2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered six distinct trims, each designed with unique styling to set them apart. The base Tahoe LS and popular Tahoe LT introduced different grille patterns, with the sporty Tahoe RST featuring a slotted grille, blackout finish, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Tahoe Z71 combined the LS trim’s grille with a blacked-out look, red tow hooks, a skid plate, and unique 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires for enhanced off-road capability. Moving towards the upscale, the Premier incorporated the RST’s slotted grille with chrome accents, polished wheels, and shiny exterior trim, while the luxurious High Country brandished a chrome bar grille, 22-inch wheels with a bright finish, and body-color mirror caps.

The grille served as the dominant design cue across all trims, with standard LED headlights tucked into the upper corners and underscored by LED running lights reminiscent of the Silverado pickup truck. The rear styling evolved from the previous model’s clean look to more expressive taillights, available quad-outlet dual exhausts, and tailgate trim.

Despite maintaining familiar design themes, the 2021 Tahoe took on a somewhat slab-sided appearance due to the shift from creased-and-folded detailing to more subtle forms. Larger wheels improved the SUV’s aesthetic, and various wheel designs were available up to 22 inches in diameter.

Prices for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe started at $49,000 for the LS trim with rear-wheel drive and went up to $72,600 for the High Country with four-wheel drive. The test vehicle was a Z71, priced at $59,200, outfitted with five option packages and additional features, bringing the total cost to $76,225, including a $1,295 destination charge.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class showcased a more subtle, less flashy look in its base GLS 450 form compared to the chrome-laden Cadillac Escalade, Range Rover, and Lincoln Navigator. Unlike the aggressive grilles of the BMW X7 and Lexus LX, Mercedes opted for a self-assured design without gaudy elements. The AMG GLS 63 performance model, however, boasted flared wheel arches, a brawnier grille and front bumper, prominent rectangular exhaust tips, and AMG-specific 21-inch wheels. The Maybach version was adorned with chrome accents, a traditional-looking hood ornament, power running boards, and massive 23-inch wheels.

The Maybach model's interior offered added luxuries like reclining rear seats, while the AMG version focused on performance with stainless steel trim and heavily bolstered Nappa leather seats. Our test vehicle had a fairly basic interior by GLS standards but still included leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting, exuding a luxurious feel.

The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were housed together under one seamless piece of glass, framed nicely by an upright dashboard, offering an upscale yet robust cabin look. The GLS 450’s interior struck a balance between quality and durability, fitting for a luxury SUV.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe was available with three engine options. The standard 5.3-liter V8 featured in all trims except the High Country produced 355 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 383 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. Exclusive to the High Country, a 6.2-liter V8 engine generated 420 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 460 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. Additionally, a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel inline-six engine, yielding 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was soon to be available for most trims except the Z71.

The Tahoe employed a 10-speed automatic transmission, driving the rear wheels (RWD) for most trims, and offering a maximum towing capacity of 8,400 pounds with 1,834 pounds of payload. A four-wheel-drive (4WD) system was optional, becoming standard in the Z71 trim, which included a two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, all-terrain tires, a front skid plate, and tow hooks.

A significant engineering upgrade for the 2021 Tahoe was the switch to an independent rear suspension, improving ride, handling, and interior comfort. The test vehicle came equipped with both Magnetic Ride Control and an Air Ride suspension, resulting in exceptional ride quality, particularly in the Z71 trim. The 5.3-liter V8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission performed admirably, delivering ample power and smooth operation. The Dynamic Fuel Management technology aimed to enhance fuel efficiency, with an EPA estimate of 18 mpg combined for the 4WD model. During testing, the Tahoe achieved 16.4 mpg on combined routes.

Similarly noteworthy, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, supplemented by an electric motor adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft in short bursts. The mild-hybrid system enhanced the start/stop functionality and reduced the engine’s workload by powering most accessories.

Despite the GLS 580 4Matic, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600 4Matic models being expected to return, each utilizing a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing up to 603 horsepower in the AMG version, the GLS 450’s inline-six engine proved more than capable of moving the large SUV with ease. The air suspension, though standard, exhibited poor body control, resulting in excessive bouncing over bumps and leaning in corners, slightly detracting from the luxury-car experience. The GLS 450’s towing capacity was rated at 7,700 pounds, which, while respectable, lagged behind competitors like the Lexus LX and Lincoln Navigator.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefitted greatly from its switch to an independent rear suspension, allowing for a lower floor, thereby significantly enhancing passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, lacking only ventilated seats to achieve peak comfort.

Chevy’s power sliding storage console, recommended for its practicality, slid rearward to expose a large storage tray and a locking drawer for valuables. The second-row offered a choice between a 3-person bench seat or individual captain’s chairs, with the latter providing added comfort and facing optional 10.6-inch entertainment displays. The third-row seat space was notably improved, accommodating adults comfortably. With all seats in use, the Tahoe offered 25.5 cubic feet of cargo volume, expanding to 72.6 cubic feet with the third row folded and a maximum of 122.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows down, outdoing most full-size, mainstream-brand SUVs, save for extended models like the Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition MAX, and GMC Yukon XL.

By comparison, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class standard seating configuration included a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench and two third-row seats, with an option for six-seat configuration featuring individual captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide and fold for third-row access, offering an additional 3.4 inches of legroom when moved forward.

While the GLS’ cargo space with all seats up stood at 17.4 cubic feet, folding the third row increased it to 42.7 cubic feet, or 48.7 cubic feet with second-row seats fully forward, and a maximum of 84.7 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. Though behind larger competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, the GLS offered ease of loading with power-folding second and third-row seats, as well as a lowering air suspension to facilitate cargo handling.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe’s standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system operated on a new digital platform, delivering five times the computing power, over-the-air updates, and improved cybersecurity protection. Standard features encompassed wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice-recognition system, and Chevrolet Connected Services offering various plans including remote engine start, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and emergency assistance. Navigation was an available upgrade, accompanied by two Bose premium audio systems of differing levels.

The infotainment system's user interface was intuitive and akin to handling a tablet, though the recessed main-menu shortcuts posed a slight challenge. The voice-recognition system, responsive and accurate, failed to cover climate control adjustments. Bluetooth pairing and wireless Apple CarPlay streaming were quick and seamless, with a wireless charging pad ensuring efficient device power management. While our test vehicle lacked the optional 15-inch head-up display, it included the versatile Rear Seat Media system, although it remained untested by children.

For the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, the standard MBUX infotainment system featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, navigation, SiriusXM, and natural-language voice recognition. An upscale 13-speaker Burmester audio system came standard, with an optional head-up display.

Mercedes offered multiple user interaction methods, with voice recognition responding efficiently to "Hey Mercedes" commands, preferred over the cumbersome touchpad controller. Despite elegant graphics, the GLS missed the augmented-reality navigation available in the S-Class, and an issue with the in-car navigation system undermined confidence, suggesting an inefficient route.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe came equipped with standard safety features like Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. OnStar Safety & Security Plan compatibility added functionalities like automatic collision notification and emergency assistance.

Higher trims or optional packs introduced more features, such as lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear pedestrian detection. Premier and High Country trims incorporated adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, the Safety Alert Seat, and an upgraded blind-spot warning system with trailer coverage.

Testing revealed the Tahoe Z71’s driving assistance features to be reliable without triggering false alarms, although the pedestrian alert sound could momentarily distract.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe, which preps the vehicle for potential rollovers. Despite this extensive suite, several advanced features remained optional, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and additional driver-assistance technologies.

Key optional features included Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Trailer Stability Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist.

Neither the GLS nor the Tahoe had undergone crash tests by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of publication.