Road Test: Chevrolet Tahoe LT vs. Dodge Durango vs. Ford Expedition vs. Nissan Armada vs. Toyota Sequoia
The Expedition incorporates clever, power fold-flat third-row seats into the mix. Give yourself 12 seconds for the geared cushions to motor from straight up to board flat. If anything, it keeps the youngsters entertained. At 110.5 cubic feet, the Ford carries the second-greatest load, but with its high load lift, getting heavy items into the rear hatch will take a bit of planning and creativity.
For the Durango, with its relatively high load-lift height, a third-row seat that doesn't completely fold flat, and the second-smallest cargo area (102.4 cubic feet) of the group, its cargo solutions are solid, but don't seem to raise the bar. There are few in-floor cargo hooks, but provisions for a port-to-starboard cargo net will keep groceries from sliding. Second- and third-row seats fold (almost) flat, allowing tall items to fit into the hatch with ease.
Chevy's been building SUVs since before anyone knew what an SUV was. It's no surprise that the Tahoe comes with a good low-load lift floor (31.3 inches) and respectable cargo carrying (104.6 cubic feet). Like the Sequoia, its third row has to be lifted out to gain a full load floor, and the flip-fold second row can take away valuable freight room. Tiedown hooks are embedded in the floor and provisions for an aft cargo net are inlaid into the stern plastic.
Captain's Inspection
We'd be lying if we said this has been the toughest battle fought within the pages of Truck Trend. All five SUVs represented here make great urban-assault vehicles, but when it's time to pick our battle cruiser, some rise to the front lines and others are better suited to guard the home shores.
Left in dry dock is the Tahoe: Although it posted a good showing, its cabin isn't as inviting for long missions as the Toyota's or Ford's. We'll also reserve Nissan's Armada for homeland-security duty. Its potent powertrain and competent suspension bode well for the sport/utility, but its interior materials and fit-and-finish issues left us wanting more.
Ford's Expedition may lead the sales category, but it's a close third in our books. Its updated styling and comfortable interior go far on long-distance details, but the Expedition needs an additional 40-50 horsepower and another 30 pound-feet of torque if it wants to regain fleet superiority.
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