2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

Pros: Interior and cargo room; towing capacity; available diesel engine

Cons: Fuel economy with gasoline engines; tight-quarters maneuverability; top-line models get particularly pricey

CG Says: The Chevrolet Tahoe is redesigned for 2021, along with its extended-length sibling, the Chevrolet Suburban (see separate report), and the GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade. The ‘21 Tahoe gains new features, more interior room, and a standard independent rear suspension, as well as a newly available adaptive air suspension system that can adjust the vehicle’s height. Besides improving the ride and handling, the new independent rear suspension takes up less space than a solid rear axle, and therefore has the added benefit of increasing cargo and rear passenger room. Thanks to the new rear suspension and a substantial 6.7-inch increase in overall length, the new Tahoe boasts a 3-inch increase in second-row legroom, 10.1 inches more third-row legroom, and a 10.2-cubic-foot increase in cargo room behind the third-row seat.

The previous-generation Tahoe’s 355-horsepower 5.3-liter and 420-hp 6.2-liter V8s carry over, but gain a Dynamic Active Fuel Management system that enables the engine to run on two, four, six, or eight cylinders as driving conditions warrant (the previous Active Fuel Management could deactivate only up to four of the cylinders). Expected later in the model year is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline six with 277 hp and 460 lb/ft of torque. All engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission; previously, the 5.3-liter engine had a 6-speed automatic. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection is now standard. Other available safety features include lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot alert system that accounts for the added length of a trailer when towing. Lack of rear passenger room (particularly in the third row) has long been a criticism of the Tahoe–especially considering its large exterior dimensions. The new Tahoe corrects that problem and delivers a host of welcome new features, and better all-around refinement to boot. A big, truck-like SUV may seem like a dinosaur in this crossover SUV age, but for those who need expansive interior room and high towing capacity, the Tahoe makes sense.