The SUV market has been growing like crazy. With more demand comes more options, and fishing through these choices can be difficult. Luckily, when you are in the market for an SUV with modern conveniences and technology, it is at least easy to know which manufacturers create the best of the best: Ford and Chevrolet. As two of America’s favorite automakers, it just makes sense that these brands have spent the time developing full-size SUVs to take over this competitive market. But, which one has made the superior vehicle? Well, today, we will answer that question by looking at the best features of each in a head-to-head battle: 2020 Chevy Tahoe vs 2020 Ford Expedition. Let’s get started.
Engines and Power
Let’s kick things off by popping the hoods on these two SUVs because we all know that power is important. First, the standard 2020 Chevy Tahoe is powered by a 5.3-liter V8 engine mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Together, they produce 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain gets about 18 MPG combined (15 city/22 highway), and it can tow up to 6,400 pounds. This is impressive power for a standard set-up.
If you want more power, then you can opt for an upgraded engine. This is a 6.2-liter V8 and is coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Generating 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, this powertrain has a fuel economy set around 17 MPG combined (14 city/23 highway). It can also pull 6,600 pounds without breaking a sweat and without any special packages. These numbers, again, are very impressive.
On the other hand, the Ford Expedition puts up a decent fight as well. All of the new Expedition models use a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Together, they make 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Because the engine is much smaller than the Tahoe’s engine, it has a slightly higher fuel economy set at 20 MPG combined (17 city/23 highway). But the towing range for the Expedition is lower, naturally, capped at around 6,000 pounds without additional towing packages. So even though the fuel savings are more significant, both power and towing are lower, making the Expedition fall behind.
Wheel Options
Another aspect that could play a role in performance is the wheel offering. The Chevy Tahoe has 14 different sets of wheels to choose from. Some come standard on particular trims, and others are optional. Ranging from 18-inches to 20-inches, you can choose between various spoke designs, metals, and colors. The Ford Expedition offers 18-inch and 20-inch wheel options as well, but not nearly as many as the Tahoe. This means that, with the Tahoe, you can customize the performance to your needs – driving it ahead in the competition yet again.
Seating and Cargo Room
Now that we have performance covered, let’s take a look inside the vehicles to compare size. For starters, the Ford Expedition has available seating for seven or eight people. Whether or not you get the eighth seat depends on the cabin configuration. The same is true for the Tahoe, except it adds another configuration that actually allows for nine seats!
As for the cargo room, the 2020 Chevy Tahoe offers 15.3 cu.ft. of room behind the third row of seating. By folding that back row down, you can expand the cargo area to 51.7 cu.ft. If you fold down both the second and third rows, you can access the maximum cargo space measured at 94.7 cu.ft. Meanwhile, the Ford Expedition offers 20.9 cu.ft. of room behind the back row. Folding down the third row will give you 63.6 cu.ft., and foiled down the second and third rows will provide you with 104.6 cu.ft. of space. So each of these SUVs has something to offer here; the Tahoe has more available seating, and the Expedition has more cargo space. So the competitors are about even on this part of the playing field.
Base Trims
Let’s now look at the trims available for these SUVs, starting with the base models. The base models are fundamental to any comparison because it shows you what you can expect to get for the lowest amount of money.
The 2020 Chevy Tahoe LS base model is the only available version that has seating for nine people. This is because of the triple bench seats. You will not find this in any other full-size SUV, including the competing Expedition. The LS also includes remote engine start technology, tri-zone climate control, and power-adjustable from seats. The Chevrolet Infotainment System is displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen and functions with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, several USB ports, and an auxiliary jack. Voice command technology is also included. Other great features on this model are a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, full power accessories, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, Teen Driver technology, HD radio, and satellite radio. In other words, you get a big bang for your buck.
On the other hand, the Expedition XLT base model comes with remote start technology, cruise control, full power accessories, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Sync 3 is the infotainment system, and it comes with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G Wifi hotspot. Safety features from the Co-Pilot360 package include pre-collision assist, emergency braking, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. This is an extensive list, but it does not seem to come with as many features as the Tahoe’s base trim.
Mid-Level Trims
Next are the mid-level trims. The second trim for the Chevy Tahoe is the LT. This well-equipped model comes with luxury features such as leather upholstery, a premium Bose sound system with nine speakers, and the Enhanced Driver Alert Package. This safety suite adds emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. An auto-dimming rearview mirror and driver memory settings are also included on this trim. If you want to make it into an off-roading model, this is where you can also add the Z71 Off-Road package. It gives the Tahoe skid plates, a revised suspension, and off-roading tires.
Even though the Expedition has two mid-level trim, we will exclude the King Ranch since most of its feature upgrades are cosmetic. Addressing the comparable Limited model, this trim includes ambient lighting, leather seats, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 12 speakers. Added safety enhancements include trailer tow monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. Again, a great list, but not nearly as long as the additions you can have on the mid-level Tahoe.
Top-Tier Trims
Finally, the Tahoe Premier is the most luxurious trim in the lineup. It gets the new adaptive suspension system with magnetic ride control, a bigger engine, and ventilated seating for cooling during the summer. A navigation system has been added as well as front/back parking sensor, heated second-row seats, keyless start/open technology, a heated steering wheel, lane change alert, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a wireless charging pad.
As for the Expedition, the top-of-the-line Platinum model adds leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, enhanced park assist, wood accents on the dashboard, and a panoramic sunroof. Yet again, great features, but the upgrades are not nearly as extensive as the Tahoe’s.
Chevy Takes the Trophy
All in all, the winner of this competition is quite obvious. The Expedition is a great and massive vehicle, but it could not hold up against the Tahoe. With better performance specs, more options, and greater additions by trim, the 2020 Chevy Tahoe is undeniably the better vehicle. So congratulations, Chevy, you’ve won the trophy for the contest.
