Comparison - Ford Explorer Sport 2017 - vs - Chevrolet Tahoe Premier 2018

General

Other Names:

Also called:

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Also called:

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Average Price: 
45,355
Updated: 
30 Nov 2016
65,130
Updated: 
27 Jan 2018
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Year: 
2017
2018
Total Seating: 
7
8
Transmission: 
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
no
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
18.60gals
26.00gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Blue Jeans Metallic
#486478
Ingot Silver Metallic
#C4C4C8
Oxford White
#E4E4E4
Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#8E1C26
Shadow Black
#242424
Color: 
Black
#000000
Brownstone Metallic
#616157
Champagne Silver Metallic
#E9E3D7
Sable Metallic
#746D7F
Summit White
#FFFFFF
Slate Gray Metallic
#62748C
Siren Red Tintcoat
#750619
Silver Ice Metallic
#DADEDD
Tungsten Metallic
#393339

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

Available with plenty of features and three distinctly different engines, the 2017 Ford Explorer has a lot to offer if you're shopping for a three-row crossover SUV. Its outstanding quietness and quality cabin trimmings elevate this practical do-all crossover to the front of the segment.

A household name among American carbuyers, the Ford Explorer has evolved from its long-ago roots as a body-on-frame SUV into the comprehensively modern three-row crossover it is today. Depending on trim level and options (and how deep your pockets are), it can be downright luxurious. Our preference for the Sport arises from the "drives big" nature of other non-Sport trim levels — though comfortable, the soft suspension and numb steering of non-Sport models make their driving experience oddly ponderous.

Aside from that, though, there is an awful lot to credit to the Explorer. You can configure an Explorer that keeps things relatively basic, or you can go all-in on luxury. Versatility is a strong suit, too. You have your choice of three engines. You can get it with a second-row bench or captain's chairs and option the second and/or third row with power-folding functionality. Lots of cargo space is standard.

Pros
Plenty of high-tech features that are easy to use
Optional turbocharged V6 engine delivers plentiful power
Cabin is quiet and comfortable on the highway
Cargo space is generous behind the third row

Cons
Depending on trim level, feels big and ponderous from behind the wheel
Legroom in the second and third rows is subpar

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2017 Ford Explorer adds a sport appearance package and Sync 3, both of which are important to today's SUV buyers.

The 2017 Ford Explorer gets a sport appearance package on lower trims, which is what Explorer buyers are looking for nowadays.

The Ford Explorer's wide offering of powertrains is an asset, we like every step along the way.

The Explorer has a good mix of comfortable seating, versatility, and space for families.

The Explorer scores well on federal tests, but IIHS tests are a different story.

A Sport Appearance Package is here now for buyers who want their 2017 Ford Explorers to look the part.

The 2017 Ford Explorer returns decent economy for a three-row hauler—mostly.

Pros
A nicely executed do-it-all
Excellent ride and handling for an SUV
Fuel-efficient—on paper
Sync 3 is better ...
Sport appearance package is much appreciated

Cons
but Sync 3 still has issues
Real-world mileage question
Platinum prices are in line with luxury vehicles

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The 2017 Ford Explorer will feature a new XLT Sport Appearance package, as well as interior enhancements. A hands-free liftgate will be standard on Sport models, while Sync 3 will be offered on the XLT and come standard on the Limited, Sport, and Platinum models.

The 2017 Ford Explorer SUV offers three-row seating, can hold up to seven passengers, and is offered in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

The 2017 Ford Explorer comes standard with LED low-beam headlights on every trim.

The Ford Explorer was refreshed for 2016, sporting a new look and upgrades to the engine and feature content. The 2017 Explorer doesn’t change much, but adds a new sport package to the XLT trim, as well as additional safety features.

Pros
New XLT Sport Appearance package
Well-appointed Platinum trim

Cons
Cramped third-row seating
Slow acceleration on lower trim models

By: 
motortrend.com

With the exception of a new Sport Appearance package for the XLT trim, the 2017 Ford Explorer SUV carries over unchanged.

When it comes to horsepower, Ford’s 7-passenger Explorer SUV for 2017 delivers at every level. From the standard 290-horsepower V6 to the fuel-efficient 280-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder available in the base,...

XLT and Limited trims, Ford places choice front and center. Need more “oomph”? Try out the Sport and Platinum trim’s 365-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6. Capable for sure, the Explorer delivers excellent passing and pulling power and its heavily weighted steering and taut suspension give this big SUV impressive cornering ability, although its high beltline and massive front bumper make maneuvers in tight quarters a bit harrowing. Ford has done an excellent job keeping road, engine and wind noise out of the cabin, and all but the rearmost occupants felt the seating was both comfortable and supportive. The Explorer’s adaptive cruise control works well, but we wish it offered fully autonomous braking like the Honda Pilot, not just collision warning.

