteristics added to its charm, though its age and design limited its appeal in modern suburban settings.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. The standard engine for most trims was a 5.3-litre V8, producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country trim featured an exclusive 6.2-litre V8 engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel inline six-cylinder engine, available for all trims except the Z71, provided 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, with improved fuel efficiency. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a 4WD system optional on base trims and standard on others. The Z71 trim included a two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, and all-terrain tires. The Tahoe could tow up to 3,810 kilograms and handle a payload of 831 kilograms. The major engineering change for 2021 was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality, handling, and interior comfort. The Z71 trim impressed with its smooth ride, thanks to adaptive damping and air suspension upgrades.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission powered the rear axle, with a part-time 4WD drivetrain available. The 4Runner's maximum towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms. Off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with features like A-Trac, a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control enhancing its capabilities. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt slow, heavy, and clunky, with truck-like driving characteristics. Its body-on-frame construction contributed to its ruggedness but also limited its appeal in urban settings. Fuel consumption was relatively high, with an average of 14.0 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's new independent rear suspension improved 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 notable feature, providing additional storage and comfort. The second row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain’s chairs, with the latter option 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 2,056 litres with the seat folded down, and a maximum volume of 3,480 litres.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner sat high off the ground, which could be challenging for shorter individuals. Once inside, the 4Runner provided comfort, with supportive front and rear seats, ample legroom, and good visibility. The back seat featured air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The 4Runner's back bumper served as a convenient seating area. Cargo space measured up to 1,337 litres behind the back seat and 2,540 litres with the rear seat folded down, complemented by a large roof rack for additional storage.

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 premium audio systems were available upgrades. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though some menu icons were hard to access. The voice-recognition system was impressive, and Bluetooth pairing was quick. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system, though it lacked the available 15-inch head-up display.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's entry-level Trail grade offered limited technology. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system included physical shortcut buttons and knobs for easy operation, even with gloves. The infotainment system's software was sophisticated, with navigation maps including off-road trails. The Trail grade also included a windshield wiper de-icer system and a 120-volt AC power outlet in the cargo area.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe came with standard safety features, including 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, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe's safety features worked as expected during testing, though the pedestrian alert could be distracting. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. As of the review, the Tahoe had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked a blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA and a "Good" roof crush strength rating from IIHS. However, its protection for the driver in a small overlap frontal-impact collision was rated as Marginal by IIHS, and the front passenger protection received a three-star rating from NHTSA.