2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

Say you need to move around a family and their stuff; a minivan should do just fine, right? But what if you need to move around a family, their stuff, and a boat to enjoy on vacation? A minivan isn't going to cut it; you need something tougher, like the 2021 Chevy Tahoe. Now in its fifth generation for the 2021 model year, the Tahoe is completely redesigned to be the ideal full-size SUV. Among the updates for 2021, the Tahoe benefits from more interior space, more comfortable suspension, improved driving dynamics, newer technology, and some interesting additions under the hood, including an available diesel engine for the first time in decades joining the two gasoline V8 options with up to 420 horsepower.

With these latest improvements, Chevy hopes to leapfrog its key competitor in this segment, the Ford Expedition. The Tahoe also faces competition from its corporate sibling, the GMC Yukon, and the facelifted Nissan Armada. To find out if the Tahoe can truly emerge as the ultimate family carrier, CarBuzz tested a 4WD RST trim with the base engine, a 355-hp 5.3-liter V8. Though the RST is not a base model, it is far from the most expensive Tahoe available and should be highly representative of a volume model that most buyers will gravitate toward.

The latest Chevrolet Silverado's hyper-aggressive face isn't universally loved, and it's much the same with the bold new Tahoe. This is a bigger SUV than the one it replaces and it looks that way. All models come with an expansive grille flanked by LED headlights, while 18-inch alloy wheels on lower trims make way for 20- and 22-inch wheels on upper derivatives. Whereas lower trims have a black grille finish, more glitz is added as you work your way up the lineup; the High Country, for instance, has special bronze accents for its grille. A manual liftgate on the base trim is replaced by a hands-free power liftgate higher up in the range, while the RST has a blacked-out exterior with a black Chevy bowtie emblem. A power sunroof is available as an option. While we wouldn't go so far as to call it sporty, our RST tester looked more aggressive than other trim levels.

Compared with the outgoing Tahoe SUV, the new model's dimensions have ballooned considerably. It's 6.7 inches longer and has a 4.9-inch longer wheelbase. This equates to a length of 210.7 inches, a wheelbase measuring 120.9 inches, a width (excluding the side mirrors) of 81 inches, and a height of 75.8 inches.

Riding on its standard coil springs, the ground clearance is eight inches, but this goes up to 10 inches on models equipped with air springs. With four-wheel drive, the height increases marginally to 75.9 inches. The Tahoe has maximum approach/breakover/departure angles of 34.5/22/22.5 respectively - these numbers all apply to the Z71 trim with the Air Ride suspension.

The curb weight starts at 5,473 pounds when equipped with 2WD and the 5.3-liter V8, increasing to a heavy 5,904 lbs for the 4WD paired with the turbodiesel engine.

On the base Tahoe LS, customers can choose from seven no-cost colors and one premium color. Black is the only non-metallic color, followed by seven metallics: Satin Steel, Summit White, Shadow Gray, Empire Beige, Midnight Blue, and Graywood. A lustrous Cherry Red Tintcoat will add $495 to the final bill and is worth every penny. By spending a bit extra on the LT model, Iridescent Pearl Tricoat becomes available at a cost of $995. All other trims share the same color combinations as the LT, but the effect is a bit different on the RST and Z71 thanks to their blacked-out exterior trim elements.

There are three powertrains on offer, and while the new turbodiesel and the smaller of the V8s will require you to exercise some patience, the larger V8 provides more potent acceleration. Based on independent testing, the Tahoe with the 3.0-liter Duramax power plant will take around 7.8 seconds to reach 60 mph in 4WD guise. The 5.3-liter V8 is quicker, but not by much, reaching 60 mph in the mid-seven-second range. At the top of the lineup is the 6.2-liter V8 engine which has 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. With the extra power, this model will take around seven seconds to get from 0 to 60. However, it's not as rapid as the Ford Expedition with its twin-turbo V6.

The Tahoe impresses with its towing capacity but again falls short of the Ford. With the 5.3-liter V8 engine, 2WD, and the Max Trailering Package, it can tow up to 8,400 lbs, whereas the Expedition can haul over 9,000 lbs. Opt for the larger 6.2-liter V8, and the towing capacity actually decreases to 8,300 lbs. Though diesels are typically preferred for towing, the Tahoe only tows 8,200 pounds with this engine. This current Tahoe loses a bit of capability compared to the outgoing model as a trade-off for ride comfort and improved handling.

