There’s just something distinguishing about driving a full-size SUV. Sure, their more compact counterparts are closing the gap in terms of passenger and cargo capacity. However, the 2024 Ford Expedition and 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe are just in a different league, with the rugged truck-based underpinning and immensely powerful engines. We understand why it might be difficult to choose between these two greats, so we’ll try to break down some strengths and weaknesses for you.
Key Takeaways
- Both are rugged three-row SUVs with ample towing capacity and plenty of space for passengers and gear.
- Even with two fewer cylinders, the twin-turbocharged 2024 Expedition trounces the Chevy Tahoe in a race from zero to 60 miles per hour.
- The 2023 Expedition also excels in the tech department with Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment system coupled to a standard 12-inch touchscreen and optional Bang & Olufsen stereo with more speakers than a concert hall.
Powertrain and acceleration
Let’s start with the 2024 Chevy Tahoe, which packs a classic gasoline-powered 5.3-liter V8 engine with 355 horsepower as standard equipment. If you want a little more oomph, opt for a larger 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower.
However, where the Tahoe really differentiates itself is with the availability of a 3.0-liter Duramax turbocharged diesel engine. What the Duramax lacks in horsepower, it makes up for with 460 pound-feet of trailer towing torque. It also delivers better gas mileage than its gasoline counterparts.
Ford takes a different approach with its 2024 Expedition, which has multiple versions of a single 3.5-liter V6 with twin-turbochargers. The basic version of this engine makes 380 horsepower, which is boosted to 400 horsepower on the Limited trim level. Finally, an optional Stealth Performance package bumps the V6’s horsepower to 440.
In an acceleration test, Car and Driver drove an Expedition from 0-60 mph in just 5.1 seconds, which is truly remarkable for such a large vehicle. Somewhat embarrassingly, a Z71 equipped Chevy Tahoe took 7.5 seconds to accelerate from 0-60 mph. Yes, the Expedition was a full 2.4 seconds faster!
Infotainment and connectivity
Every Tahoe is equipped with a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. While that size screen may have been impressive several years ago, it’s only adequate today. There’s also the option for rear seat passengers to stay entertained on long trips with a pair of 12.6-inch displays that mount behind the front seats.
By contrast, the 2024 Expedition comes standard with a superior 12-inch touchscreen running the latest Sync4 software. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also supported, as are over-the-air updates when new technology and features become available. If that touchscreen isn’t large enough, a truly giant 15.5-inch unit is also available, as is a Bang & Olufsen stereo with 22 speakers! Like the Tahoe, an entertainment system for rear seat passengers is also on offer.
Is the Expedition or Tahoe less expensive?
The 2024 Chevy Tahoe starts at $58,195 for the LS trim level and goes up to $78,895 for the luxurious High Country. In total, six different Tahoe trim levels are available, including the popular Z71 off-road package with standard four-wheel drive. It’s priced starting at $68,295 including mandatory destination fee.
With 2024 Expedition prices starting at $57,520 and topping out at $82,690, Ford’s supersize SUV is both less expensive and more expensive than the Tahoe at the same time. That is, the entry level XL trim is slightly less expensive, while the premium King Ranch and Platinum level Expeditions — with their acres of leather upholstery — top the $80k mark. Note that like the Tahoe, all Expedition prices include delivery charges.
Which one is better for you?
While both the Expedition and Tahoe are competent full-size SUVs with a towing and cargo capacity that approaches some pickup trucks, yet retaining the civility of a fully enclosed vehicle, they decidedly take different approaches toward that goal.
Chevy’s big SUV pair of gasoline V8 engines are a blast from the past, but for maximum efficiency, a diesel powerplant is also available. Ford, on the other hand, focuses the Expedition’s efforts on technology, both under the hood and inside the cabin.
Interested in checking out the Ford Expedition in person? Give us a call to make sure that we have one of these popular large SUVs available. If so, our friendly and knowledgeable sales staff will be happy to hook you up with a test drive at Banner Ford of Mandeville.