2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling cues. The base LS and popular LT models 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, while the luxurious High Country showcased a chrome bar grille and bright-finished 22-inch wheels. The Tahoe’s design was dominated by its grille, with standard LED headlights and expressive taillights enhancing its look. Despite its familiar design themes, the new Tahoe appeared more slab-sided, with larger wheels improving its overall appearance.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a successful design evolution for Volvo, maintaining its traditional styling features while adding character. The XC90 retained a boxy profile and blunt front end with a rectangular grille, but softer lines and more chrome replaced unpainted plastic. The LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights were a distinctive touch. The Inscription trim, with extra chrome and optional 21-inch wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design offered a sportier look. The XC90’s design was rooted in Swedish minimalism, with a focus on natural materials and thoughtful arrangement. The interior featured matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery, creating a restrained yet luxurious atmosphere.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. The standard 5.3-litre V8, available in all trims except the High Country, delivered 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country featured an exclusive 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel engine, available in 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 off-road enhancements like a two-speed transfer case and hill descent control. The Tahoe’s independent rear suspension, coupled with adaptive damping and air suspension, significantly improved ride quality. The 5.3-litre V8 and 10-speed transmission offered refined performance, with Dynamic Fuel Management technology enhancing fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured three powertrains based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 added supercharging, increasing output to 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. All models came with AWD in Canada. While the T8 offered substantial power, the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors’ larger engines. The XC90’s ride quality was excellent, aided by an optional air-suspension system, though it wasn’t tuned for sporty handling. The XC90’s towing capacity was 2,250 kilograms, suitable for moderate loads.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from a new independent rear suspension, enhancing 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 offered versatile storage options. The second row could be configured with a bench seat or captain’s chairs, with the latter providing comfort and easy access to the third row. The third-row seat offered improved space, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe’s cargo space was substantial, with 722 litres behind the rear seat, 2,056 litres with the rear seat folded, and a maximum of 3,480 litres.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom about average for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and seats in the second and third rows lacked support. The interior felt spacious due to a power sunroof and upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, though the steering wheel wasn’t power-adjustable. Storage space was limited, with a shallow centre console and few storage options. Cargo space was 317 litres with all seats in place, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe’s standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system offered enhanced computing power and cybersecurity. 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, though some controls were hard to access. The voice-recognition system was impressive, and Bluetooth pairing was quick. The test vehicle featured a Rear Seat Media system, though it lacked the available 15-inch head-up display.

The 2021 Volvo XC90’s Sensus infotainment system emphasized simplicity, with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was easy to use, though the text was sometimes hard to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was small, and the XC90 only had second-row USB-C ports. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display were available.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, 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 features worked as expected, though the pedestrian alert could be distracting. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. The Tahoe hadn’t been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. NHTSA gave all XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered extensive standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.