Considering the 2020 Ford Explorer or Chevrolet Tahoe? Due to many similarities you may find it hard to decide. If you’re in the Chambersburg, Pennsylvania area, come see us at Keystone Ford. We are happy to help in any of your car buying needs. Until then, here is a quick side by side comparison on how these two popular SUVs stack up against each other.
Size / Price
The Explorer has seating for seven, whereas the Tahoe can seat eight people in most models, and up to nine in the LS model with a front split bench. Even though the Tahoe is a larger vehicle, the Explorer provides more cargo space behind the rear seat then it’s larger competitor. With 18.2 cubic feet of space compared to the 15.3 the Tahoe provides, the Explorer has a big advantage over the Tahoe in regards to space. If you have the need to utilize the rear seating area for larger cargo, the Tahoe takes the win for the most usable cargo space when all the rear seats are folded down. Sitting at an impressive, 94.7 cubic feet, it comes in a few cubic feet higher than the 87.8 cubic feet found in the Explorer.
It is almost hard to stomach a comparison of price between the Explorer and the Tahoe. With the Explorer starting at a competitive $32,765, the Tahoe’s much higher starting price of $49,000, takes it to a whole new price bracket.
Capability
When investing in an SUV, it is imperative to find one that has the capability to get you anywhere you want to go, on the highway or on a dirt road.
If you are solely looking for an SUV with a large towing capacity and high amounts of power, the Tahoe can fit that bill. Its maximum towing capacity of 8,600 lbs., outdoes the Explorer’s 5,600 lb. maximum towing capacity.
The Tahoe also offers a more powerful 6.2L V8 engine which produces up to 420 horsepower and 415 lb. ft. torque. On the other hand, the Explorer’s most powerful engine is it’s 3.0L EcoBoost which pumps out 400 horsepower and 415 lb. ft. torque.
One large advantage the Explorer offers which is not found in the Tahoe is its no-compromise Hybrid engine. It is the only hybrid in its class that can tow an impressive 5,000 lbs. Along with its awesome towing capacity, it’s also fully off-road capable. With the rear wheel drive hybrid model you can get an EPA-estimated range of more than 500 miles between fill-ups, which is an incredible twist to an already impressive vehicle.
Fuel Efficiency
Now that we have gone over power and capability, we need to discuss what effect these have on the overall fuel efficiency of these vehicles. As you may have guessed, due to its more powerful engines, the Tahoe is only able to achieve an estimated 15 mpg City / 22 mpg Highway. Due to Ford’s unique RWD architecture, among other factors, the Explorer is able to achieve an astounding 27 mpg City / 29 mpg Highway. Not to mention the incredible range of the Explorer’s Hybrid option, making it the clear winner for fuel efficiency.
Comfort / Convenience
One of the most impressive differences between these vehicles is the sun/moon roof options they offer. Although the Tahoe is the larger vehicle of the two, it only offers a single panel sunroof. The Explorer, on the other hand, has the largest ever Twin-Panel moonroof which creates a completely different class of enjoyment for all passengers during every drive.
Both vehicles offer available Wi-Fi Hotspots for optimal connectivity everywhere you go. However, the Explorer’s FordPass™ App provides complimentary remote features such as start/stop, lock/unlock, and schedule a start which the Tahoe doesn’t have.
Infotainment
Both vehicles have voice activated technology, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. They also both offer an impressive count of power points, with the Explorer offering a total of up to 9 different power points and the Tahoe offering up to 7 USB ports. The Tahoe and Explorer also have available wireless charging capabilities.
The Tahoe has an available Bose® 10-speaker Sound System. However, the Explorer’s available B&O Sound System with 14-speakers takes the cake for the best sound system offered between the competitors.
The award for best infotainment touchscreen also goes to the Explorer. Its available 10.1” LCD Capacitive Portrait Touchscreen means having easy-to-use connectivity anywhere you go. It’s just like using a smartphone, so there is no learning curve necessary. Unlike the Explorer, the Tahoe’s 8” touchscreen uses your typical infotainment technology which requires a bit more getting used to.
Safety
There isn’t any competition when it comes to comparing the safety features of these vehicles. Although they both offer some of the same features, many features that are upgraded features for the Tahoe, are included in the standard feature list for the Explorer. Features such as Forward Collision Alert, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Automatic High Beams all come standard on the Explorer, but require additional packages or trim upgrades in the Tahoe to acquire them.
Conclusion
There isn’t much of a question which of these vehicles may be the better option for your family. The Explorer offers a more extensive list of safety, infotainment, and convenience features compared to the Tahoe. Along with much better fuel efficiency, additional rear cargo space, and a manageable price, the Explorer is the SUV of choice in this comparison.
Keystone Ford
Chambersburg, PA
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Ford Dealership