Pros
If you’re looking for a family SUV with advanced electronics and safety features, plus a wide range of engines and option choices, Ford’s midsize SUV for 2017 is hard to beat. The Explorer’s advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system makes it more off-road capable than a Honda Pilot or Mazda CX-9.

Cons
If you’re looking for something that’s easy to maneuver and park, and you don’t need a 3rd-row seat, a smaller SUV like the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano or Jeep Grand Cherokee makes a better choice. The Jeep also bests the Explorer both off-road and in towing (7,800 pounds vs. 5,000).

By: 
kbb.com

The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe ranked #2 in Large SUVs. Currently the Chevrolet Tahoe has a score of 8.6 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 28 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

Pros
Cushioned, quiet ride
Upscale interior
Numerous safety features
Intuitive infotainment system

Cons
Small third row
Less cargo room than rivals; a high load cargo floor

By: 
usnews.com

Aside from some minor changes to features bundled in certain options packages, the most notable change is the addition of the RST Performance Edition. This package adds a more potent 6.2-liter V8 and a 10-speed automatic transmission, both of which are new to the Tahoe lineup.

Pros
Seating for up to nine people
Impressive towing capacity from the standard V8 engine
Quiet and nicely trimmed cabin

Cons
Sluggish engine and brake responses
High trunk floor reduces cargo space and makes loading items difficult
Maneuvering in tight spaces is a challenge

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe lineup grows in all the right ways for 2018.

Pros
Strong V-8s
Wide range of options and trims
Terrific infotainment
Comfortable interior
Traditional feel

Cons
Traditional feel
No diesel or hybrid
Perhaps too big
Do you really need an SUV?

By: 
thecarconnection.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Flexible
Fuel Economy City USA: 
16.00mpg
16.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
22.00mpg
22.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV)

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
24
16
Cylinders: 
6
V
8
v
Engine Size/Displacement: 
3.50L
5.30L
Torque: 
350ft-lbs
at 3 500rpm
383ft-lbs
at 4 100rpm
Horsepower: 
365hp
at 5 500rpm
355hp
at 5 600rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
overhead valves (OHV)
Turning Circle: 
40.00Feet
39.00Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
yes
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
yes
no
Side view Camera: 
no
no
On steering wheel: 
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel
More in Convenience: 
Destination Download*
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
Destination guidance (also Turn-by-Turn Navigation)*
Adjustable pedals
Adjustable pedals
Retained accessory power
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
12V rear and 12V cargo area power outlet(s)
Hands-Free Calling*
Roadside Assistance*
Concierge Service*
Destination guidance (also Turn-by-Turn Navigation)*
Destination Download*
Keyless Ignition
Sun Sensor
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
198.30in
204.00in
Width: 
78.90in
80.50in
Height: 
71.00in
74.40in
Ground Clearance: 
7.80in
7.90in
Front Track: 
68.70in
Rear Track: 
68.70in
Wheel Base: 
112.80in
116.00in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
41.40
42.80
Rear Head Room: 
40.60
38.70
Front Leg Room: 
42.90in
45.30in
Rear leg room: 
39.50in
39.00in
Front Hip Room: 
57.30in
60.80in
Front Shoulder Room: 
61.50in
64.80in
Rear Hip Room: 
56.80in
60.30in
Rear Shoulder room: 
61.00in
65.10in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
81.70cu.ft
94.70cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5000lbs
8400lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
21.00cu.ft
15.30cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
15.60degrees
15.50degrees
Angle of Departure: 
20.90degrees
23.20degrees
Curb Weight: 
4901.00lbs
5602.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
yes
yes

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
no
More Power Features: 
2 one-touch power windows
Heated mirrors
Reverse tilt dual mirrors provides curb view when vehicle in reverse
Hands-Free Entry
4 One-Touch Power Windows
Heated Mirrors

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
8 -way power driver seat
Bucket front seats
Height adjustable passenger seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
8 -way power passenger seat
Height adjustable driver seat
Leather
Multi-level heating passenger seat
Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Multi-level heating passenger seat
8 -way power passenger seat
8 -way power driver seat
Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Multi-level heating driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Height adjustable driver seat
Height adjustable passenger seat
leather
Bucket front seats
Ventilated Driver Seat
Ventilated Passenger Seat
Rear Seats Features: 
Folding center armrest
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
Power folding split-bench third row seats
Split-folding rear seatback
Folding rear seatback
Reclining rear seats
Folding center armrest
Power folding split-bench third row seats
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
Multi-Level Heating

