For 2022, Chevrolet markets the Tahoe Z71 as a capable off-road luxury vehicle in a full-size SUV package. With more adventuring occurring off the beaten path, the 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 has fierce competition from Toyota, Ford, GMC, Cadilac, Nissan, Land Rover, and Dodge. By placing the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 on the upper half of the Tahoe's trim list, Chevrolet takes aim at those who demand quality and capability.

Related: 5 Things We Love About the New 2021 Chevy Tahoe (and 5 We Hate)

The 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 sports some key off-road features that set it apart from the Tahoe family. Recovery hooks join 20-inch wheels and all-terrain tires to give the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 that extra off-road capability. Additionally, the available 6.2L V8 provides towing power of 7,700 lbs to get the toys and the camper to the mountains!

Standard safety features such as pedestrian breaking join some upgraded luxury features like the Bose 9-speaker sound system, an 8-inch infotainment system, and wireless charging. Climate controls for the rear passengers are also standard, which join several seating arrangements to open up cargo space up to 123 cubic feet.

Despite the additions of off-road features, the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 competes alongside several American SUV classics and international heavy hitters. Would a little extra cash justify upgrades over what the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 adds to the full-size SUV market? More importantly, does it stand up against the luxury of the Cadilac Escalade, or the reliability of the Toyota Sequoia?

9 Ford Expedition XLT

Picture of a 2015 Ford Expedition.
Via edmunds.com

Starting at a hair over $53,000, the Ford Expedition XLT is on the cheaper side of the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71. Despite having a smaller 3.5L engine, the Ford Expedition XLT has hauling capabilities, up to 9,300 lbs. The Expedition XLT doesn't have the standard 20-inch tires that the Tahoe Z71 has, but is an available option.

A picture of a 2015 Ford Expedition (King Ranch).
Via edmunds.com

The Ford Expedition XLT does suffer in terms of luxury. A standard 6-speaker stereo with a modest infotainment system won't have you bumping without heavy upgrades. Also, don't expect much in the way of upgraded materials, as carpeted flooring and 15 beverage holders make the standard features list. Despite the lack of luxury, the Expedition XLT has comparable cargo to the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71.

8 Toyota Sequioa TRD PRO

Toyota Sequoia SR5 RWD
Via flipboard.com

When it comes to off-road features, the Toyota Sequoia TDR Pro has it down to a science. Starting at $64,625, the Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is slightly more expensive off the lot than the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71. For the extra money, the Sequoia TRD Pro makes itself known, branding the grill, skid plate, seats, and even the suspension. The 18-inch standard wheels are branded as well.

Related: 2021 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro A Robust Exterior with an Old Soul

via Gabriel Vega | HotCars.com

The Toyota Sequoia TDR Pro isn't perfect though. With only 7,300 lbs of towing capabilities, it is weaker than the competition, despite the 5.7L V8. Additionally, expect to fill up frequently with worst-in-class 15 MPG ratings. However, the interior does do some justice. Heated and ventilated seats combined with three-zone climate control features offer complete control making it a formidable foe for the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71.

7 GMC Yukon AT4

GMC-Yukon-AT4

Slightly more expensive still sits the GMC Yukon AT4 at $65,100. The Yukon AT4 packs some serious features that make it worth a second look when compared to the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71. The standard 5.3L V8 engine produces enough power to tow 8,200 lbs. All that power combined with 4-Corner Air Adaptive Suspension produces an off-road experience in a luxury package.

Related:2021 GMC Yukon Coolest Features

GMC Yukon AT4
via Gabriel Vega | Hotcars.com

The GMC Yukon AT4 positions itself as off-road, but the 17-inch standard wheel means less initial clearance, which will be a challenge in a variety of conditions. Inside the GMC Yukon AT4 sports a 15-inch infotainment and HUD system, the same 9-speaker Bose system the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 includes, and almost identical cargo capacity.

6 Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport

Cadillac Escalade
Via: Facebook

Starting at $85,895, the Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport is the most expensive on the list. The huge jump in price is marked by huge improvements in luxury. The Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport sits higher on standard 22-inch wheels, which are offered in a variety of premium finishes. The 6.2L V8 offers enough to tow 7,600 lbs, but as they say, what's inside matters most.

via RohrichCadillac

The interior of the Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport is unapologetic about being overboard. An optional 36-speaker sound system pairs well with the Mulan leather seats. Those leather seats are heated in the first two rows and are featured alongside a heated steering wheel and panoramic moon roof. The Escalade ESV Sport features even more available features that make it more luxurious than several homes!

