An Honest Comparison Between a Ford Expedition and a Chevy Tahoe: All Specs Included

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Large SUVs are ideal vehicles for both families and individuals looking for something that’s equal parts roomy, powerful, and capable. If you have a family, space is at a premium, whether it’s taking the kids to sports practice or loading up luggage for a week-long vacation.
With their traditional body-on-frame construction that comes directly from full-size pickup trucks, the Ford Expedition and the Chevy Tahoe are vehicles that can handle just about any condition in their path. And with powerful engines under the hood, they can carry heavy loads or tow anything from a camper trailer to a bass boat.
But when it comes to spending your hard-earned money, which one is right for you? Here’s a comparison of the Ford Expedition and the Chevy Tahoe with all the information you need.
Ford Expedition vs. Chevy Tahoe: Engine options and fuel economy
The Ford Expedition and the Chevy Tahoe take different approaches to achieve the strong power needed for vehicles of their size and purpose.
Chevy offers two of their famous small-block V-8s along with an optional turbodiesel V-6 for increased fuel economy. Both V-8s are muscular engines, with the base 5.3-liter V-8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, and the optional 6.2-liter V-8 making 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 puts out 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
When equipped with four-wheel drive, the 5.3-liter V-8 returns a reasonable EPA-rated 15/20 mpg city/highway, while the 6.2-liter gets 13/19 mpg city/highway.
The 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 gets excellent fuel economy that rivals some cars that an EPA-rated 20/26 mpg city/highway.
The Ford Expedition takes a different approach to engines, offering a 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engine. The twin-turbo V-6 engine makes 375 horsepower in most trim levels and a whopping 470 lb-ft of torque. If you go for the Platinum trim level, that rises to 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque.
The Ford Expedition’s fuel economy bests the Tahoe V-8’s but falls short of its turbodiesel option, returning a respectable EPA-rated 17/22 mpg city/highway in 4WD trim.
In the engine category, the Ford Expedition and the Chevy Tahoe are about even. If you love the sound of the deep exhaust note of an American V-8, go for the Chevy. Or, if ultimate fuel economy is your aim, the Tahoe turbodiesel is the best option. If you want equal parts power and efficiency, the Expedition is the better choice.
Ford Expedition vs. Chevy Tahoe: Technology and connectivity
In today's digital world, it's nice to have a robust suite of technology features to improve passenger comfort and keep the driver in control of various functions.
On the Chevy Tahoe, every trim level comes standard with a 10.2 touchscreen that has everything you and your passengers need, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wifi hotspot. On long trips, finding wifi isn't always easy. But with the Tahoe, you've got it right there with you.
Another welcome feature on the Chevy Tahoe is wireless phone charging, so you can place your phone on the charging surface and let it juice up rather than fiddling with cords while driving. The Chevy also has an available Bose audio system for listening to your favorite music as the miles go by. If you want something similar to the Tahoe with slightly different styling and options, be sure to check out the GMC Yukon.
Though the Ford Expedition is also a strong contender in the technology department, it lags behind the Chevy Tahoe with its smaller 8-inch touchscreen. From there, it's a somewhat equal comparison with the Tahoe, as the Expedition uses Ford's Sync3 infotainment system that also comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Expedition also has a 4G LTE mobile hotspot standard, so you and your passengers are always connected.
Though it's a close competition, the Chevy Tahoe comes out ahead of the Ford Expedition in this category. Its larger standard touchscreen and optional Bose audio system are creature comforts that are a step ahead of the Expedition.
2014 Ford Expedition XLT (from $16,950)


Ford Expedition vs. Chevy Tahoe: Interior, cargo volume, towing capacity
Important aspects of any full-size SUV are passenger space, cargo volume, and how much weight it can tow. Be it for serious work or rugged play, you want something that’s up to the task.
The Ford Expedition and Chevy Tahoe are more than capable of transporting multiple passengers, all your gear, and even tow a boat or camper.
The Ford Expedition and Chevy Tahoe are nearly even on passenger space, going back and forth on superiority for headroom, hip room, and legroom, among others. The difference in most categories is an inch or less. Each vehicle features ample seating with a third row, so all of your passengers will stay comfortable no matter how long the trip.
When it comes to total cargo volume with all of the seats folded down, the Chevy Tahoe begins to separate itself from the Ford Expedition, with a substantial 122.9 cubic feet available. The Ford Expedition is no slouch in this department either, with 104.6 cubic feet of volume.
If there’s a beach trip in your plans or a week-long excursion to the mountains, either vehicle can tow a large boat or camper. The Ford Expedition and the Chevy Tahoe have optional tow packages so that both can handle towing and its unique requirements.
A tow package-equipped, 4WD Ford Expedition pulls slightly ahead of a similarly equipped Chevy Tahoe in ultimate towing capacity, with the ability to handle 9,200 pounds. The Tahoe can pull slightly less, at 8,200 pounds.
This category comes down to a draw. If you have a large boat and towing takes precedence, go for the Expedition. If your preference is the most cargo space available, the Tahoe is the better choice.
Ford Expedition vs. Chevy Tahoe: Pricing
Both the Ford Expedition and Chevy Tahoe are feature-rich, full-size SUVs with loads of capability, and their pricing reflects that.
In their base trim levels, the Expedition and Tahoe start at an MSRP of $52,290 and $51,195, respectively.
Both SUVs have various trim levels to suit every driver's needs and fully equipped versions of each reach prices of more than $70,000.
If you decide to buy used rather than new, you can save thousands of dollars while still getting a lightly used, quality vehicle. That's true whether you're buying an SUV or a sports car. Shift's certified mechanics perform extensive 150-point inspections on every car and have complete vehicle history reports, so you know your used car feels as good as new.
With their starting MSRPs so close in number, there's no clear winner in this category either. It depends on which vehicle you find more appealing.
2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ (from $37,450)


Ford Expedition vs. Chevy Tahoe: Which is better?
In this close competition of two full-size American SUVs, both the Ford Expedition and the Chevy Tahoe have their strong suits. In this case, it may pay to test drive both and find out which you prefer while out on the road.
Either way, you’re getting a full-size SUV that has loads of room, features, and towing capacity.
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All prices are based on vehicle availability and pricing as of
April 15, 2022
.
Pricing shown is not guaranteed and does not include taxes or other product fees.
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