2021 Chevrolet Tahoe vs Dodge Durango

Full-size SUVs now make up a large portion of the multi-passenger auto market segment. Not only are these vehicles becoming more tech-laden and safe, but they also boast an exciting look that is unique to each brand's model offerings. The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe is an SUV that has been evolving rapidly over the years, the 2021 Dodge Durango meets it with a more athletic look. Pairing up an all-American SUV that is sophisticated and bold with a sporty SUV with a muscle car look, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 Dodge Durango are an interesting matchup.

At first glance, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 Dodge Durango look and feel completely different. Their status as full-size SUVs remains the same, but that is the extent of the similarities in these two models. The differences they behold make it easier for buyers to compare and contrast the highs and lows of each model as they make a decision on which one would serve them best. The Chevrolet Tahoe elicits more of a luxury feel and towers over the competition in its large, box-like stature. Yet, the Dodge Durango is shorter and longer with bold, athletic attributes. The Durango offers more of a sporty feel than that of the business-focused Chevrolet Tahoe.

One major similarity that exists between the Tahoe and the Durango is their structuring that benefits families. Spacious interiors with adequate comfort amenities and a variety of entertainment options make full-size SUV models like the Tahoe and the Durango a top choice for parents. The way these SUVs do so is a bit different. The Tahoe caters to families that enjoy a classier and more upscale look, while the Durango benefits those who enjoy a sporty appearance that exudes muscle car features.

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The Powertrain

The powertrain of an SUV is comprised of components that are responsible for producing horsepower, generating torque, and determining its ultimate hauling capacity. While some SUV models limit the number of engines they offer, therefore streamlining their abilities, the Tahoe, and the Durango each feature a few options to choose from. This makes power production highly customized, depending on the selected trim level. The Chevrolet Tahoe has been dependent on a V8 throughout the entirety of its existence, but this changed in 2021 with the introduction of a six-cylinder option. This leaves a standard 5.6-liter V8 that produces 355 horsepower and an available 6.2-liter V6 that produces 420 horsepower as main options in the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. Add in a 3.0-liter diesel engine, and buyers have an immense amount of powertrain options to choose from in this SUV.

The 2021 Dodge Durango also has a V8 and a V6 to offer, but its horsepower is substantially reduced from that of the Chevrolet Tahoe. The standard V6 engine of the Durango is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but its horsepower production maxes out at 295hp. Moving up to the V8 buyers can gain a bit more power at 360hp, which still falls short of the Tahoe's most powerful engine option. Do not get discouraged by these stats just yet though. While the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe can tow up to 7,900 pounds, the Durango's performance components under the hood increases its towing capacity to 8,700 pounds with its V8 setup.

The underlying basis of each of these full-size SUVs plays a big role in their engine options and towing capacity. The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe style and powertrain setup are much like that of its Chevrolet Silverado relatives. Yet, the 2021 Dodge Durango comes from a long line of vehicles specifically made for performance. It offers a muscle car feel in an SUV layout that is derived from other Dodge SRT racing models.

Drivability

The 2021 Dodge Durango may top the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe in its towing capacity, but the Tahoe undeniably excels in overall comfort and ease of driving. Quick acceleration for a vehicle of its size, firm braking, and a cabin that is quiet during highway travel are some of the highlights for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. Its adaptive air springs provide flexibility in the height of this vehicle, and its adaptive dampers benefit higher trim levels. Traditional four-wheel drive is also included on some Chevrolet Tahoe models, which provides a little reassurance for travel in unruly weather conditions.

Rear-wheel drive compared with a muscle-car attitude makes the 2021 Dodge Durango a unique type of vehicle. It is not overly sporty, but it is more athletically inclined than the Chevrolet Tahoe. Not to mention, it is surprisingly comfortable for family travel. An eight-speed automatic transmission paired with all-wheel drive provides a smooth ride, but the suspension of the Durango lies in between comfortable and sporty. The 2021 Dodge Durango delivers a ride that is fun and established, but it is not as refined as what the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe has to offer.

