Toyota 4Runner vs Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe continued its legacy as a popular full-size SUV, maintaining its reputation for capability and practicality. Its design updates were subtle, with a new grille and lighting elements that aligned with the aesthetics of other Chevy trucks. The Tahoe offered six trim levels, each benefiting from these updates, ranging from the no-frills LS to the luxurious Premier and High Country. The Z71 trim, which we tested, was tailored for off-road enthusiasts, featuring full-length skid plates, front recovery hooks, and an extra lift. Inside, the Tahoe boasted a new 17.7-inch touchscreen display, complemented by a redesigned dashboard with more stylish climate controls and a steering-column-mounted shifter, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner shared design elements with the Tacoma pickup, featuring a muscular look with pronounced haunches and black wheel flares for off-road models. The front grille sat high, with heritage-inspired front ends on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models. The interior had a utilitarian feel, with chunky control dials and an abundance of hard plastic. Cloth upholstery was standard, with synthetic leather and leather options available on higher trims. Despite the leather, the cabin never reached a high-end feel. The 4Runner's design was functional, focusing on durability and ease of use, especially for off-road adventures.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe stood out with its engine options, offering two V8 choices and a diesel alternative. The 5.3-liter V8 delivered 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.2-liter V8 offered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine, available in several trims, provided 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, with improved fuel efficiency of up to 27 mpg on the highway. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the Z71 trim came with standard four-wheel drive. The Tahoe's suspension options included an independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control, and Air Ride adaptive suspension, enhancing ride quality and handling.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner offered two powertrains: a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, and the i-Force Max hybrid system, which increased output to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. Our TRD Off-Road Premium tester featured the hybrid powertrain, which provided ample torque for off-roading but lacked quick acceleration. The 4Runner's eight-speed automatic transmission was well-matched to the engine, with more aggressive tuning in Sport mode. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with features like a locking rear differential, Bilstein dampers, and a Multi-Terrain System with various drive modes. However, its on-road dynamics were compromised, with notable lean in corners and firm suspension.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe was designed for those needing to carry passengers and tow heavy loads. With the 5.3-liter V8, RWD, and Max Trailering package, it could tow up to 8,400 pounds. The Tahoe offered impressive cargo volume, with 122.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, with all seats in position, cargo space was limited to 25.5 cubic feet. The Tahoe's 24-gallon fuel tank allowed for long highway drives, especially with the diesel engine. Shoppers interested in large wheels were advised to opt for Magnetic Ride Control, as 24-inch wheels required this suspension system for a smoother ride.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner offered two or three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The front seats were the most comfortable, with power adjustments and heating available on higher trims. The second row provided decent space but lacked comfort due to low seat bottoms. The three-row version was less accommodating, with limited legroom. Cargo space was competitive with midsize rivals, but accessibility was hindered by a higher load floor in hybrid models. The second row could fold flat or tilt up for a flat load floor, but the hybrid's higher liftover height made loading items more challenging.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe made significant strides in technology, featuring a 17.7-inch touchscreen, an 11-inch driver information screen, and an optional 15-inch head-up display. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Google Built-in offering seamless integration of Google services. While the touchscreen was user-friendly, customizing the driver information display was less intuitive. The steering wheel was cluttered with buttons, complicating navigation of the display. Despite these challenges, the Tahoe's tech represented a major upgrade, though the Bose sound system remained underwhelming compared to rivals.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner came standard with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen, expanding to 12.3 inches and 14 inches, respectively, on higher trims. The 14-inch screen was easy to use but lacked distinctive design elements. The 4Runner included a one-year trial of Remote Connect, Safety Connect, and Service Connect, with a Wi-Fi hotspot available for a limited time. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster offered programmable information, controlled via a steering wheel controller. Standard tech features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 14-speaker JBL audio system on models with the larger touchscreen.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA for the 2025 model year, but the 2024 model received four out of five stars. The IIHS rated the 2024 Tahoe as Acceptable in the small overlap front test and Poor in the moderate overlap front updated test. Despite these ratings, the Tahoe included a comprehensive suite of standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving tech was expected to be available in 2025.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota's Safety Sense 3.0 suite, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Additional standard features included blind-spot monitors and traffic-jam assist. The 4Runner received four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with mixed results from the IIHS. It scored Marginal in the moderate front overlap crash test, with varying headlight ratings depending on the trim. However, it received Good ratings in the updated side crash test and for its front crash prevention systems.