Three powerplants offer varying degrees of efficiency and performance. The base 5.3-liter naturally-aspirated V8 has 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque and, like the other engine choices, it is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Last year, this engine used an older six-speeder. A new 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six engine offers up 277 hp and a healthy 460 lb-ft. Finally, the 6.2-liter V8 has the same torque output as the diesel but far more power at 420 hp. Both V8 engines have cylinder deactivation technology to improve efficiency.

The base V8 engine does a decent enough job of moving the new Tahoe's body around town, but it has a lazy demeanor that rewards a more relaxed driving approach, rather than blasting from point to point at top speed. In our tester, we found this engine to feel pretty sluggish, and we would suggest upgrading to one of the other engines if your budget allows. To make overtaking effortless, you'll want to go for the strong 6.2-liter V8, though we think the diesel could be an interesting choice for high-mileage drivers. We tested the larger V8 in the Cadillac Escalade and found it to be more appropriate to motivate a vehicle of this size and weight. In all cases, the 10-speed automatic scores high marks for its quick shifts and refined operation.

Driving the outgoing Tahoe felt like it should require a boating license rather than a traditional driver's license. With this new model, Chevy's engineers have worked hard to make the Tahoe feel more car-like. It all starts with new architecture featuring an independent rear suspension and longer wheelbase, which eliminates some of the truck-like bounciness of the old Tahoe. We say "some" and not "all" because this vehicle still tends to bounce over large bumps, and lacks the poise found in the Ford Expedition. The RST trim includes what Chevy calls "Premium Smooth Ride Suspension," which manages fine on new pavement but lacks the impressive softness of the optional Air Ride Adaptive Suspension system with Magnetic Ride Control.

There are a few drive modes, including normal, sport, off-road, and tow/haul, but we noticed very little distinction between them on the road. The Tahoe's steering feels pretty vague no matter which mode it's in, but that is typical in a vehicle of this category. Chevy's slew of suspension changes improves the driving experience significantly, though no amount of engineering excellence can make the Tahoe feel small on the road. In terms of ultimate refinement, we still give the nod to the Expedition.

The Tahoe isn't a vehicle that will ever be known for being a fuel-sipper, but the new diesel model is far more efficient than either of the gas versions. With 2WD, it will return 21/28/24 mpg city/highway/combined. Those numbers drop to 20/26/22 mpg with the heavier 4WD system equipped. When the 5.3 V8 is fitted, the Tahoe returns up to 16/20/18 mpg in a best-case scenario whether or not 4WD is equipped. In our testing, we observed 16.3 mpg with mostly around-town driving. As expected, the 6.2 V8 is the thirstiest, returning 15/20/17 mpg with 2WD or 14/19/16 mpg with 4WD; last year's 6.2 V8 with 4WD was about one mpg more efficient.

All models have a large 24-gallon gas tank, which means that the range is between 384 and 576 miles depending on the engine and drivetrain choice.

Climb aboard the new Tahoe, and the immediate impression is one of spaciousness. Compared with older Chevy Tahoe reviews, this is most notable in the rearmost third row, where Chevrolet has managed to free up ten inches of additional legroom. The interior design itself isn't mind-blowing, with a rather plain look to the cockpit area, and there are lots of buttons and switches scattered around; notably, the controls to the left of the steering wheel aren't easy to see. Another oddity is the motorized sliding center console, which seems like a bit of a gimmick but offers useful practicality. Still, there are definite improvements over the previous model. The new touchscreen interface is clear and easy to get to grips with, while the base model comes with features like a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, power-adjustable front seats, remote start, and tri-zone climate control. Further up in the range, you get access to an HD surround-view camera system displaying 360-degree images of the Tahoe's surroundings, as well as a large 15-inch head-up display.

Any way you want it, that's the way Chevy will sell it with regards to seats. Depending on how it's equipped, the Tahoe can seat seven, eight, or nine passengers with varying levels of comfort. Only the base LS trim offers nine seats with three-person benches in all three rows. Sitting in the middle of the front seat isn't exactly comfortable, which is why most Tahoes will ship with a center console up front. The eight-seater Tahoe features a bench in the second and third rows, while the seven-seat variant offers captain's chairs in the second row. The latter is the most comfortable configuration but lacks the ability to carry an eighth passenger in a pinch.

Legroom in the second row is a generous 42 inches, a three-inch increase over the previous generation. But legroom in the third row sees the most noticeable improvement to 34.9 inches, a gain of 10.1 inches. Buyers who want their rear occupants to have even more space will want to opt for the Tahoe's stretched sibling, the Suburban. We will note that hopping into the third row requires the second row to fold and lift forward, which would be impossible with a car seat installed; an ergonomic oversight in our eyes.

