Toyota 4Runner vs Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. The familiar horseshoe-shaped grilles returned with a more robust and industrial look, complemented by deep beveled creases on the side body panels and flared wheel arches, giving it a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner retained the slanted rearmost window and sliding rear window for easier cargo access. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Tacoma pickup truck's design, featuring a beveled styling motif that was both attractive and functional. While hard plastics were prevalent to withstand rugged use, there was light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe continued its legacy as a popular full-size SUV, combining capability and practicality. Its design refresh included a new grille and updated lighting, aligning it with other Chevy trucks. Available in six trims, from the no-frills LS to the luxurious Premier and High Country, the Tahoe catered to various preferences. The Z71 trim, tested for this review, featured off-road enhancements like skid plates and recovery hooks, along with a 2.5-centimetre lift and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Tahoe boasted a new 17.7-inch touchscreen, replacing outdated controls with more stylish ones while retaining physical HVAC controls. The steering-column-mounted shifter replaced the previous electronic buttons, enhancing user experience.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The base model featured a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup improved acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous generation. In Canada, part-time 4WD was standard, with full-time 4WD available in higher trims. The Hybrid i-Force Max powertrain, based on the same four-cylinder engine, delivered 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, thanks to a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an integrated electric motor. This variant provided stronger power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling improved significantly, with reduced nosedive and body roll, making it more composed on pavement. Off-road capabilities remained impressive, with eight distinct packages offering varying levels of off-road prowess. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most capable, though the Trailhunter's snorkel added wind noise.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe stood out with its naturally aspirated V8 engines. The 5.3-litre V8, delivering 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, was the mainstay, while the 6.2-litre V8 offered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. A 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine, available in multiple trims, provided 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, with improved fuel efficiency at 9.7 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Tahoe's light steering feel was surprising for its size, though the brake pedal felt heavy. Suspension options included Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride adaptive suspension, enhancing ride quality. The Tahoe's independent rear suspension improved interior space, offering genuine third-row legroom.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner grew nearly 13 centimetres longer, with a 6-centimetre increase between axles. Despite this, passenger space gains were minimal. The front seats accommodated taller passengers, but the middle row offered only adequate legroom. A third row was available on non-hybrid models, though it was cramped and lacked thigh support. The cockpit featured logically placed controls, with oversized knobs for climate adjustments and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. Storage included door pockets, a dashboard tray, cupholders, and a centre armrest bin. Cargo capacity was 1,371 litres behind the second row, reduced to 1,206 litres in the Hybrid due to the raised floor. A sturdy roof rack supported up to 360 kilograms.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe excelled in towing and cargo capacity. With the 5.3-litre V8, RWD, and Max Trailering package, it could tow up to 3,810 kilograms. 4WD models had slightly lower towing capacities. The Tahoe's 91-litre fuel tank allowed for long highway drives, especially with the diesel engine. Cargo volume was impressive, with 3,474 litres available with all seats folded. However, with all seats in place, the trunk offered only 722 litres. Magnetic Ride Control was recommended for those opting for 24-inch wheels, as it improved ride quality on rough pavement. Despite the cost, the advanced suspension system was worth the investment.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 14-inch option available. Both were user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a charging pad. Hybrid models included a digital instrument panel. Off-road models offered external camera views and automatic activation for trail navigation. A 14-speaker JBL audio system and a portable Bluetooth speaker were available. Remote monitoring, a digital key function, and smartphone app control marked significant tech advancements.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe's technology saw a major upgrade with a 17.7-inch touchscreen, complemented by an 11-inch driver information screen and an optional 15-inch HUD. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but Google Built-in offered seamless integration with Google Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store. The touchscreen was user-friendly, though customizing the driver information display was challenging. The steering wheel's buttons were cluttered, requiring a learning curve. Physical buttons for essential functions remained. The premium Bose sound system was underwhelming compared to rivals.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but the Tacoma, on which it was based, was a Top Safety Pick by IIHS. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign reader, and automatic high beams. Proactive Driving Assist was included but could be disabled if intrusive. In Canada, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe had not been crash-tested for the new model year, but the 2024 model received four out of five stars from NHTSA and an Acceptable rating from IIHS. Standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian and bicycle braking, automatic parking assist, surround-view camera, and teen driver monitoring. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving tech was available, though not on early 2025 models.