For the last few years, when it came to full-size SUVs, you couldn’t do better than the Ford Expedition. To give Ford some competition, Chevrolet showed off its new 2021 Chevy Suburban and Chevy Tahoe late last year. Bigger than their predecessors – and bigger than the Expedition in some aspects – the latest Suburban and Tahoe are proof that Chevy is serious about stepping up its SUV game.

Does the new 2021 Chevy Tahoe have what it takes to challenge the Ford Expedition? Is the Tahoe the better SUV?

Updating the Chevy Tahoe

In 2020, both the Chevy Suburban and Tahoe were showing their age according to Cars.com. Their cabins were lacking thanks to the solid rear axle design giving it a tall cargo floor. The seating layout left a lot to be desired too.

Both the 2021 Chevy Suburban and Tahoe mark five years since either SUV had a substantial redesign. The interior got a much-needed update and the exterior did as well.  Chevy took engines and suspension from their Silverado truck line and brought it over to the SUV duo. 

The new Chevy Tahoe is a bigger beast than the previous models. The new suspension added a lot of space in the third row of seats and in the cargo area. You can even make it to the third road now without it being an Olympic event.

Aside from that, the new interior is eye-catching and comfortable. From the bigger touchscreen to the high-mounted push-button shifter, the cabin shows that GM brought its A-game in the latest Tahoe. The leather trim and plastics are much improved, and you’re bound to love the other neat little touches. The power-retractable storage bin in the center console was a favorite of the team at Cars.com.

The standard engine is a 5.3-liter V8 paired with a 10-speed gearbox. It gets 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. An available 6.2-liter turbo-diesel V6 has been added. It doesn’t have the horsepower of the V8, but its 460 lb-ft of torque is a match for the bigger engine. The latest Tahoe is available with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

A match for Ford Expedition?

While the new Chevy Tahoe may not be as precise as the Ford Expedition, they are well-matched when it comes to powertrains. The team at Cars.com found the new V6 was able to hold its own. It effectively proves that the engineers at GM know their stuff since it blends in so well with the full-size SUV. 

When it comes to powertrains, Chevy offers a nice selection to choose from. Ford offers just one, but it’s a great engine that gets 470 lb-ft of torque and outshines all but Chevy’s 6.2-liter V8. 

The improved interior of the Tahoe is one of the nicest GM has put forward. Its top-tier High Country trim is more than a match for the Expedition’s Platinum trim. The materials in the Tahoe may be a cut above those found in the Ford and the cabin is visually appealing. While the Expedition still wins when it comes to headroom, the new Tahoe wins on cargo and passenger space.

Now that the Tahoe features a rear suspension like the Expedition, it has greater space and better handling with a smoother ride. The Chevy still uses steel for the body while Ford uses the lighter aluminum.

Which is the better value?

Like the rest of its class, the 2021 Chevy Tahoe isn’t cheap. It starts at $50,295 and goes up as you add on. Chevrolet is quick to point out that the new Tahoe is priced up to $4,000 less than the Expedition at each trim level. 

Either way, you get your money’s worth. The new Tahoe is an upgrade with a wow factor that will give the Ford Expedition a run for its money. With new technology, comfort, space, and style, it will be the full-size SUV to watch in the 2021 model year.