2021 Lexus NX Hybrid vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling cues. The base LS and popular LT featured unique grille patterns, while the sporty RST boasted a slotted grille and a blacked-out look with 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 combined off-road enhancements with a blacked-out appearance, red tow hooks, and 20-inch all-terrain tires. The upscale Premier and luxurious High Country trims added chrome accents and polished wheels, with the latter featuring a chrome bar grille and body-color mirror caps. The Tahoe's design was characterized by its dominant grille and expressive taillights, with larger wheels enhancing its overall appearance.

Inside, the Tahoe focused on a larger 10.2-inch infotainment screen and new electronic transmission controls, though the control layout was somewhat compromised. The interior featured a mix of exposed stitching and soft-touch surfaces, with leather seating available from the LT trim upwards. The Z71 trim we tested included numerous upgrades, such as a power panoramic sunroof and a power sliding floor console, enhancing both comfort and functionality.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the UX and RX crossovers, maintained a sharp, streamlined profile with a scowling front end. Despite its sporty F Sport styling, the NX Hybrid's design had become familiar over time. The test car featured a larger mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and a striking Grecian Water blue paint. Inside, the NX Hybrid's design was radical at debut but had since become standard across Lexus models. The F Sport Black Line package added unique touches like aluminum pedals and blue contrast stitching, though material quality leaned more towards mainstream than luxury.

The NX Hybrid's interior offered supportive front seats with 10-way power adjustment, but rear seating felt cramped due to limited legroom and thick rear pillars. The dashboard and door sides rose high, providing a sporty feel, though rear visibility was compromised. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded, making it less spacious than competitors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe came with three engine options. Most trims featured a 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the High Country trim boasted a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was available for all trims except the Z71. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with optional four-wheel drive. The Z71 trim included standard 4WD, hill descent control, and off-road enhancements.

The Tahoe's major engineering change was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality and interior comfort. The Z71 trim impressed with its smooth ride, thanks to adaptive damping and air suspension. The 5.3-liter V8 delivered ample power, and the Dynamic Fuel Management technology improved fuel economy. Handling was commendable, though the Z71's all-terrain tires affected cornering on pavement.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. The hybrid system prioritized fuel efficiency over performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The F Sport styling added a sporty look, but the drivetrain struggled with aggressive driving, resulting in a clunky transition between electric and gasoline power. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, maintaining a comfortable ride, though steering felt numb.

The NX Hybrid included Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, but differences were minimal. Eco mode reduced acceleration, while Sport mode offered slight liveliness. Overall, the NX Hybrid focused more on efficiency than excitement.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's new independent rear suspension improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel. The power sliding storage console provided additional storage options. Second-row captain’s chairs offered comfort and easy access to the third row, which now accommodated adults comfortably. Cargo space was substantial, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 122.9 cubic feet.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with rear legroom being the worst in its segment. The front seats offered excellent support, with 10-way power adjustment and available heated and ventilated options. The sloping roofline and thick rear pillars affected rear visibility. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. A power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, though some controls were hard to access. The voice-recognition system was impressive, and Bluetooth pairing was quick. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system, though the head-up display was absent.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but the system felt dated. The base audio system was underwhelming, with higher trims offering a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, and forward-collision warning. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and a Safety Alert Seat. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. Crash test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid received a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, with adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were newly standard, though a 360-degree camera system was absent.