2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

The phrase latest and greatest may be a cliché, but it actually applies to the all-new Chevy Tahoe. With a fresh face and contemporary content, the three-row SUV is the shorter version of the equally new Chevy Suburban. The 2021 Tahoe is not only bigger on the outside, its third row and cargo area have grown, too. This is partly due to the debut of its independent rear suspension, which fixes the issues that plagued the previous generation. Along with a roomier cabin, it offers two dutiful V-8 engines as well as an efficient and torquey diesel, which helped it earn an Editors' Choice award. There's also a host of driver-assistance options and popular infotainment features that should delight full-size families.

What's New for 2021?

The 2021 Tahoe is all new and considerably improved. Along with a completely redesigned exterior and interior design, the three-row SUV has been stretched to provide more cargo and passenger space. Its cabin also benefits from the Tahoe's first independent rear suspension, which has already been adopted by direct rivals such as the Ford Expedition and the Nissan Armada. The Chevy receives a host of new technology as well as the addition of a diesel engine option.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We think the mid-level RST and Z71 models hold the best value, with the former being flashier and the latter being geared toward adventurous folk. We prefer the Z71's standard four-wheel drive, rugged appearance, and exclusive off-road equipment. While it can't be paired with the diesel engine like the RST, it has an air suspension and adaptive dampers—unlike the RST. Our Z71 would also be equipped with the Z71 Signature package, which includes a whole host of desirable features. The highlights include blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, a heated steering wheel and second-row seats, memory settings, a panoramic sunroof, a power-folding third row, and upgraded towing equipment.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Tahoe has been powered by a V-8 for its entire life, and that continues for the latest generation. However, its standard 355-hp 5.3-liter and available 420-hp 6.2-liter blocks are now joined by a diesel 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. While it has the least horsepower of the three, its 460 lb-ft of torque matches that of the bigger V-8. Every 2021 Tahoe is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or all-wheel drive. We tested the off-road-oriented Z71 model with the standard V-8, which also has a two-speed transfer case that provides traditional four-wheel drive, 20-inch wheels wrapped with all-terrain tires, and underbody protection. Our example had adequate acceleration, a firm brake pedal, and an impressively quiet cabin at highway speeds. The Z71 package also brings air springs (that allow the Tahoe's ride height to be automatically and manually lowered or raised) and adaptive dampers, which are standard on the upper-echelon Premier and High Country. The latter and the RST model both ride on glitzy 22-inch rims for added curb appeal.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The most fuel-efficient Tahoe features the available diesel engine, with ratings of 21 mpg city and 28 highway. The standard 5.3-liter V-8 is estimated to be slightly thriftier in the city than the optional 6.2-liter V-8, but both are rated at 20 mpg on the highway. We tested a diesel-powered Tahoe on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and observed 27 mpg. For more information about the Tahoe's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The new Tahoe boasts its biggest interior yet, with what feels like acres of space compared with the outgoing model. Its previously cramped third row adds about 10 inches of legroom, and the second-row seats now slide fore and aft to provide much needed flexibility. Adults can now sit comfortably in the far back. The Tahoe's improved interior packaging also provides a lower and flatter load floor thanks to its new architecture and independent rear suspension; the cargo area with the second and third rows folded balloons to 123 cubic feet (28 more than before). We managed to fit six carry-on suitcases behind the third row versus the outgoing model's four-bag limit. While we like that Chevy replaced the old column shifter with a push-button-and-slider setup, the new motorized, retractable center-console lid seems gimmicky, especially since the control switch is located on the roof. Thankfully, the rest of the Tahoe's interior ergonomics are less egregious.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Placated passengers translate into relaxing road trips, and the 2021 Tahoe's robust infotainment and connectivity features help ensure that translation. Every model is outfitted with a 10.2-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. In addition to its myriad interior charging ports, the three-row Chevy offers a powerful Bose audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with two 12.6-inch displays mounted behind the front seats.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Chevy offers several high-tech towing assists in addition to its loaded roster of driver-assistance technology. For more information about the Tahoe's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Although Toyota offers better complimentary maintenance, Chevy's limited and powertrain warranty are identical to every other full-size SUV in its class.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit

More Features and Specs