2021 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 2021 Ford Explorer
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2021 Ford Explorer contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 Ford Explorer.
In comparing the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's and the 2021 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe has the advantage in the areas of reliability and base engine power. The 2021 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's and the 2021 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Ford Explorer is a better car than the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe.
Pricing: A used 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe ranges from $41,142 to $63,327 while a used 2021 Ford Explorer is priced between $25,590 to $41,894.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe loses 48.1 percent of its value and the 2021 Ford Explorer loses 47.6 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Ford Explorer retains 0.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Tahoe is 8.2 out of 10 while the Ford Explorer's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Tahoe being ranked 18 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Ford Explorer being ranked 8 out of 39.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Tahoe is 9.1 out of 10. For the Ford Explorer the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Chevrolet Tahoe a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe’s base engine makes 355 horsepower, and the 2021 Ford Explorer base engine makes 300 horsepower. The Tahoe is rated to deliver an average of 17 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 480 miles. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 501 miles. This gives the 2021 Ford Explorer the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. Both models use regular unleaded.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2021 Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$44,000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Large SUVs)
$54,102
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Large SUVs)
$44,000 - $85,665
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$32,925
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,000 - $37,580
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$52,955
Price Range:
$41,142 - $63,327
Category Avg Price:
(Large SUVs)
$53,520
Category Avg Price Range:
(Large SUVs)
$32,507 - $82,812
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,499
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
57,222
# Good or Great Deals:
545
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$32,089
Price Range:
$25,590 - $41,894
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,840 - $46,487
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
3,762
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
44,719
# Good or Great Deals:
1,002
Chevrolet Tahoe Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
9.1 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.5
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Large SUVs)
7.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Large SUVs)
6.7 - 10.5
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
69.2%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.6 - 10.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.5%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
14.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Large SUVs)
5.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Large SUVs)
1.6 - 14.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
17.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 32.1
Chevrolet Tahoe Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
18 out of / 21Ranking
23 out of / 39Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
25 out of / 39Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 16Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 30Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 59Ranking
59 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Diesel, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Trim Levels
Fleet, High Country, LS, LT, Police, Premier, RST, Special Service, Z71
2021 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, Timberline, XLT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
355 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
383 foot-lbs @ 4100 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
6000 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
5.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
8
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
15 / 20 / 17
Range (city/hwy):
360 / 480 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
376 / 501 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Front Bench Seats:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Massage Seats:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
66 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
42 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
64.8 inches
Cargo Space:
25.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
122.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
170.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
5542 lbs
Width:
81 inches
Height:
75.8 inches
Length:
210.7 inches
Wheelbase:
120.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4345 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
198.8 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 9.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted steel
Tire Size:
275/55R20
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Exterior Colors
Beige
Empire Beige Metallic
Black
Black
Blue
Dark Blue Metallic / Midnight Blue Metallic / MSP Blue
Gray
Graywood Metallic / Satin Steel Metallic / Shadow Gray Metallic
Green
Woodland Green
Red
Cherry Red Tintcoat / Victory Red
White
Summit White
Yellow
Wheatland Yellow
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Not available
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Oxford White
Yellow
Not available
Silver
Iconic Silver
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Beige
Sandstone
