IT’S A BEST BUY BECAUSE:
With their redesign for 2021, Chevrolet’s “big and bigger” full-size SUVs make great strides in ride quality, passenger comfort, and all-around refinement.
BUT…
Prices are high, V8 fuel economy is low, and their sheer size can make parking these vehicles a chore.
WORTH NOTING:
The Suburban is an extended-length, extended-wheelbase version of the Tahoe.
WHAT IS IT?
The Tahoe and Suburban are Chevrolet’s body-on-frame full-size SUVs, and both are redesigned for 2021. These vehicles share their basic platform with the Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon, which are also redesigned for 2021. Standard on LS, LT, Z71, RST, and Premier models is a 355-hp 5.3-liter V8. High Country models come standard with a 420-hp 6.2-liter V8, and newly optional on all but the Z71 is a 3.0-liter Duramax diesel inline six that makes 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. All engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and both gasoline engines include GM’s Dynamic Fuel Management and engine stop/start technologies. Standard safety features include forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, rear park assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Available safety technologies include a surround-view camera display, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot alert, and rear pedestrian alert.
WHAT’S NEW?
The redesigned Tahoe and Suburban get fresh styling on a larger chassis (the Tahoe is 6.7 inches longer overall than before, on a 4.9-inch longer wheelbase), with an independent rear suspension for improved ride and handling. Interior highlights include a push-button gear selector mounted to the left of the standard 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, as well as a range of newly available features such as an 8-inch digital instrument cluster display, 15-inch head-up display, and dual-touchscreen rear-seat media system. An available Max Trailering Package includes a Hitch Guidance with Hitch View feature that offers up to nine camera views, as well as a trailering app with trailer profiles and the ability to monitor the trailer’s tire pressure and temperature.
FUEL ECONOMY
With the 5.3 engine, the Tahoe and Suburban are EPA-rated at 16 mpg city/20 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive. With 4-wheel drive, they’re rated at 16/20 and 15/19, respectively. With the 6.2 engine, the Tahoe and Suburban are both rated at 15/20 with RWD and 14/19 with 4WD. Premium-grade gas is required for the 6.2 engine; the 5.3 runs on regular gas. Fuel-economy numbers for the turbodiesel engine were not available as of this writing.
VALUE IN CLASS
The large SUV class is for shoppers who need maximum passenger and cargo capacity, and off-road/towing capabilities as well. The downsides of poor fuel economy, cumbersome exterior dimensions, and a “truck-y” ride are usually part of the bargain, but the new Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban are surprisingly easy to drive for their size, and they offer much-improved all-around refinement and a long list of nicely designed technology and convenience features.
| BASE PRICE RANGE | $49,000 – $75,300 |
| BODY STYLES | 4-Door Wagon |
| AVAILABLE ENGINES | 355-HP, 5.3-Liter V8; 420-HP, 6.2-Liter V8; 277-HP, 3.0-liter Turbodiesel 6-Cyl. |
| DRIVE WHEELS | Rear or Four-Wheel Drive |
| BUILT IN | USA |
| EPA FUEL-ECONOMY RANGE | 14-20 MPG |
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