2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban Reinvent the Full-Size SUV
One of the most iconic SUVs on the market is getting a replacement model that seems long overdue. That’s the all-new 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. The full-size SUVs will be coming with more interior space, more technology and a new independent rear suspension that should greatly improve ride and handling.
The Suburban nameplate has been around for 80 years, making it the longest-lived nameplate in continuous use, and the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe will mark 27 years for that badge.
For the 2021 models, Chevrolet has introduced an all-new architecture that stretches the wheelbase and adds an independent rear suspension. The new platform is better-suited to SUV buyer needs, Chevy says, adding passenger space and improving utility.
Wide Open Spaces
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe gains 4.9 inches in wheelbase and 6.7 overall, adding 3.0 inches for second-row passengers and a whopping 10.1 inches for those in the third row. The much lower load floor thanks to the new suspension should add significant headroom, and the Tahoe gets 66% more cargo space behind the third row. That’s 22.5 cubes back there and 122.9 overall.
For the Suburban, the second row gets 2.3 inches of more space and the already generous third-row adds 2.2. Maximum cargo space for the Suburban is up 23 cubic feet for a warehouse-like 144.7 total. Also new for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, the middle row can slide, allowing 5.5 inches of flexibility. The seats are also easier to fold than in the past.
The base engine for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe will be a 5.3 liter V8 making 355 horsepower, with a 6.2 liter 420 horsepower version on the top-spec High Country trim. Like the same engines in the Silverado, these get Dynamic Fuel Management that can run on just one cylinder in the right conditions, maximizing fuel economy. Buyers who do not want to use gas at all will be able to opt for the 3.0 liters inline-six diesel Duramax found in the pickups. It makes 277 horsepower and 460 pounds of torque, and is the only full-size diesel SUV.
High Tech, High Country
Both Tahoe and Suburban get an air suspension option as well as magnetic ride control, improving ride and handling further. Chevrolet says they will impress, especially for the class. The air suspension allows ride height changes up to 4.0 inches.
A new dash design comes with a massive 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an in-cluster digital display. An optional rear-seat system comes with twin 12.6-inch TVs for the rear passengers.
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban will go on sale in the middle of next year, built at GM’s Arlington, Texas, plant. The models will start with base LS and LT trims, with other options including the popular blacked-out RST trim, off-road oriented Z71, upscale Premier and top-spec High Country, a new trim for the 2021 model.
