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Comparison Tests
2003 Full-Size SUV Comparison Test
Top 10 Features
By Brian Moody
Date Posted 05-13-2003
We asked the editors who participated in the test to pick the top 10 features
that they would want if they were buying a full-size SUV. Any feature that was
standard equipment on all three vehicles was thrown out. Points were awarded based
on whether each feature was standard or optional and whether our particular test
vehicle was equipped with that feature.
Top 10 Features
| |
Chevrolet Tahoe |
Ford Expedition |
Toyota Sequoia |
| Adjustable pedals |
S |
S |
N/A |
| DVD rear entertainment system |
O |
N/A |
O |
| Exterior liftgate grab handle |
N/A |
S |
N/A |
| Fold-flat third-row seat |
N/A |
S |
N/A |
| Side curtain airbags (front/rear) |
N/A |
O |
O |
| In-dash CD changer |
S |
O |
O |
| One-touch up/down front windows |
N/A |
N/A |
S |
| Satellite radio |
O |
N/A |
N/A |
| Stability control |
O |
O |
S |
| Steering wheel audio controls |
S |
N/A |
S |
Key:
S: Standard
O: Optional
N/A: Not Available
Adjustable pedals: Fore/aft pedal adjustment better enables you to find
a comfortable driving position, particularly if you're of shorter stature. This
valuable safety item comes standard on the Chevrolet and Ford, but it's not available
at all on the Toyota (nor can you get a worthy substitute like telescope adjustment
for the steering wheel)
DVD rear entertainment system: When patience begins to wear thin on long
trips, a rear entertainment system allows you to provide a much appreciated diversion
for kids and adults in the backseat. Just pop in a DVD or hook a video game system,
have your passengers don the wireless headphones, and you'll get at least an hour
of quiet. This feature is optional on both the Sequoia and Tahoe; it wasn't available
on the Expedition XLT FX4 in our test but can be purchased in XLT Premium and
Eddie Bauer trim.
Exterior liftgate handle: Seemingly a small convenience, a generously sized
handle on the outside of an SUV's rear liftgate can make it a lot easier to reach
up and close the hatch in one motion. Only the Expedition offered such a handle;
the Sequoia and Tahoe leave owners to rely on the flimsy fabric straps on the
inside of their liftgates.
Fold-flat third-row seat: Who likes to wrestle with heavy third-row seats
when you need to clear some extra room for cargo? None of us do. In the full-size
SUV class, the Expedition's 60/40 fold-flat third-row seats are a serious breakthrough
— the seats are there when you need them, neatly folded into the floor when
you don't and never take up space in the garage.
Head curtain airbags (front and rear): This passive safety feature gives
you the peace of mind of knowing that the heads of both front and rear occupants
will be protected in the event of a side-impact collision. Head curtain airbags
are optional on the Ford and Toyota.
In-dash CD changer: Over the course of a long commute or road trip, you're
likely to go through more than one CD before it's over. When a vehicle has an
in-dash changer, you can load up several CDs before you leave (minimizing the
number of hasty CD swaps you'll have to make while driving). This item is standard
on the Tahoe LT.
One-touch up/down front windows: When you're spending upward of $40,000
on transportation, thoughtful conveniences like front windows that roll up on
their own at the touch of a button make you feel like you got your money's worth.
Only the Toyota offers this feature.
Satellite radio: With so many commercials on the radio these days, it can
be hard to listen to actual music. What could be better in a family vehicle than
100 channels of commercial-free (Sirius) or almost commercial-free (XM) radio
with something to please both adults and kids? Although you can easily have a
satellite radio receiver installed on the aftermarket, the Tahoe offers an XM
receiver (built right into the standard head unit) as a factory option.
Stability control: This is an important active safety system that uses
sensors to monitor how closely your vehicle's path matches your intended path
based on steering, throttle and brake inputs. When appropriate, such a system
can apply braking forces to individual wheels and reduce engine power to prevent
dangerous skids. It's especially useful on slippery roads.
Steering wheel audio controls: When you have a redundant set of audio controls
on the steering wheel, you can make quick adjustments without taking your eyes
off the road. Both the Sequoia and Tahoe offer these as standard equipment.
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