As we progress into the new year, we look forward to seeing all of the 2021 models start to hit dealerships around the country. One model that we’re really looking forward to checking out is the 2021 Chevy Tahoe. With an all-new design, huge upgrades, and its iconic heritage—the upcoming Tahoe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, perhaps even more so than it has always been up to this point.
Although it’s technically a different vehicle, it should be mentioned that the 2021 Chevy Suburban will be coming out around, or maybe even at exactly, the same time as the Tahoe. Since they’re basically identical, you can expect the majority of changes to the Tahoe to also be happening to the Suburban.
Complete Redesign
The 2021 Chevy Tahoe starts off the fifth-generation of Tahoes with a bang by coming through with an all-new look, yet it still has a recognizable feel. If you’re familiar with the Chevy lineup of vehicles, then you may notice some similarities between the new Tahoe and the 2020 Silverado. The Silverado itself experienced a recent facelift with the 2019 model starting up the fourth-generation of Silverado pickups. The overall design of the 2021 Tahoe definitely borrows some elements from the 2020 Silverado, which you can see most prominently with the front grille and headlights. The classic Chevy logo splits the grille horizontally and is framed on the sides by symmetrically-aligned daytime running lights. Nestled near the uppermost corners of the grille, you’ll find very similar thin and stylish headlights.
When comparing how the 2021 Chevy Tahoe looks vs the 2020 Chevy Tahoe, it’s an easy task to spot a lot of differences. In general, the new Tahoe has less of that long, rectangular and boxy feel that its predecessor had, at least when you view it from the front. It’s been a common theme with the Tahoe for a long time, but the 2021 model takes on an impressive, more rounded design. Not quite as rounded as, say, a 2020 Toyota Sequoia, but there’s been a little smoothing of some rough edges. All of the lines attract the eye towards the bold front end of the vehicle, which almost resembles the style you might see on a smaller SUV like the Blazer. Needless to say, it looks good. And it looks even better when the grille is blacked out, as you would find on the Z71 off-road trim.
Bigger is Better
It’s hard to imagine the conversations that must have occurred when it was first proposed that the 2021 Chevy Tahoe should be bigger. I mean, it’s already a full-size SUV, right? How much bigger can you get? Not too mention, a bigger version of the Tahoe already exists in the form of the Suburban. Well, it happened anyway, and it’s actually pretty exciting.
Let me preface this for you, though. The 2020 Chevy Tahoe has a maximum cargo volume of 94.7 cu.ft. and can seat up to a whopping nine passengers (in a specific configuration). Second-row legroom is 39 inches and third-row legroom is 24.8 inches. The wheelbase is 116 inches, and the overall length is 204 inches. Now enter the 2021 Chevy Tahoe. Increase the overall length by 6.7 inches and the wheelbase by 4.9 inches. With these adjustments, you now have an increased 3 inches of second-row legroom and an increased 10.1 inches of third-row legroom. No, we’re not sure how the math works, but what we do know is there’s a lot more room to either spread out or fit some more gear in there. Speaking of gear, the maximum cargo volume has increased to 122.9 cu.ft., which is a huge 30% increase over the 2020 model.
New Suspension
When it comes to full-size SUVs, comfort seems to be a huge priority. You’re able to pack in so many people, so it definitely makes sense why you’d want to make the journey as comfortable as possible. Well, the 2020 Chevy Tahoe increased the interior space, which is a huge nudge towards overall comfort, but what’s next?
If you want a more comfortable ride, then it’s not all about what’s on the inside, you need to look outwards as well. With the new Tahoe also comes a new independent rear suspension. The purpose? Make your ride even more comfortable. The multilink rear setup is purported to completely transform the driving experience, not only improving the ride quality but also increasing responsiveness and overall control.
Building on this standard addition, the good people at Chevy have also included the optional Air Ride Adaptive Suspension for the High Country and Z71 trims. This allows for adjustments of up to four inches to the Tahoe’s height. Automatic adjustments are made on the highway to make for a smoother and more fuel-efficient ride. The driver can also make adjustments when the vehicle is parked or in high or low-range 4WD modes. This allows for increased control and versatility to an already versatile machine.
Also available on the Z71 model is Magnetic Ride Control, which adjusts the shock absorber damping based on the type of conditions you’re driving in, making for an overall much smoother ride. This technology comes standard on the Premier and High Country trims.
Powertrain Options
The all-new Tahoe will come with three available engine options. You may already be familiar with a couple of them, but the first is the 5.3L V8 engine that boasts up to 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. This will be the standard option across most of the trim levels, but the High Country variant will come standard with a nice little upgrade in the 6.2L V8 engine, which boasts up to 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. Active Fuel Management technology is present on both of these engines, allowing for better fuel efficiency.
The big change with the new Tahoe comes in the form of the third engine option, the 3.0L Duramax Diesel engine that boasts up to 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque at only 1,500 rpm. You may recognize this diesel engine as the same one you can find in the 2020 Chevy Silverado light-duty pickup that is getting highway mpg ratings around 33. Maybe the Tahoe won’t get the same ratings, but if it’s anywhere close, then this could be a real game-changer for full-size SUVs. It’s already the first full-size SUV to get a diesel engine, so why not break some more new ground while you’re at it? Apart from the fuel efficiency bonus, diesel engines are extremely popular for their increased towing capabilities. The torque number of 460 might be the same for both the 6.2L V8 and the 3.0L Duramax, but the diesel engine has a much lower rpm at 1,500 compared to 4,100 on the 6.2L V8.
Patiently (Or Not So Patiently Waiting) For Future Updates
Overall, there’s a lot to look forward to with the upcoming 2021 Chevy Tahoe. Highlights include the new look, increased interior space, and a diesel engine option. Of course, we still look forward to hearing more about it before its release in mid-2020.
