The full-size SUV segment features strong competitors that are very capable on- and off-road, plus they happen to also excel at hauling people. Among the strong group of contenders are the 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2024 Nissan Armada.
Not only are they big, but they offer the flexibility needed to buy them with all of the options you need, ranging from 4-wheel drive (4WD) to advanced driver safety systems to luxury-like interiors. The Tahoe and Armada also feature powerful V8 engines, which are a favorite among buyers of such full-size 3-row SUVs.
There’s certainly a lot to like about these two big boys. Let’s find out more and see what makes sense for you.
2024 Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe has been around for decades as a reliable performer, ready to tackle any kind of road condition — or no roads at all. It’s a traditional-looking SUV on the outside. It received no major changes for 2024, although that simple exterior remains appealing.
Moving inside, potential buyers will see a cavernous space with three rows of seats, plenty of storage, and a slew of new technologies that keep passengers entertained and safe. The Tahoe remains among the few new vehicles that can accommodate nine passengers if you opt for a bench seat in the front row. Most variants offer seating for eight or seven, depending on the second-row setup.
Chevy offers Tahoe owners two gas-powered V8 options, which produce 355 and 420 horsepower, respectively, and a well-regarded 6-cylinder turbodiesel developing 277 hp and returning up to 24 mpg combined. Perhaps just as importantly, as large as the Tahoe is, it’s a capable off-roader as well as an excellent people mover. Pricing starts at $58,195, including destination fee.
Chevrolet Tahoe Highlights
Off-roader: Chevy offers a Z71 off-road package for the Tahoe. The Z71 model provides standard 4WD, underbody protection, recovery hooks, and more — just what you need to get off the pavement.
Super Cruise: Often thought of as only a luxury — read Cadillac — item, General Motors is now offering it on a limited basis to its other brands, including the upper trim levels of the Tahoe. It allows for hands-free driving, under certain conditions, on about 400,000 miles of roads across North America.
More space: Despite both being in the full-size SUV class, the Chevrolet Tahoe has significantly more interior space than the Nissan Armada. In the all-important third-row and cargo space dimensions, the much roomier Tahoe is a better family hauler.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Tahoe models near you.
2024 Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada may be the forgotten offering of the full-size SUV family. The largest vehicle in Nissan’s lineup boasts great styling and a powerful engine, but it almost seems like it’s hiding in plain sight. However, those who really like big, brutish SUVs know the Armada.
Powered by a 5.6-liter V8 putting out 400 hp, the Armada can tow 8,500 pounds, which is more than some, less than others in the segment. However, it offers an extremely comfortable ride, partly due to its auto-leveling suspension.
Nissan’s biggest SUV can carry up to eight people with three rows of seating. However, the third row is a pretty small space, with only the Toyota Sequoia being tighter. It’s available in three trim levels — SV, SL, and Platinum. Picking from those should allow you to find the right level of content and price. Pricing starts at $58,530, including the destination fee.
Nissan Armada Highlights
Safety Shield: Standard across the lineup, Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 bundles many driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, and more.
Big screen: The Armada’s anchored by a 12.3-inch screen and features Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, navigation, SiriusXM, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. That’s bigger than the screen in the Chevrolet Tahoe. The Amazon Alexa voice assistant comes standard on all SL and Platinum trim levels.
Midnight package: This option group, which is optional on the SL trim, includes black accents inside and out, including wheels, roof rails, grille, headliner, leather seats, and more.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Armada models near you.
Similarities
Big and brawny with handsome exterior styling and a spacious cabin, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Nissan Armada give the people what they want in a full-size 3-row SUV. As a bonus, they’re capable of being off-roaders when equipped with 4WD.
Conclusion
From 10,000 feet, you see these two SUVs and think trying to pick between two is going to be a tough choice. However, zoom in closer, and the selection process suddenly begins to favor the Chevy Tahoe. It’s everything the Armada is and more. The Tahoe offers three powertrains to the Armada’s single choice. They’re roughly the same size, but on the inside, the Tahoe is bigger by every measure, especially the third row and cargo hold. The Nissan Armada enjoys a loyal following, but the Chevrolet Tahoe is the clear choice for most shoppers.
| 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe | 2024 Nissan Armada | |
| Starting Price | $58,195 | $58,530 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 5.3-liter V8 | 5.6-liter V8 |
| Horsepower | 355 hp @ 5,600 rpm | 400 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 383 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm | 413 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic/2WD | 7-speed automatic/2WD |
| Fuel Economy | 18 city/22 highway/20 combined mpg | 14 city/19 highway/16 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 6.2-liter V8; 3.0-liter I-6 turbo diesel; 4WD | 4WD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 4-Star | 4-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 9 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 inches | 121.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 210.7 inches | 208.9 inches |
| Width | 81.0 inches | 79.9 inches |
| Height | 75.8 inches | 75.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | 41.3 feet |
| Headroom, Front Row | 42.3 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Headroom, Second Row | 38.9 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, Third Row | 38.2 inches | 36.4 inches |
| Legroom, Front Row | 44.5 inches | 41.9 inches |
| Legroom, Second Row | 42.0 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Legroom, Third Row | 34.9 inches | 28.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front Row | 66.0 inches | 63.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Second Row | 64.7 inches | 63.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Third Row | 62.7 inches | 60.5 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 25.5/72.6/122.9 cubic feet | 16.5/49.9/92.6 cubic feet |
