Chevrolet’s two full-size SUVs get bigger, packed with more technology, and add a diesel option. And they lose the solid rear axle. The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban are serious haulers of people and cargo!
For 2021, the Tahoe and Suburban aren’t just getting a facelift, but also an all-new chassis, body, interior, and host of new technology. They will both offer best-in-class cargo- and people-carrying capabilities, which are what consumers know the big full-size SUVs for. The new bigger SUVs will be built in Arlington, Texas, and hit dealers in mid-2020.
2021 Tahoe & Suburban Trim Levels
You’ll be able to order the Tahoe and Suburban in six trim levels. The trim levels start at the base LS and go up to the top of the line High Country. The LT, RST, Z71, and Premier are on offer between the two extremes. In my opinion, the two most interesting trims are the RST and Z71.
The RST is the slick street machine. The blacked-out grille and exterior accents, 22-inch wheels, and interior with contrast stitching on the seats all give this trim level a sharp, energetic look.
The Z71 is, of course, the trim I’d order, as it’s the off-road-focused offering. It also has the best, most aggressive styling in my opinion. The Z71 package offers a better approach angle, 4WD standard, hill descent control, AT tires, a front skid plate, front tow hooks, and black exterior accents.
The only thing I would have liked to see on this package is the standard 18-inch wheels instead of the upgraded 20s, as more tire sidewall is generally better for off-road scenarios.
3 Engine Options
Both new big SUVs will offer three engine options: a 5.3L V8 putting out 355 horsepower, a 6.2L V8 putting out 420 horsepower, and the new 3L Duramax turbo-diesel putting out 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission backs all three engines.
The diesel option is the big news here, as it’s the only diesel on offer in the full-size SUV category. The sad part is that the only trim level not available with the diesel is the Z71.
2021 Tahoe & Suburban Suspension
The all-new chassis on the Tahoe and Suburban offers longer wheelbases and a lower, flatter floor. The new chassis also drops the traditional solid rear axle in favor of fully independent rear suspension.
Also new to these big SUVs is Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, which is available on High Country and Z71 trim levels only. The system offers up four-corner load leveling and up to 4 inches of ride-height adjustment. This extra ground clearance is particularly helpful when taking the vehicle off road.
Also now on offer is Magnetic Ride Control, which comes standard on Premium and High Country trims and is an option on the Z71. The system continuously senses the road conditions and changes the shock dampening for the best comfort and performance possible.
Tahoe, Suburban Interior Upgrades
Inside the new Tahoe and Suburban, you’ll find a much upgraded and thoroughly modern interior.
As with any new vehicle, display screens will now surround you. Up to five screens are on offer; a 10-inch central touchscreen on the dash is standard while an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, 15-inch heads-up display, and two headrest-mounted 12.6-inch rear-seat LCD displays are all optional equipment.
Chevy designed the rest of the interior well for comfort. It has lots of quality materials and details. It’s much-improved over the dated current Tahoe and Suburban interiors.
Technology Upgrades
Consumers expect the latest in technological wizardry. The 2021 Tahoe and Suburban deliver with a host of screens, connected features, camera systems, and safety tech.
Wi-Fi is, of course, on board, along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging. Possibly the most useful tech is up to nine camera views that allow you to see all around these massive vehicles, which is especially useful when towing.
The latest suite of safety and driver convenience features, 30 in all, round out the technology packed into these SUVs. Standard Automatic Emergency Braking and new features that include HD Surround Vision and Rear Pedestrian Alert highlight this suite of features.
“There are no vehicles like Tahoe and Suburban — which have starred in Hollywood movies, carried military heroes and world leaders, and helped create countless family memories,” said Barry Engle, executive vice president and president of General Motors in North and South America.
“We’ve taken what people love about these pioneering SUVs and made them even better — adding more room for people and cargo, more advanced technology, and unrivaled driving experience.”
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
The Tahoe gains a massive 66% more cargo room behind the third row and an overall cargo room gain of 30%. That’s a lot more gear-hauling capability from an already big, cavernous vehicle.
People also get more space in the new Tahoe, with 40% (10 inches) more third-row legroom. These gains are accomplished with a 4.9-inch-longer wheelbase and a 6.7-inch-longer overall vehicle length.
2021 Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban turns 85 in 2020. The storied vehicle that started the SUV craze in America will be in its 12th generation with the launch of the 2021 Suburban.
The biggest SUV on offer in America now grows its wheelbase by 4.1 inches in 2021. That extra room is good for 19% more maximum cargo behind the first row and more second- and third-row passenger legroom.
“While the world has changed significantly, the Suburban is just as relevant today as it was in 1935. Suburban created the sport utility vehicle — offering an unprecedented combination of passenger comfort and cargo capacity,” said Paul Edwards, Chevrolet marketing vice president.
“That has earned Suburban the trust of a wide range of people — from families to law enforcement, and even a starring role in pop culture.”
More Soon
There’s no word on fuel economy or pricing for the Tahoe or Suburban just yet. But we’re sure to hear more soon. Find out more and stay up to date about these new vehicles here.
We’re excited to get behind the wheel of these new big SUVs in mid-January. We’ll be sure to share our firsthand impressions as soon as we can. Stay tuned!
