2021 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling elements that set them apart. The base LS and popular LT trims featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST trim boasted a slotted grille, blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 trim combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, a redesigned front end for off-roading, red tow hooks, a skid plate, and unique 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. The upscale Premier trim adopted the RST’s slotted grille with chrome accents, while the luxurious High Country trim showcased a chrome bar grille and bright-finished 22-inch wheels. The Tahoe's design was characterized by its dominant grille, standard LED headlights, and expressive taillights, with a more subtle overall styling compared to its predecessor. Prices ranged from $57,048 for the LS to $81,448 for the High Country, with the Z71 trim tested at $80,293, including various option packages.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, had a more uniform appearance, similar to other compact crossovers in the market. While it featured a few distinguishing details like the grille opening and chromed plastic accents, its overall styling was not a major selling point. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though many were shades of grey, black, or white, with limited availability of more vibrant options like Radiant Red. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and optional wood panels and chrome accents for a more upscale appearance. Despite its less distinctive exterior, the CR-V was designed to comfortably fit five passengers and their gear, with more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4 and a competitive cargo space.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options, with the standard 5.3-litre V8 delivering 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the High Country trim featured a 6.2-litre V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel engine was also available, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, except for the Z71 trim. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a four-wheel-drive system optional on base trims and standard on others. The Z71 trim included off-road enhancements like a two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, and all-terrain tires. The Tahoe's towing capacity reached up to 3,810 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 831 kilograms. The major engineering change for 2021 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 upgrades, while the 5.3-litre V8 provided ample power and a satisfying V8 rumble.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower across all trims. Its acceleration was modest, reaching 100 kilometres per hour in about 8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) maintained engine revs at a constant level, offering a smooth but less engaging driving experience compared to competitors with conventional transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on the LX and standard on other trims. The CR-V's unitized body structure and suspension setup provided decent handling and ride quality, typical for its class.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from its new independent rear suspension, offering improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, with a power sliding storage console providing additional storage options. The second row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain’s chairs, with the latter option providing comfort and easy access to the third row. The third-row seat room was significantly improved, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe offered 722 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,056 litres with the seat folded, and a maximum of 3,480 litres.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, fitting five passengers comfortably with ample cargo space. It offered more than 100 litres of interior volume compared to the Toyota RAV4, with 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Access to the cargo area varied by trim, with options for a manual, power, or hands-free power tailgate. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing the CR-V's practicality for carrying additional gear.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The system was user-friendly, though some menu icons were hard to access due to the screen's recessed position. The test vehicle included a mid-grade 9-speaker Bose audio system and a Rear Seat Media system, though it lacked the available 15-inch head-up display.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with USB ports in the front and second rows, and a wireless phone charger available on the Touring trim.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward collision alert, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. As of the review, the Tahoe had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, standard across all trims, which included forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring, which was included on higher trims.