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Front stabilizer bar
Front stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: 
Rear stabilizer bar
rear stabilizer bar
Suspension Info: 
Four-wheel independent suspension
Front independent suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
no
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Leather steering wheel
Turn signal in mirrors
Heated steering wheel
Front and rear air conditioning
Leather steering wheel
Three Zone Climate Control
Heated steering wheel
Turn signal in mirrors
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
yes
no
More Entertainment: 
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
Memory card slot
Surround audio surround audio (discrete)
Sony premium brand speakers
390 watts stero output
1 subwoofer(s)
12 total speakers
6 Months of provided satellite radio service
Sony premium brand stero system
Element antenna
Bose premium brand speakers
10 total speakers
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
1 subwoofer(s)
3 Months of provided satellite radio service
Memory card slot
USB connection
Satellite Radio W/Real Time Traffic Satellite Radio
Surround Audio (Discrete)

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
no
no
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Privacy glass
Rear window wiper
Variable intermittent wipers
Roof rack
Variable intermittent rain sensing wipers
Privacy glass
Intermittent rear wiper
Roof rack
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
20 in
20 X 9.0-In.
Wheels more: 
Underbody mounted spare tire
All season tires
Null spare wheel
Temporary spare tire
Polished Alloy Wheels
All season tires
Underbody mounted spare tire
Fullsize non-matching spare tire
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
50
Diameter: 
R20
Width: 
275.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R20

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Front ventilated disc brakes
Front ventilated disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
rear ventilated disc brakes
rear ventilated disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Post-collision safety system
Airbag Deployment Notification*
BLIS Plus Inflatable Rear Seatbelt Package
Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning w/Brake Support
Rear height adjustable headrests
Rear center 3-point belt
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Dual front with head protection chambers side-mounted airbags
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Xenon high intensity discharge headlamp
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Front seatbelt pretensioners
Turn signal mirrors
Electronic brakeforce distribution
Rear height adjustable headrests
Post-collision safety system
Emergency Service
Airbag Deployment Notification
Stolen Vehicle Tracking/Assistance
Pre-Collision Safety System
Blind-Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
4-Wheel ABS
2 Front Headrests
2 Rear Headrests

Options

Packages: 
Equipment Group 401A
Equipment Group 400A
Sun, Entertainment & Destinations Package
Theft Protection Package
RST Edition
Max Trailering Package
RST 6.2L Peformance Edition
Interior Protection Package
Option Package Discount Not Desired
Exterior Options: 
Roof Rack Crossbars
Running Boards
P265/45ZR20 Summer Only Tires
Splash Guards
Dual Panel Moonroof
License Plate Bracket
Rear Bumper Protector
Wheel Lock Kit
Power Retractable Assist Steps
Front License Plate Mounting Package
Black Recovery Hooks
Wheel Lock Kit
Front & Rear Molded Splash Guards
Chrome Recovery Hooks
22" 5-Spoke Silver Ultra-Bright Machined Wheels w/High-Gloss Black
22" 6-Spoke Black Wheels
22" 7-Spoke Silver Wheels
22" 6-Spoke Chrome Wheels
Grille Insert W/Chrome Horizontal Louver Insert
Front and Rear Black Bowtie Emblems
Power Sunroof
Polished Exhaust Tips
22" Premium Painted Wheels w/Chrome Inserts
Front Illuminated Door Sill Plates
20" Chrome Wheels
22" 7-Spoke Silver Wheels W/Chrome Inserts
Body-Color Custom Molded Splash Guards
Black Roof Rack Cross Rails
Molded Splash Guards
Black Assist Step Kit
Chrome Assist Step Kit
Grille Insert
Gold Illuminated Front Bowtie Emblem
Black Illuminated Front Bowtie Emblem
22" 6-Spoke Premium Silver Ultra-Bright Machined Wheels
22" X 9.0" Ultra Bright Machined Aluminum Wheels W/Bright Silver Finish
20" X 9.0" Chrome Wheels
Interior Options: 
2nd Row Bucket Seats w/Power-Assist Fold
Cargo Shade
Smokers Kit w/Element
Deep Tray-Style All-Weather Floor Mats
Rear Cargo Well Protector
DVD Headrests
2nd Row Console
Rear Seat DVD Entertainment System
Illuminated Door Sill Plates
Cargo Security Shade
Adaptive Cruise Control
Rear Seat Entertainment System
Reflective Window Shade
Second Row Power Release 60/40 Split-Folding Bench Seats
Front Floor Console Organizer
Dual Headphones
All-Weather Floor Mats
All-Weather Rear Cargo Mat
All-Weather Floor Liner
All-Weather Floor Liner Package
Hanging Tote Console Insert
Front Console Organizer
Enhanced Driver Information Center

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Medium Light Camel, cloth
#9A9789
Color: 
Cocoa/Dune, cloth
#948477
Jet Black, cloth
#1B1B1B