Road trips are inevitable in the Chevrolet Tahoe and the Dodge Durango, and each of these SUVs has an infotainment system made for travel. In fact, the 2021 Dodge Durango has what is regarded as one of the best infotainment systems available on the market. It is perfectly sculpted sitting atop the dash in a standard 8.4-inch layout. An optional upgrade to a 10.1-inch screen offers potential to buyers for further personalization. The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe features a larger 10.2-inch touchscreen that is standard across all models. Two substantial entertainment displays are also mounted on the back of the front seat headrests to distract passengers on long road trips.

Safety

The integration of safety features is where the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 Dodge Durango separate themselves the most distinctively. The Chevrolet Tahoe is intensely dedicated to safety and is loaded with driver assistive safety features, as well as towing-focused technology. It features some of these safety attributes as standard, like automated emergency braking and forward-collision warning. Yet, some attributes are available as upgrades, which include blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Neither the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe or the 2021 Dodge Durango have been crash tested but have high hopes for the Tahoe and are sure it will shine over the Durango.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango limits the availability of its safety features. Virtually no driver assistive safety features are included as standard. Buyers must seek out upgrades at an additional cost to gain access to modern features like adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking. A standard backup camera is one of the only included options that makes drivers and passengers feel safe when navigating in this full-size SUV. A clear camera view is beneficial to safe backing and adequate navigation in the 2021 Dodge Durango.

Other passive safety features also play a role in the inherent safety abilities of these vehicles. The Chevrolet Tahoe includes anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a variety of airbags to prevent significant losses in the event of a collision. The 2021 Dodge Durango also maintains many of these features and adds in overhead airbags and knee airbags for a bit of extra cushion. While the Durango puts its focus on the passenger safety features within its model, the Chevrolet Tahoe integrates a few towing assistance features that also take care of bystanders and other vehicles on the road.

Which Has the Best Value?

The obvious differences in the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 Dodge Durango make it difficult to determine which model is a better value overall. Cost is definitely a factor to consider, and the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe starts off at a substantially higher MSRP than the comparative 2021 Dodge Durango. This is partly due to the quality of interior features it integrates and the fine accents it incorporates in its overall design. While this may be admirable for some buyers, others may find a better value in a more economical option. The 2021 Dodge Durango provides all the basics with a sporty spin at a more affordable price.

With a high price also comes a higher cost of ownership. If parts need to be replaced, the cost of those components is typically most expensive in the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe than in the 2021 Dodge Durango. However, the Chevrolet brand parts have also proven to last longer, which helps their higher price pay off in the long run. Replacement components and maintenance for the 2021 Dodge Durango may be more difficult to attain, due to the exclusivity of its racing-focused parts. Buyers may have a more difficult time gaining access to necessary replacement parts in the Durango.

Buyers gain access to several trim level options in both of this full-size SUV models. Each of these SUVs incorporates six trim levels for buyers to choose from. Ranging from the most basic, entry-level option to the most equipped and comfortable model, there is a trim to meet the budget and desirable needs of every buyer. Though there is no different in the number of trims offered in the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 Dodge Durango, the number of upscale attributes available throughout the Tahoe lineup is more substantial than those found in the Durango models.

Which is Better?

The choice of which SUV is a better option between the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2021 Dodge Durango is one of personal preference. Each of these full-size SUV models is unique in its own way that appeals to a different type of consumer. Those in search of a more luxurious option for family travel will feel more at home with a prestigious 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. Even the bottom trims for this model are exquisite and well-equipped. Leaving no model out, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe spreads its best attributes throughout the models included in its most recent lineup. It is also the SUV that is most likely to make a statement wherever it goes. Eye-catching design and a big, bold structure gains attention at every turn.

If you need an SUV but are not quite ready to give up your youthful adrenaline, the 2021 Dodge Durango meets you somewhere in between. Offering the best of both worlds, the 2021 Dodge Durango is comfortable and entertaining, while also maintaining a sporty appearance and performance components that are muscle car inspired. The Durango represents something buyers do not see on the market every day, and its look is not easily distinguished as that of an SUV. This model is more of a modified crossover that leaves buyer wondering exactly what it is capable of.

For buyers who plan on towing items along with them on vacation, both models have a powertrain that is capable of what you need. Though the 2021 Dodge Durango edges over the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe slightly, these SUVs were made for adventure and are ready for the challenge.