A full-size SUV is a great option for large families who regularly hit the road and outdoor enthusiasts who tow everything from ATVs to boats. There are many quality options on the market, in particular the Ford Expedition and Chevy Tahoe. But which SUV should you choose? Let’s take a look at both to help you decide.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The 2024 Ford Expedition offers more trim options and price levels than does the 2024 Chevy Tahoe.
- The Expedition can tow more than the Tahoe — up to 9,300 pounds to the Tahoe’s 8,400.
- Both the Expedition and the Tahoe have quality infotainment systems, but the Expedition’s touchscreen is considerably larger than the Tahoe’s, making it easier to read.
The Expedition had a pretty major refresh in 2022, so this year’s model didn’t have as many changes, but what it does have makes for a better driving and riding experience. Exterior revisions were made to the bumpers, and buyers now have the option of a new color — Wild Green. Interior updates include more USB and USB-C ports.
The Timberline trim package has been added to the line up and offers higher ground clearance, all-terrain tires and protective skid plates. Front tow hooks are now also available for the XLT, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum trims with all-wheel drive (AWD).
TrIm Options and Price
The Ford Expedition wins out in terms of several trim packages and price points — it has ten options to the Tahoe’s six.
- XL STX: $55,525
- XLT: $59,590
- XLT MAX: $62,590
- Limited: $68,410
- Limited MAX: $71,410
- Timberline®: $71,700
- King Ranch®: $78,465
- King Ranch® MAX: $81,465
- Platinum®: $80,695
- Platinum® MAX: $83,695
The Chevy’s Tahoe’s price points are a little higher, as compared to equivalent trims in the Expedition.
- LS: $58,195
- LT: $63,695
- RST: $66,295
- Z71: $68,285
- Premier: $71, 585
- High Country: $77,385
Ford Expedition and Chevy Tahoe Engine Specs
The Expedition has a powerful base engine that delivers a higher maximum available horsepower and torque. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost delivers 380-horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.
On Limited models, a boosted output of 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet is available. Ford offers even higher-output on its Timberline and Limited with the Stealth Performance package. Here, the engine delivers a solid 440 horses and 510 pound-feet of torque.
The Chevy Tahoe offers three engine choices — a 5.3L V8 engine with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, a 6.2L V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.
Fuel efficiency in a larger SUV isn’t known to be great, but here, the Expedition beats the Tahoe. It’s about 17/23 mpg city/highway, while the Tahoe is about 14/20 mpg city/highway.
Towing, Cargo and Size Capabilities
The Expedition has it over the Tahoe when it comes to towing — it can tow up to a whopping 9,300 pounds. The Tahoe tows significant less — up to 8,400 pounds. There’s 20.9 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row and a maximum of 104.6 cubic feet or 121.5 cubic feet, depending on the trim package. It has a Cargo Management System that will guide you as you organize.
The 2024 Expedition’s wheel trim is 122.5 or 131.6 inches, depending on the model. It is between 210 or 221.9 inches long, 79.9 inches wide, and 76 inches tall, with a passenger volume of 172 cubic feet.
Interiors and Comfort
The Expedition has a roomier interior than that of the Tahoe. Its seats have multiple lumbar support zones and higher trims also have a massage function. Second-row seats are plush, while third row seats are adequately comfortable and easily accessible by passengers, who can get in and out without too much effort.
The Tahoe’s wide-opening doors also offer easy access to any seats and allow its passengers, even those in the third row, plenty of headroom. Both SUVs seat seven, although eight people can fit comfortably in trims with a second row bench seat in the Expedition.
While the Expedition’s center console has several buttons (as does the Tahoe), their use becomes instinctive in a short time. The Tahoe’s controls aren’t as intuitive.The dashboard is a bit cramped due to the dashed-mounted push-button shifter, which has forced the secondary controls elsewhere. Controls for the audio system and infotainment touchscreen also take up too much space on the dash.
In terms of front window visibility, the Expedition’s is slightly obstructed by its large windshield pillars. While its rear window is a distance from the front, the truck has a 360-degree camera system and backup camera to make parking and backing up less daunting. The Tahoe’s high front end can make it challenging to see closer obstacles, but it also has an excellent multi-view camera system.
Tech and Infotainment Systems
Ford’s SYNC 4 and the Chevy’s infotainment 3 systems offer similar features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. However, the Expedition’s infotainment system comes standard with built-in navigation, while this is an upgrade on the Tahoe.
The Expedition has a larger touchscreen at 12-inches (to the Tahoe’s 8-inches), with a 15-inch option available, making it easier for map viewing. There’s also an available Bang & Olufsen audio system with 22-speakers and standard blind-spot warning with cross-traffic alert. Trail Control enhances the SUV’s off-road capabilities.
Final Points
Whether you're hauling groceries, need a sizable daily driver or taking the kids on a road trip, the 2024 Expedition is a solid SUV that will fit your practical and adventurous needs. Visit Lunghamer Ford to schedule a test drive and experience it for yourself!