Switching from Tahoe to Expedition? Help me decide!

I’ve been a Tahoe mom for as long as I can remember. First had a ‘21 Z71, then upgraded to a Yukon Denali, but honestly, the Denali felt over the top for me, so I sold it.

Right now, I’m driving a Jeep Wrangler, and I just don’t love it. I miss my big SUV.

The other day, I noticed an Expedition Limited, and I thought, wow, that looks as good as the Z71.

Now I’m stuck between the 2024 Expedition Limited (either 303A or 304A) or waiting for the 2025 Tahoe Z71.

What’s the good, the bad, and the ugly for both? Help me decide!

We’ve got a 2022 Expedition Max and picked it over the Tahoe mostly because of the interior.

  • The Expedition’s front space feels more practical. The Tahoe’s electric storage compartment looks like it’ll break eventually, especially with a family.
  • The small storage compartments in the Expedition are handy.
  • The 3rd row in the Expedition is easier to access because you don’t have to remove car seats like you do with the Tahoe.
  • Tahoe’s gear selector is the worst. If you’ve used it before, maybe it’s not a big deal, but I hated it during test drives.
  • The Expedition has a bit more horsepower (about 30 HP more) than the Tahoe. It’s noticeable but not a dealbreaker either way.

Both have the same transmission, but the engines differ: Expedition has the turbo V6, Tahoe has the V8. It really comes down to personal preference.

@Torrin
The transmissions may look similar, but Ford and GM run different software. GM’s has a bigger oil pan and fewer issues. Ford’s software is the main reason for their transmission problems.

That said, GM’s 6.2L engine has lifter issues and a lawsuit about it. Supposedly fixed for 2025, but who knows? I’d rather deal with Ford’s transmission issues, especially with a warranty, than a GM engine problem they’re fighting owners over.

The captain’s chairs in the Expedition, with car seats still installed, and the usable 3rd row sold us on our 2022 Platinum. The seats in the Expedition are more comfortable, too.

@Torrin
I’ve always loved captain’s chairs in the 2nd row for both. Thanks for the detailed breakdown!

Uma said:
@Torrin
I’ve always loved captain’s chairs in the 2nd row for both. Thanks for the detailed breakdown!

We thought the same but went with the bench in the Expedition. For the Tahoe, we’d have picked captain’s chairs.

Also, the Tahoe’s infotainment felt clunky compared to Ford’s.

@Torrin
My husband’s 2024 F-150 infotainment system started swaying me. The 2025 Tahoe is supposed to get an update, though.

Uma said:
@Torrin
I’ve always loved captain’s chairs in the 2nd row for both. Thanks for the detailed breakdown!

In my old ‘07 Expedition, the 3rd row had a lower floor and was more comfortable for adults.

@Fraser
The modern 3rd row is comfy for adults, too. It has power recline and adjustable seating positions.

Torrin said:
@Fraser
The modern 3rd row is comfy for adults, too. It has power recline and adjustable seating positions.

Is the 3rd row still comfier than the 2nd row? My 2nd row was clearly designed for kids.

@Fraser
Both rows are comfortable now. The middle row even has heated seats.

@Torrin
Does the Expedition ride as smooth as the Tahoe? What’s the ride quality and quietness like?

Griff said:
@Torrin
Does the Expedition ride as smooth as the Tahoe? What’s the ride quality and quietness like?

I think so. At this size and price, they’re all pretty similar in ride and passenger experience.

I’ve driven vehicles from all the major brands:

  • 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit: Seats were terrible, even though it’s supposed to be ‘luxury.’
  • 2020 RAM 3500 Cummins: Best seats I’ve ever had, and they weren’t even leather!
  • 2023 F-150 PowerBoost: Switched to this after giving up on the RAM due to constant problems. Loved the EcoBoost engine.

We ended up needing an SUV, so I went for the 2024 Expedition King Ranch. It’s comfortable and has great acceleration.

The Tahoe/Suburban felt sluggish and boat-like. The Duramax Suburban was close, but the interior didn’t feel right for me. The Expedition won us over. My wife has taken it over and says the seats are the best she’s ever sat in!

@Blair
How does the Expedition’s ride quality compare to the others?

Griff said:
@Blair
How does the Expedition’s ride quality compare to the others?

The Expedition’s engine is quieter, road noise is about the same, but the seats are more comfortable. The suspension feels better, and the turning radius makes it feel more like driving a car than a truck.

@Blair
Thanks for the info!

Wrangler seats are the worst, hands down.

Parker said:
Wrangler seats are the worst, hands down.

Any seat is better than a Wrangler seat.

Uma said:

Parker said:
Wrangler seats are the worst, hands down.

Any seat is better than a Wrangler seat.

We test drove a Gladiator Rubicon before buying our 2024 Expedition Timberline. My wife hated the Gladiator—upright seats, noisy cabin. For me, it was the steering on the highway. It felt mushy and required constant adjustments. Long drives in that thing would’ve been exhausting. The Expedition’s comfort won us over, even if we gave up some off-road capability.

@Remy
Thank you for validating my hatred of Wrangler seats! I appreciate the long comment!