As one of the most popular car types on the road, the SUV provides the perfect blend of sleek sportiness and rugged power and storage. From outdoorsmen to soccer moms, it’s no wonder that this specific type of large vehicle has caught on the way it has with the general public. This article will pit the 2019 Chevy Tahoe vs 2019 Nissan Armada, two very well-known SUVs. We will take an in-depth look at each of these vehicles in a few different categories to see which provides more bang for your buck and ultimately prevails as the superior SUV.
Performance
In any vehicle this size, one of the first things many buyers think of is the power. What’s under the engine, how fast can it go, and how much weight can it haul? As we discussed before, while these cars may look sleek and elegant, they make no compromises in the performance department. So, let’s lift up the hood and take a look at what brings these two impressive SUVs to life.
Chevy Tahoe
Wasting no time to make an impression, the Chevy Tahoe delivers an impressive package under the hood. Coming standard with a massive 5.3L V8 engine capable of 355 horsepower, this feat of engineering generates a best-in-class fuel economy of 22MPG highway. Pair this with its ability to tow up to a whopping 8,600 lbs and generate 383 lbs of torque, and the Tahoe seems capable of taking on practically anything you can throw at it. ATVs, boats, trailers, you name it; with the Chevy Tahoe, the only limit is what you can think to bring along.
Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada offers a 5.6L direct injection gasoline V8 capable of outputting an impressive 390 horsepower and 394lb-ft of torque. Working together, these performance specs allow the Armada to just about 8,500lbs. On top of the raw power found under the engine, Nissan implements a 7-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift control and downshift rev matching, which includes wider gear ratios, automatic transmission fluid warmer and idle neutral control. When all of these parts come together, the user will enjoy more power at low speeds and a quiet engine at high speeds. This will provide power when you need it and peace and quiet when you desire it the most.
Exterior and Special Editions
Now that we’ve talked about the performance side of these vehicles, let’s take a look at first impressions. Nissan and Chevy understand that despite the popular saying, what’s on the outside can certainly count for a lot. Here are just a few of the aesthetic options and details that help the Tahoe and Nissan stand above the competition.
Chevy Tahoe
A staple both on and off roads since 1991, the Chevy Tahoe carries the advantage of years of experience and iteration on a classic design. Anyone purchasing the 2019 model is not only buying a sleek modern auto, but they are also carrying with them the legacy of almost three decades of design and improvement from one of the world’s top auto manufacturers.
The 2019 design is reminiscent of the Tahoe that many people on the road will recognize, but with sleeker curves and overall more aerodynamic touches. When shopping for your new Tahoe, you have the choice of nine distinct colors. From Silver Ice Metallic to Siren Red Tincoat, the Tahoe’s range of colors offer something to everyone, regardless of your personality or taste.
Now if the colors aren’t enough to set you apart from the crowd, the Tahoe line also offers multiple special editions. The Tahoe Premium Edition pulls out all the stops, offering a 10-speed automatic transmission, magnetic ride control, two-tone premium interior, black roof rail cross rails and more. The Tahoe Midnight Edition provides an all-black version of this classic design, complete with Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrack off-road tires, 18-inch black-painted aluminum wheels, and a black mesh grille.
Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada’s exterior mantra is “it’s all in the details.” From the side mirrors to the intricately woven grille, the Armada tells a story of careful attention at every turn. Available in only seven unique colors, the Armada includes a few other details to add a little flair to its overall appearance. This vehicle includes standard roof rails and optional crossbars, which allow you to haul everything from kayaks to skis for your next camping trip. Even if you go with the standard model, the distinct look and unique aesthetic of the Armada is sure to turn heads.
If the standard model isn’t for you, Nissan also offers the Armada Platinum Reserve Model. This special edition offers a bold exterior, highlighted by dark chrome wheels, air vents and distinctive badging. Even the interior is full of exclusive touches such as contrast stitching and embossed logos. Choose from four different leather interiors to suit your personal style and impress your guests.
Safety
Both the Tahoe and the Armada take advantage of their large frame and years of technological advancements to create two vehicles dedicated to keeping its occupants safe through any situation.
Chevy Tahoe
One of the primary focuses of the Chevy Tahoe’s overall safety is advanced active safety features. This technology uses features such as adaptive cruise control, which will automatically adjust your speed contingent with the car in front of you, and the self-explanatory rear cross traffic alert and forward collision alert. All of these features are in place to use technology to protect you on the road in as many ways as possible.
While the safety ratings for the 2019 model are not yet disclosed, if the 2018 ratings are any indication, things are looking positive. The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe received a five-star overall front crash rating, as well as a five-star side crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Chevrolet also offers the unrivaled Chevy Complete Care program. Once you drive your new Chevy off the lot, this care program offers five years or 60,000 miles of 24-hour roadside assistance, and much much more.
Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada places a high standard on overall safety, coming standard with six airbags. This advanced system comes with dual-stage driver and front passenger supplemental air bags with seat-belt and occupancy classification sensors. The Armada also features the unique electronic brake force distribution, which sends extra force to the rear brakes when you have additional weight in the vehicle. This helps the occupants by applying maximum braking force in any situation.
As we said before, the 2019 safety ratings for these vehicles are not yet in, but we can look to the 2018 crash test ratings as a fair indication of what this year’s models have to offer. In its 2018 rating from the NHTSA, the Nissan Armada received a three-star overall front crash rating and a three-star rollover crash rating. While it did receive a five-star side crash rating, the other two scores bring down the overall result greatly.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve taken an in-depth look at both the Chevy Tahoe and the Nissan Armada, it has become increasingly clear that while they are both great autos, the Tahoe holds a few distinct advantages. With more aesthetic options, slightly better performance specs, and an overall superior crash test rating, it’s hard to argue the benefits of the Tahoe. Head down to your local Chevy dealership today to learn more about this great car and find the one that’s the right fit for you.
