2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a variety of trims, each with distinct styling elements. The base LS and popular LT featured different 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 like red tow hooks and a skid plate with a unique grille. The upscale Premier and luxurious High Country trims added chrome accents and polished wheels. The Tahoe's design was dominated by its grille, with LED headlights and expressive taillights enhancing its bold appearance. Despite its slab-sided look, larger wheels improved its overall aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a bold design with a blunt, bulbous nose and floating roof effect. Its styling was balanced by swollen haunches, though the flared quarter panels could overwhelm the design. The Highlander Hybrid was available in trims like LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum, with 20-inch wheels on higher trims. The hybrid powertrain was an option, adding to its appeal. Despite its polarizing design, the Highlander Hybrid aimed to remain distinctive on the road.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. Most trims featured a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower, while the High Country boasted a 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 horsepower. A turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine was also available, except for the Z71 trim. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission and optional 4WD system enhanced its towing capacity up to 8,400 pounds. The Z71 trim included off-road features like hill descent control and all-terrain tires. The new independent rear suspension improved ride quality, especially with the adaptive damping and air suspension options.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid switched to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 243 horsepower. It offered improved fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 36 mpg combined. The hybrid used an "E-CVT" for smooth power delivery. While the Highlander Hybrid excelled in efficiency, it lacked driving excitement. The steering felt lifeless, and the ride was soft, leading to unwanted body movement. However, it performed well on smooth roads and offered a quiet, comfortable ride on the freeway.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from a new independent rear suspension, enhancing passenger comfort and cargo space. It featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a power sliding storage console. The second-row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain’s chairs, with easy access to the third row. The third-row seat provided improved space for adults. Cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 122.9 cubic feet available.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with heated and ventilated seats. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt narrow for three adults. The third-row seat was less comfortable, with limited legroom and headroom. Storage was adequate, though not as generous as before. Cargo space reached 84.3 cubic feet with the third row folded.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered over-the-air updates and enhanced cybersecurity. The system was user-friendly, though some controls were hard to reach. The voice-recognition system was impressive, and the Bose audio system provided decent sound quality. The Rear Seat Media system added versatility, though the test vehicle lacked the available head-up display.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. The top infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The system was easy to use, with large knobs and shortcut buttons. The voice recognition worked well, though it didn’t control the climate system. The Driver Easy Speak technology and video rearview mirror enhanced convenience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, forward-collision warning, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera. The Tahoe's safety systems worked effectively, though the pedestrian alert could be distracting. Crash test ratings were not available at the time of review.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, adding intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance had some quirks but were generally effective. The Highlander received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was expected to achieve a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS.