The Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Tahoe are two popular SUVs that you can see on roads worldwide. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, powerful performance, and a range of features that make driving and riding pleasurable. If you’re in the market for either of these popular SUVs, consider buying a used Explorer or Tahoe at an SCA auction, where you can save money. Before you decide between the two of them, though, there are a few differences that you should know about to help you decide.
Design and Size
As far as design goes, the Ford Explorer is a sleeker-looking SUV with sculpted lines and a bold front grille. The exterior gives it a sporty look, which appeals to people looking for something more modern.
GM designed the Chevrolet Tahoe with a more muscular and rugged exterior that appeals to people who want an SUV that looks as good at a campsite as it does in their driveway. While both of these SUVs are attractive, if you’re more outdoorsy, you might prefer the looks of the Tahoe over the Explorer.
There are differences when it comes to size. The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that can fit seven people comfortably and still have ample room for cargo. This large size makes the Explorer an excellent vehicle for families, especially those with small kids who have an active lifestyle.
When it comes to interior room, the Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that can seat up to nine across its three rows, making it a great choice for even larger families. Depending on the Tahoe model you select, you can carry up to 122.9 cubic feet of cargo.
While the Tahoe has more capacity, it’s only 6 inches longer than the Explorer, 2 inches wider, and 4 inches taller, which doesn’t seem like a lot. However, the Ford Explorer gives second-row passengers almost 2 inches more headroom than the Tahoe, so tall people are likely going to be more comfortable in the Explorer.
Performance and Efficiency
Between the two SUVs, they both offer a range of engine options, so you’re sure to find one that meets your needs. Ford offers a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, and a hybrid in the Explorer. There is a good balance of power and efficiency in any of these choices, and the hybrid option gives you better fuel mileage. Chevy does not offer a flex fuel option, though.
In the 2020 model, Ford has switched back to its original rear-wheel drive for better performance. The Tahoe, meanwhile, is available in RWD and 4WD.
If you’re looking for power, the Chevrolet Tahoe offers a more robust lineup of engines. GM equipped the Tahoe with a standard 5.3-liter V8, while a 6.2-liter V8 is available as well and provides more horsepower and performance. The Tahoe has a diesel option that is more fuel efficient, but with the price of diesel being high, you may not get the savings you would like from choosing a diesel.
Since the Tahoe is a bigger vehicle, it gets fewer miles per gallon than the Ford Explorer. Lower fuel efficiency didn’t stop the Tahoe from ranking number one in best gas mileage for a large SUV with 24 MPG combined.
Technology and Features
Both SUVs have incorporated advanced technology into their safety and driver features. In the Ford Explorer, you’ll find an intuitive infotainment system with a user-friendly touchscreen interface, supporting features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It also offers Ford’s Co-Pilot360 driver-assistive features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
The Chevrolet Tahoe features a similar infotainment system with smartphone integration and various available features, including a rear-seat entertainment system and wireless charging. Additionally, it offers advanced safety features such as forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Safety
The Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Tahoe both prioritize safety and offer many standard and advanced safety features. Both vehicles have numerous airbags, stability control systems, and rearview cameras in addition to the previously-mentioned driver-assist features. They also offer optional equipment such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection.
The Ford Explorer was given a 10 out of 10 rating for its safety equipment, compared to an 8 out of 10 rating for the Tahoe, according to iseecars.com.
Conclusion
Regarding pricing and value, the Ford Explorer MSRP is roughly $10,000 to $20,000 less than the Tahoe, but the Tahoe has a better 5-year depreciation percentage than the Explorer. Both vehicles rank high in dependability with owners, and Chevy scores higher in the best large SUV category.
In summary, the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Tahoe are both formidable SUVs with an array of optional equipment and features. The Ford Explorer appeals to those seeking a midsize SUV with a modern design, balanced performance, and advanced safety features, and the Chevrolet Tahoe caters to those who require a full-size SUV with a rugged design, powerful performance, and exceptional interior space.
No matter which SUV you choose, either will enhance your lifestyle, look great parked in your garage and open up the road to new adventures.
