Chevrolet Tahoe vs. Ford Explorer
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Tahoe and 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 Chevrolet Tahoe and the Ford Explorer.
When we compare the Chevrolet Tahoe's and the Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Tahoe has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume and base engine power. The Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Tahoe's and the Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Chevrolet Tahoe.
Pricing: A used 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe ranges from $63,964 to $88,278 while a used 2025 Ford Explorer is priced between $37,722 to $57,414. For a new model, the Chevrolet Tahoe's price is between $58,683 and $91,246, with the Ford Explorer priced between $40,643 and $61,641.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chevrolet Tahoe loses 53.2 percent of its value and the Ford Explorer loses 52.9 percent of its value. This means the Ford Explorer retains 0.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Tahoe.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Tahoe is 7.4 out of 10 while the Ford Explorer's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Tahoe being ranked 14 out of 33 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Ford Explorer being ranked 7 out of 33.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Tahoe is 7.7 out of 10. For the Ford Explorer the reliability rating is 7.5 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 Chevrolet Tahoe’s base engine makes 355 horsepower, and the 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 539 miles. This gives the Ford Explorer the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Chevrolet Tahoe. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Chevrolet Tahoe, a fullsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Ford Explorer, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage in the area of rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the Chevrolet Tahoe, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
58683 - 91246
Starting MSRP:
53000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Large SUVs)
67138
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Large SUVs)
53000 - 101945
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
40643 - 61641
Starting MSRP:
40050
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
75303
Price Range:
63964 - 88278
Category Avg Price:
(Large SUVs)
80211
Category Avg Price Range:
(Large SUVs)
71641 - 90487
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
46451
Price Range:
37722 - 57414
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
3189
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
22380
# Good or Great Deals:
1575
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
28288
Depreciation %:
0.53372982
Resale Value $:
24712
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Large SUVs)
0.56272363
Category Depreciation Range:
(Large SUVs)
0.47365125 - 0.60547456
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
Chevrolet Tahoe Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet Tahoe
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Large SUVs)
10.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Large SUVs)
8.8 - 11.0
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.291
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.153
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.596375795324569
Typical Category Recalls:
(Large SUVs)
2.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Large SUVs)
1.5 - 6.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
35.73669729298925
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Chevrolet Tahoe Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 33Ranking
4 out of / 33Ranking
4 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
8 out of / 33Ranking
8 out of / 12Ranking
9 out of / 33Ranking
9 out of / 33Ranking
9 out of / 12Ranking
10 out of / 33Ranking
12 out of / 29Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
16 out of / 33Ranking
19 out of / 29Ranking
23 out of / 33Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 8Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 8Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 33Ranking
17 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
20 out of / 33Ranking
21 out of / 33Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
27 out of / 33Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
29 out of / 54Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
31 out of / 33Ranking
37 out of / 54Ranking
38 out of / 66Ranking
47 out of / 66Ranking
59 out of / 66Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Diesel, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Chevrolet Tahoe Trim Levels
Fleet, High Country, LS, LT, Police, Premier, RST, Special Service, Z71
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Active, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line
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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
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):
0.070 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
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):
20 / 29 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
372 / 539 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Front Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
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
Automatic Parking:
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
Captain's seat:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
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
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Backup camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
65.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
42 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
64.6 inches
Cargo Space:
70.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
125.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
193.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
16.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
85.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
169.2 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
5554 lbs
Width:
81 inches
Height:
75.8 inches
Length:
211.3 inches
Wheelbase:
120.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4303 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.6 inches
Length:
198.7 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 9.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted steel
Tire Size:
275/55R20SL
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Black
Blue
Dark Blue Metallic / Lakeshore Blue Metallic / MSP Blue
Gray
Dark Ash Metallic / Sterling Gray Metallic
Green
Woodland Green
Red
Radiant Red Tintcoat / Victory Red
Silver
Silver Ice Metallic
White
Summit White
Yellow
Wheatland Yellow
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Vapor Blue
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White / Space White / Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
Yellow
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Dark Gray/Onyx / Light Space Gray/Onyx