At entry-level, the Tahoe comes with premium cloth seats in either Jet Black or with a Gideon/Very Dark Atmosphere color scheme. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard. Progressing to the LT adds leather upholstery, but only for the first two rows. The sporty RST gets a Jet Black/Victory Red color scheme with perforated leather trim for the first two rows. A more luxurious offering, the Premier, has perforated leather in either Jet Black or a Jet Black/Maple Sugar color combination. Like the base LS, the Z71 reverts back to Jet Black or Gideon/Very Dark Atmosphere but boasts leather in the first two rows. Finally, the High Country has either Jet Black or Jet Black/Mocha perforated leather.

Chevy has worked hard to free up more cargo space, and the difference between this model and what we found in prior Tahoe reviews is striking. Behind the second row, trunk space has increased by 19 percent and behind the third row, there is a notable 66 percent gain in packing space. With all seats upright, there is a roomy 25.5 cubic feet of space, which is enough to accommodate six carry-on suitcases. With the third row folded, cargo space swells to a spacious 72.6 cubes and, with both the rear rows folded flat, there is a giant 122.9 cubes. The base model has a manually-folding second and third row, both of which have a 60/40 split. Further up in the range, a power release for the second row and a power-folding third row make it easier to free up space for larger items. Most derivatives enjoy a power-liftgate with hands-free access. In terms of load-lugging, the Tahoe has more space behind its third row than the Ford Expedition which only offers 20.3 cubes.

Both the driver and front-seat passenger have access to their own cupholders, along with a center console bin that is large and includes a removable tray. There are well-sized door pockets in the first two rows and those in front are tiered for even more versatility. There are more cupholders at the back along with seatback pockets on the front seats. If you must, you can spec a power-sliding center console. Although we feel the armrest could just slide manually, we found plenty of utility in this feature, including the ability to place a large bag next to the seat. In its rearmost position, the center console becomes more useful for rear occupants.

On the base LS, the Tahoe comes with a fair number of conveniences. Both front seats are power-adjustable - 10-way for the driver and eight-way for the passenger - but they aren't heated. This model also enjoys a 12-volt power outlet in front, two 120-volt power outlets, a 4.2-inch driver's information display, an HD rearview camera, keyless open/start, cruise control, and tri-zone climate control. Rear parking sensors and forward collision alert are standard, but you'll have to pay extra for most other driver-assist technologies. By moving up the trim ladder and/or adding optional packages, you can equip features like a heated steering wheel, heated seats in the front two rows, and ventilated front seats. An expansive 15-inch color head-up display makes it easier to keep your eyes on the road while accessing vital vehicle information. Other items that can be specified include front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, blind-spot monitoring, and power-folding third-row seats. A panoramic power sunroof is available, as is a rear camera mirror, a rear camera mirror washer, and an integrated trailer brake controller.

General Motors has made huge strides on its infotainment technology, and the Tahoe is no exception. All trim levels include a 10-inch-diagonal color touchscreen, paired with a 4.2-inch color driver information center on LS, LT, RST and Z71 trims or an eight-inch, configurable color instrument cluster on Premier and High Country models. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, but can be upgraded to wireless capabilities. Six speakers come standard on the LS but two optional Bose systems are available. The nine-speaker option is standard on the LT and RST while the 10-speaker CenterPoint sound system is standard on the upper pair of trims. We found the Tahoe's infotainment to be intuitive and unobtrusive, with clear graphics and a simple layout.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe is still a new arrival on the market, but J.D. Power's rating of 86 out of 100 bodes well for the SUV's reliability. It's not all good news, though, as the Tahoe has already been subject to eight recalls by the NHTSA at the time of this writing. The issues included incorrectly installed front-seat bolts, seat belts that may not be adequately secured, a separate recall for incorrect seat belt bolts, power steering assist failure, an airbag fault light that may not indicate an issue, and second-row seatbelt issues. Finally, a fire risk is possible due to a potential fuel tank leak.

For peace of mind, Chevrolet's warranty runs for either all three years of initial ownership or 36,000 miles, whatever comes first, which matches what is offered by the majority of other full-size SUVs. The powertrain warranty covers either five years or 60,000 miles, and roadside assistance runs for the same time period and mileage. Complimentary scheduled maintenance covers one visit in the first year of ownership.

It's perhaps a bit disappointing that for a brand new arrival, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe failed to attain a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Still, it achieved a solid four-star overall score, broken down as four stars for the frontal crash, five stars for the side crash, and three stars for the rollover test. The IIHS doesn't have a review of the Chevrolet Tahoe yet.