5 Jeep Wagoneer Series III

2021 Jeep Grand Wagoneer: Overpriced V8
Via: StellantisMedia

The Jeep Wagoneer starts just under $70,000 and has roots as far back as 1963. Several driving modes gives unmatched control, especially with the power to tow up to 10,000 lbs. 18-inch standard wheels, skid plates, and chrome tow hooks give the Wagoneer Series III a true off-road feel. The Jeep Wagoneer houses a 5.7L V8 engine, putting it in line with other full-sized SUVs.

2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Via: Jeep

When thinking of Jeep, a luxurious interior isn't the first thing that comes to mind. However, the Jeep Wagoneer goes through great lengths to elevate the luxury experience. Heated and ventilated seats combined with 3-zone climate control provide a comfortable ride, and the 9-speaker Alpine system isn't disappointing either. At only 116 cubic feet of total cargo room, the Jeep Wagoneer is slightly smaller than the competition.

4 Nissan Armada Midnight Edition 4WD

2021 Nissan Armada

The Nissan Armada Midnight Edition starts at $61,700 and comes standard with a host of features. For example, the standard 20-inch wheels give the Nissan Armada Midnight Edition an aggressive stance. Further, the 5.6L V8 engine gives the Armada a towing capacity of 8,500 lbs, putting it about average in the class.

PrestonNissan-LPI-2021Armada-sb2
PrestonNissan-LPI-2021Armada-sb2

For the Interior, the Nissan Armada Midnight Edition offers a pretty standard luxury package with dual-zone climate control and remote start. a 12.3-inch infotainment system is paired with a Bose sound system, providing another option for premium sound. The Midnight Edition offers blacked-out interior and exterior components, making the Armada one of the coolest-looking cars on the list.

3 Land Rover Discovery Metropolitan Edition

Land Rovery Discovery
Land Rover

The Land Rover Discovery is well known for its off-road capabilities. Starting at $56,600, the Land Rover Discovery is one of the cheaper options on this list. It is also one of the smaller options. With a surprising amount of power coming from an inline-4 engine, the Discovery is still capable of towing 6,000 lbs. The smaller size is easier on the wallet when it comes to gas, with a list best of 23MPG.

Front 3/4 view of the new Discovery
Land Rover

At only 74 cubic feet of cargo, the Discovery is also the smallest in terms of cargo capacity, however, this means the machine sports some great interior features. The 11.4-inch infotainment system is beautifully integrated into the dash and offers smart technological updates as you drive, providing the perfect route every time.

2 Dodge Durango SRT

2022 Dodge Durango burning out all 4 wheels
Via: Dodge.com

Mean is an understatement when it comes to the Dodge Durango SRT. This full-size SUV starts at $65,400 and the 6.4L Hemi V8 is enough to make anyone smile. The Dodge Durango SRT pushes an amazing 475 ponies and is capable of towing 8,700 lbs. This off-road beast is sure to impress.

2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat front
Via Stellantis

Thinking of the driver, the Dodge Durango SRT has interior features that are angled for an ultimate driving experience. Additionally, at 141 cubic feet, the Dodge Durango SRT has room for all the camping gear needed for an escape from the city. The upscale leather dash and climate features make the Durango SRT a luxurious ride as well.

1 Where Does the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 Stand?

A white 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 races down a sandy road.
Via: Autoblog

Related:This is Why the 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe is the Best Used SUV

Chevrolet Tahoe has abysmal reliability ratings. According to NHTSA, there are 10 recalls, and almost 40 complaints about the 2021 model alone. Expect to spend a lot of time at the shop and far less time off-roading. Chevrolet does a great job of packaging the Tahoe Z71 to look good, but it really is surface-level features.

2021 Chevy Tahoe
via Autoblog

For the price the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 seems to have a lead over the competition, however, closer examination shows you get what you pay for. By investing some extra capital, there are several aggressive full-size SUVs that offer a higher level of luxury, more impressive off-road capabilities, or both.