Choosing the right car, truck, or SUV takes a lot of research to make sure you get everything you need. When looking at all of the vehicles available to you, that can get pretty overwhelming, so today, I’m going to help you with a quick breakdown of two of your options in the full-size SUV market. Specifically, we’re going to consider the 2020 Chevy Tahoe vs 2020 Nissan Armada to see what they each have to offer.
Now, I’m not going to dive into every possible detail and configuration for these two vehicles because, honestly, that’ll get real overwhelming real quick. Instead, we’ll go over some of the main points on these SUVs, including the engines they have, their overall power and performance, and what’s going on inside. By the end of this, you’ll have a pretty good sense of what they each offer so you can decide on which one is right for you. And I’ll make my own recommendation on which is the better option – though your individual needs should always matter more than anyone else’s opinion.
Engine Options: Power and Performance
To get started, let’s see what’s under the hoods of these two vehicles and how that translates into your potential driving experience. The 2020 Chevy Tahoe has two engines, though one of them is only available on the highest trim. The starting engine is a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 that provides you with up to 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission to give you a pretty good time behind the wheel. There is also an available 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine that delivers an impressive 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, which is paired with a 10-speed automatic for a truly fantastic level of performance.
The 2020 Nissan Armada has a single engine: a 5.6L DOHC V8 engine that offers up to 390 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. So, we can see that this is a more powerful engine than the standard one in the 2020 Chevy Tahoe and a slightly more responsive transmission. Compared to the available engine in the Tahoe, however, it falls well short – so if you can afford the upgraded engine, the Chevy Tahoe is a clear winner here.
Towing Capacity
Towing capacity might not be as important to you when looking at a full-size SUV as it is to someone interested in a pickup truck, but it still matters. Whether you have a trailer or camper you want to take with you, or you have a boat you like to haul to the lake on the weekend, solid towing capacity can make that possible.
When properly configured with its standard 5.3L V8 engine, the 2020 Chevy Tahoe has a maximum towing capacity of up to 8,600 lbs. If you choose the available 6.2L engine, however, then the maximum towing is 8,400 lbs for the Tahoe. By comparison, the 2020 Nissan Armada has a maximum towing capacity of up to 8,500 lbs. So, as you can see, this is pretty much even. It’s unlikely that 100 lbs will ever be the deciding factor on whether or not you can tow something, but it may still be worth keeping in mind.
Interior Space: Passenger and Cargo Volume
Although towing capacity might not be your primary concern, your interior space should definitely be important to you when shopping for a full-size SUV like these two models. Part of the reason to choose a full-size model is for the incredibly spacious interior it provides for you and your passengers. Plus, all this room lets you fill it up with everything you need.
Let’s start with passenger space. Depending on the trim and options you choose, the 2020 Chevy Tahoe can have seating for up to nine people. You get up to nearly 43 inches of front-seat headroom along with more than 45 inches of front legroom. The Tahoe also gives you nearly 39 inches of second-row headroom and 39 inches of second-row legroom, as well as about 38 inches of third-row headroom and nearly 25 inches of third-row legroom.
By comparison, the 2020 Nissan Armada has maximum seating for up to eight people when equipped with a second-row bench seat. Passengers in the Armada can get up to about 40 inches of front-seat headroom and nearly 42 inches of front-seat legroom. Second-row passengers get 40 inches of headroom and 41 inches of legroom, while those in the third row get about 36 inches of headroom and about 28 inches of legroom. So you get quite a bit more space up in the front row in the 2020 Chevy Tahoe and pretty comparable room elsewhere.
For your cargo, the 2020 Chevy Tahoe offers you more than 15 cu.ft. of space behind the third row of seats, nearly 52 cu.ft. behind the second row, and almost 95 cu.ft. of volume behind the front-row seats. With the 2020 Nissan Armada, however, there is about 20 cu.ft. of space behind the third row of seats, 49 cu.ft. of space behind the second row, and just over 86 cu.ft. of total room behind the front row. So the Armada has a bit more room in the very rear, but less overall.
Technology and Comfort Features
We could spend all day looking at the features of every spec and all of the available options on these two vehicles. To keep things simple, let’s look at what you get standard on the highest trim for these full-size SUVs. Just keep in mind that more might be available.
The 2020 Chevy Tahoe Premier features an 8-inch infotainment system with 3D maps and Navigation. It has a Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound system with ten speakers, along with leather-appointed, heated, and ventilated front seats. The Tahoe Premier has a keyless start, a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel with mounted controls, and a 4-inch driver information center. You also get keyless open and remote start, tri-zone automatic climate control, a wireless charging pad, and much more.
By comparison, the 2020 Nissan Armada Platinum features an 8-inch infotainment system with Navigation, a Bose audio system, and HD radio. It has leather-appointed seats, which are heated, along with a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 2020 Nissan Armada has a remote engine start system, dual-zone automatic temperature control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls. Overall, both of these vehicles have great tech and comfort features inside, and personal preference is really going to guide your decisions here.
Final Thoughts: Tahoe or Armada?
Now you’re probably waiting for me to tell you which one of these two full-size SUVs is better; honestly, they both have a lot going for them. When you look at their standard engines, the 2020 Nissan Armada is more powerful and has great features throughout its interior. However, as soon as the available engine in the 2020 Chevy Tahoe enters the picture, it takes a decisive lead with much greater power and more interior space for passengers and cargo. I’m sure you can make up your mind on which of these two SUVs is right for you, though, I’d choose the Chevy Tahoe with its powerful engine and fantastic interior features.