Every Chevy Tahoe comes with a complement of seven airbags, although this number is dependent on whether front bucket seats are equipped or not. The suite includes curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions and side airbags for those in front, including an inboard seat-mounted airbag for the driver. With a front bench seat, the airbag count drops to six as the latter isn't available on the bench.

Along with this, the base price is inclusive of an HD rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a following distance indicator, a configurable teen driver function, front pedestrian braking, tire-pressure monitoring, automatic emergency braking, hill-start assist, and forward collision alert. Chevy's StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control is standard.

Even the base model can be enhanced via a safety package that will add blind-spot monitoring, front parking sensors, lane-keep assist, lane-change alert, and lane departure warning. Further up in the range, the Tahoe gains advanced gear like an HD surround-view camera system, a useful feature in such a large SUV. Other items include rear pedestrian alert, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with a trailer, and enhanced automatic emergency braking. A 15-inch head-up display is available.

For customers who will be towing, a trailering package can add hitch guidance with hitch view, a trailer brake controller, and more.

The Chevrolet Tahoe has always enjoyed sales success in the United States because few SUVs offer such imposing size and capability. Chevy's latest improvements yield what is easily the best Tahoe yet, meaning sales should continue until General Motors decides it can no longer offer thirsty V8 mammoth SUVs. Most of our gripes with the Tahoe relate to the base 5.3-liter V8 and the standard springs, but we think the whole experience would be much improved with either of the optional engines and the adaptive suspension system.

Chevy faces stiff competition in the form of the Ford Expedition, and the GMC Yukon, which we feel is the more attractive-looking option from GM. The Tahoe offers more engine flexibility than the Expedition and features more up-to-date technology inside, so if what's under the hood and in the dash supersedes ride comfort or max towing capacity in your purchasing decision, go for the Tahoe over the Expedition. Chevy and Ford have priced their full-size SUVs extremely close to each other, so it's worth test driving both to see which one appeals to you.

With numerous configurations available, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe starts off with the 2WD LS at an MSRP in the USA of $49,000. Next is the LT at $53,800, the RST at $57,100, the 4x4-only Z71 at $59,200, and the Premier at $62,600. The High Country tops the lineup at a cost of $68,100 (with the diesel engine). These prices all exclude Chevy's destination freight charge of $1,295, and all prices represent the trims in their most affordable guise. Of course, the final cost of the Chevy Tahoe will be impacted by your engine and drivetrain choice, too.

Every variant besides the Z71 gets 2WD by default, but you can upgrade to 4WD for an additional cost of $3,000. The base LS will cost $995 more when the turbodiesel engine is offered. The turbodiesel is available on all trims besides the Z71, but you'll need to go for the High Country to get access to the 6.2-liter V8. With all the options ticked, the final Chevrolet Tahoe price will soar to over $87,000, and that's before you select one of the many smaller accessories.

For 2021, the Chevrolet Tahoe range spans six unique trims: LS, LT, Z71, RST, Premier, and High Country. All Tahoe models come with 2WD by default except the Z71, which is only available as a 4x4. All the other trims can be upgraded to 4WD. The base engine choice is a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp, but on all trims besides the Z71, you can upgrade to a more efficient 3.0-liter turbodiesel with 277 hp. A 420-hp 6.2-liter V8 is available with the High Country trim. All versions make use of a 10-speed automatic gearbox.

For the value-conscious shopper, the LS offers the same spacious seating as other trims. The exterior is dressed up with 18-inch alloy wheels and LED projector-beam headlamps. Inside, there are cloth-covered seats, with both the driver and front-seat passenger getting power-adjustable seats. Tri-zone climate control, a six-speaker sound system, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen are all standard.

Not too much changes for the LT. It adds a hands-free power liftgate, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, a nine-speaker Bose sound system, and heated front seats. This model can also be equipped with more upgrades like rear pedestrian alert and a power steering column.

The sporty RST is one of the lookers of the range. It comes with high-gloss black wheels that are 22 inches in size, black side rails on the roof, and black Chevy bowtie emblems. Inside, perforated leather in Jet Black/Victory Red adorns the first two seating rows.

The Z71 is the only model to come with 4WD as standard. It comes with a two-speed transfer case, a heavy-duty air filter, hill descent control, red recovery hooks, and a front skid plate. This makes it one of the most capable trims straight out of the box.

