Jump Links2022 Chevrolet Tahoe Specs Overview2026 Ford Explorer Trims and Pricing2022 Chevrolet Tahoe Current ValuesWe highly recommend the Ford Explorer as an all-around family hauler. It earned CarBuzz's award for being the Best Family Car of the Year in 2025, and we've highlighted it many more times in articles referencing its cargo capacity, comfortable higher trim levels, and more.However, the Explorer doesn't offer enough capability for some buyers. When it comes to fairly affordable, body-on-frame SUVs that can seat seven or more people, you might want to consider a used 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe. It's a body-on-frame SUV with tons of interior space. Not only can the model seat up to nine occupants when properly configured, but this Tahoe can also tow far more than the Explorer. The Chevy also feels more rugged for those weekend camping trips.In this article, we compare the 2026 Explorer to the 2022 Tahoe. We discuss both models' powertrains and specs, pricing and used values, dimensions, towing and hauling capacities, and more. Setting a Baseline: 2026 Ford Explorer Specs FordThe Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV that directly rivals other three-row models like the Kia Telluride and the Mazda CX-90. You might be asking why we'd compare a full-size model like the Tahoe to this Ford instead of the larger Expedition. At this point, the current Explorer costs as much as a used Tahoe, so we're basing it on the fact that both can seat your whole family and their prices align. That said, the new Explorer is an enticing option. There are six trims to choose from, with four of them getting a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four-cylinder, and two having a standard Ecoboost V6 with more power. Either way, the Explorer can come with rear- or all-wheel drive. A Full-Size SUV with More Space for The Same Price Cobus F. Potgieter/ CarBuzz/ ValnetThe Chevrolet Tahoe has been around the block for just as long as the Explorer. Both models began their lives in the early 1990s as family-oriented options. They were both built on truck frames. The Explorer used the smaller Ford Ranger frame, while the Tahoe had the GMT400 architecture shared by Chevy and GMC pickups.The 2022 Tahoe was part of the fifth generation of the model. This version, known internally as GMT1YC, was introduced for the 2021 model year. It had a single facelift for 2025, which continues to be available today. 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe Specs Overview ChevroletPowering the 2022 Tahoe was a choice of three engines: a 5.3-liter V8 came standard in most trims, but buyers could opt for a larger 6.2-liter V8. In fact, some higher trims, like the High Country, came standard with the 6.2-liter engine. This generation was also the first time a Tahoe has ever offered a 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine. It made 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque when it came out, but the current (2026) iteration of this powertrain received a boost to 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. In the 2022 Tahoe's case, the diesel powerplant is more fuel efficient than the gas engines, but it doesn't offer any better towing capabilities. Used Chevy Tahoe vs New Ford Explorer Pricing 2026 Ford Explorer Trims and Pricing FordBuyers can choose among six Ford Explorer trims for the 2026 model year. They start with the most basic Active 100A level for $38,465 (before destination). It's equipped with a 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder powertrain, as are the Active, ST-Line, and Platinum trim levels. For more power, try the Tremor trim for $48,965, or the ST for $54,905. A twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 powers both of those versions. The Tremor is a well-rounded off-road-oriented model that comes with some unique styling, a limited-slip rear differential, increased ride height, and more, while the ST is a sportier variant with a stiffer suspension. 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe Current Values ChevroletThe chart above shows the current average value of a 2022 Chevy Tahoe LS with rear-wheel drive, based on recent sales and listings. Used car values vary based on the number of previous owners, the car's age, mileage, mechanical and cosmetic condition, and more. In general, though, the 2022 Tahoe costs about the same as a new Explorer. According to Kelley Blue Book, the fair purchase price for an LS trim is about $34,200, while the High Country reaches about $47,800. 2022 Chevy Tahoe vs New Ford Explorer Dimensions ChevroletMost of you could probably expect the Tahoe, being a full-size SUV, to have greater interior space than the Explorer. That said, it might not be as big a difference as you might expect. Both models have comparable headroom in all three rows, despite the Explorer's lower roofline compared to the Tahoe's boxier shape. Legroom in the Tahoe is noticeably larger than Ford's midsize model, though.Where the difference really shines is in cargo capacity. The 2022 Chevy Tahoe can fit up to 122.9 cubic feet of cargo behind the front row, while the Explorer has room for 85.8 cubic feet with its back two rows folded down. Also note that the Tahoe can only fit 9 people in its LS trim level when properly equipped, otherwise the SUV seats eight. 2022 Chevy Tahoe Towing and Hauling Capacities FordOnce again, the Tahoe comes out on top in terms of towing capacity. That's not surprising when you think about how capable a body-on-frame SUV with a V8 engine can be. What is surprising is that neither the Tahoe's diesel nor its 6.2-liter V8 offers the best towing capacity.The rear-drive Tahoe with the 5.3-liter V8 has the highest towing capacity at 8,400 pounds. The smaller eight-cylinder also offers the best payload capacity at 1,834 pounds, which is comparable to some pickup trucks. Ford tries its best with the Explorer, but it's simply not a proper comparison to the Tahoe. A Used Chevy Tahoe Does it All ChevroletMaking the right decision for your family can be difficult, but that's why we like to put two popular models head-to-head. Even though the Explorer and the Tahoe are not technically in the same segment, they can both be enticing options for those with large groups to transport.It's easy to choose the Explorer when you consider how its higher trims feel rather luxurious, and it seats up to 8 people when properly configured. However, larger families, or those with older kids, might want to consider a larger vehicle with more interior space. The 2022 Tahoe costs about the same as, if not less than, a new Explorer. Plus, it's more capable in nearly every category.Sources: Chevrolet, Ford, Kelley Blue Book
