2022 Subaru Forester 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 added chrome accents and polished wheels, while the luxurious High Country featured a chrome bar grille and bright-finish 22-inch wheels. The Tahoe's design was dominated by its grille, with 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.

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 Z71 trim we tested included leather seats, a power panoramic sunroof, and a power sliding floor console. The cabin featured exposed stitching and soft-touch surfaces, with hard plastic on the lower half. Prices for the Tahoe ranged from $57,048 for the LS to $81,448 for the High Country, with the Z71 test vehicle priced at $80,293, including destination charges.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in its Wilderness trim, emphasized practicality and ruggedness. The Wilderness model featured a suspension lift, higher ride height, and massive protective cladding, giving it a distinctive "overlanding" look. Inside, the Forester's interior focused on function over form, with a combination of hard plastic and soft surfaces. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation. The Wilderness trim included copper-coloured stitching and accents, adding a touch of style to the otherwise utilitarian cabin.

The Forester Wilderness excelled in various driving environments, from city streets to off-road trails. Its long-travel suspension absorbed bumps and provided a smooth ride, while the dual-function X-Mode system enhanced off-road capabilities. The Forester's 2.5-litre engine delivered 182 horsepower, and the CVT provided a 25% increase in initial torque supply. The Wilderness trim also doubled the towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. Despite its lack of engine power and wind noise at higher speeds, the Forester Wilderness proved to be a capable and versatile SUV.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options, with the standard 5.3-litre V8 delivering 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country trim featured an exclusive 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel engine was available for all trims except the Z71, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. 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's independent rear suspension improved ride quality, while the Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride suspension options further enhanced performance. The Tahoe Z71 impressed with its smooth ride and refined drivetrain, achieving 14.3 L/100 km in testing.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The CVT and AWD drivetrain provided a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling the Wilderness trim's towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester averaged 9.1 L/100 km in testing. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios, and the SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for more lively response. The dual-function X-Mode system improved off-road capabilities, while the re-tuned suspension enhanced ride and handling. The Forester Wilderness excelled in various driving environments, with its long-travel suspension and all-terrain tires providing a smooth and capable ride.

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 a power sliding storage console for added convenience. The second row offered a 3-person bench seat or individual captain's chairs, with easy access to the third row. The third-row seat room was substantially improved, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe provided 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 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms. The Forester offered high comfort levels in both front and back seats, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports. Cargo space measured 818 litres without the panoramic sunroof, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seat folded down.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The system was easy to use, with a wireless charging pad and a mid-grade Bose audio system. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system, though the 15-inch head-up display was not available.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim and higher offered an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Wilderness trim featured a 180-degree forward-view camera. The navigation system was helpful, though a breadcrumb function would have been beneficial.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features such as Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward collision alert, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, with a wider field of vision and new Automatic Emergency Steering. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Limited and Premier trims offered DriverFocus facial recognition technology. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA, with a 4-star rating for rollover resistance.