With a more upmarket feel, there's the Premier at a price of over $60,000. Depending on how much you're willing to spend on a Tahoe, this will get you 20-inch polished alloy wheels, bright roof rails, and chrome mirror caps outside. The interior features 12-way power-adjustable front seats, an eight-inch driver information center, a heated steering wheel, and a 10-speaker Bose sound system.

Finally, there is the luxurious High Country. It rolls on massive 22-inch Sterling Silver alloy wheels. This is the only trim to get access to the powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine and it comes with a 15-inch color head-up display. An HD surround-view camera system is standard.

There are more than enough customization options to end up with exactly the Chevy Tahoe to suit your specific needs. On the cheapest LS, the $790 Driver Alert package adds parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Max Trailering package costs $465, adding hitch guidance with hitch view, an enhanced cooling radiator, and an integrated trailer brake controller, among other items. There is also a $2,295 Performance Upgrade package with a performance air intake system and a cat-back performance exhaust.

On the LT, many more comfort features can be equipped. For $2,490, the Rear Media and Nav package adds navigation and a rear-seat media system. At $2,820, the Luxury package includes lane departure warning, heated second-row seats, an HD surround-view camera, and a heated steering wheel. There are two LT Signature packages, with the pricier one going for $5,585 and adding features like a panoramic power sunroof, everything in the Luxury package, and everything in the Max Trailering package.

For the Premier, the $2,000 Texas Edition is an interesting upgrade. Here, you'll get Texas Edition branding, 22-inch polished wheels, 22-inch blackwall tires, and wheel locks. Texas Edition badging is also offered on the cheaper LT for $25, but this requires adding at least the Luxury Package at an extra $2,820. Even the high-spec High Country can be upgraded - this trim can be equipped with adaptive cruise control, a power sunroof, power-retractable side steps, an Air Ride adaptive suspension, and everything in the Max Trailering package for $5,605. These upgrades form part of the High Country Deluxe package.

Off-road enthusiasts will be interested in the Z71 Off-Road package at $5,735. On the Z71, it adds everything in the Off-Road Capability Package (adaptive Air Ride suspension and magnetic ride control) along with luxury items like a power-folding third-row bench seat.

With multiple trim levels, engines, and optional packages, ordering a Tahoe can be trickier than choosing dessert from The Cheesecake Factory menu. Here's how we would option it. To avoid creeping up into Escalade pricing territory, we'd stick with the RST RWD trim because it's the most attractive of the bunch. From there, we'd tack on the diesel engine for $995, Cherry Red paint for $495, Luxury Package for $2,820, and Max Trailering Package for $415. With a few other small options selected, the Tahoe rings in at $63,840, a hefty but not outrageous price.

The Ford Expedition outshone last year's Tahoe and is a strong seller in the US, so can Chevy's all-new model change this picture? The two automakers have taken a different approach to powerplants here, as the Expedition uses a smaller turbocharged unit producing 375 hp and 470 lb-ft, or 400 hp/480 lb-ft. Equipped with the more powerful EcoBoost engine, the Ford is faster than the Chevy. The Ford also wins points for being able to tow up to 9,300 lbs; by comparison, the Chevy can only manage 8,400 lbs. However, the Tahoe's available turbodiesel engine is notably more efficient than the Ford's gas engine. Both SUVs are huge inside, but the Tahoe now has the bigger trunk when all three rows are in place and more cargo space when all the rear seats are folded flat. In the rearmost row, the Tahoe falls just short of the Expedition's legroom but offers greater head clearance. The Chevy now rides with more composure, getting closer to the Ford in this area. The Ford looks nicer from the outside and behind the wheel, and its turbocharged engine provides swifter performance. We'll choose it based on these attributes, but these two competitors are very closely matched.

If you need a three-row SUV but can't quite stretch to the Tahoe, the Traverse is well worth a look. It starts at $20,000 less than the Tahoe. Yes, that does mean you have to make do with a more basic interior and a 3.6-liter engine that produces only 310 hp. It can only tow up to 5,000 lbs, but the Traverse is a comfortable SUV with nearly as much cargo space behind the third row as the Tahoe. The Tahoe has a more spacious third row, though. Both SUVs have comfortable interiors, but the Tahoe is more advanced with its bigger 10.2-inch touchscreen interface (the base Tahoe has a seven-inch touchscreen), while the base Traverse doesn't offer any package upgrades at all. You could, however, get a top-spec Traverse for a little more than the entry-level Tahoe - the former enjoys adaptive cruise control, a power-folding third row, and a power sunroof. For its diverse selection of powerplants and masses of space, we'd go for the Tahoe, but the more affordable Traverse has a valuable place in Chevy's lineup.