The 2021 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban Z71 Off-Road Package Looks Mean As Hell
Chevrolet has finally revealed a new version of its Tahoe and Suburban full-size SUVs, packing new looks, an available diesel engine, and independent rear suspension.
The 2021 Tahoe and Suburban borrow much of their new design from the 2020 Silverado pickup, with thin headlights, a horizontally split grille, and C-shaped daytime running lights. The off-road-focused Z71 package is especially striking thanks to its blacked out grille, modified bumper, skidplate, tow hooks, and all-terrain tires.
The two SUVs have grown in size for 2021. The Tahoe is 6.7 inches longer than the previous model, with a wheelbase of 4.9 inches longer. That means more legroom for the second- and third-row seats, and a maximum cargo capacity of 122.9 cubic feet—nearly 30 more than the 2020 Tahoe. It's the same story with the Suburban—the wheelbase is 4.1 inches longer, and the overall body length has increased by 1.3 inches. Cargo room is up 23 cubic feet.
The 2021 Tahoe and Suburban will be available with three engines: A pair of gasoline V-8s and, for the first time, a Duramax diesel inline-six. A 5.3-liter V-8 making 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque is standard on LS, LT, Z71, RST, and Premier trims. A larger-capacity 6.2-liter V-8 making 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque is optional on those trims, but standard on the High Country. Both engines have tech like direct injection, variable valve timing, and cylinder deactivation onboard.
The Duramax diesel is a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six unit, optional on all trims except the off-road focused Z71. Chevy says it's a totally new design, utilizing an aluminum block, iron cylinder liners, a forged steel crankshaft, forged connecting rods, and blended aluminum plus silicon pistons for maximum heat resistance. It's quoted at 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. All three engines are paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Perhaps the biggest change for the Tahoe and Suburban in 2021 is the addition of full independent suspension. Chevy redesigned the chassis to accept a multilink setup in the rear, which it says transforms the driving experience, improving ride quality, responsiveness, and overall control for the driver. Another big change is the optional air suspension, available only on the the High Country and Z71 models. With four inches of total travel, it's able to lower itself automatically at highway speeds, and drop two inches for passenger entry and exit.
Also new for 2021 is magnetic ride control, standard on the Premier and High Country trims, and available as an option on the Z71. It uses sensors to read the road and continually adjust to improve ride quality, providing a superior experience versus the standard fixed suspension setup.
New standard tech in the 2021 Tahoe and Suburban include automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, rear park assist, automatic headlights, hitch guidance for trailering, and forward collision alerts. Optional are things like rear pedestrian alerts, blind zone alerts, lane departure warnings, and a head-up display. Inside, occupants will find a 10-inch touchscreen as standard, as well as a 4.2-inch screen in the gauge cluster for LS, LT, RST, and Z71 trims. A larger 8.0-inch screen comes standard in the Premier and High Country trims.
Chevrolet has yet to release pricing for the 2021 Tahoe and Suburban, but says the two will go on sale in mid-2020.
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