Used 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The Tahoe has been completely revamped for 2021, marking the fifth generation of Chevrolet’s full-size SUV. As an all-new model, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe brings a bigger and bolder design, significantly improved interior space, fresh technology, and up-to-date safety features.

Like its main rival the Ford Expedition, the Tahoe has also finally made the switch to an independent rear suspension. That translates to smoother, more comfortable road manners. Magnetic ride control and air suspension are also available to further refine the Tahoe’s rugged body-on-frame chassis.

Unlike its Ford rival, the Chevrolet retains its standard 5.3-liter V8 engine and is again available with a larger and more powerful 6.2-liter. Even more appealing for some buyers is the new 6-cylinder diesel engine that promises stout torque and higher efficiency.

The 2021 Chevy Tahoe SUV comes with three rows of seats and accommodates up to nine passengers, though most buyers will opt for 7- or 8-seat configurations. The new Tahoe lineup spans a half-dozen trims, ranging from the rather basic LS that starts near $49,000 to the new luxury-like High Country that’s around $70,000. The Tahoe’s variety of configurations, along with its spacious interior and strong demeanor, should continue to appeal to active families and individuals seeking a big, American-made SUV.

Part of the Tahoe’s biggest appeal over the years has been its robust, naturally aspirated V8 engine. Where the Ford Expedition has switched to a twin-turbo V6 that is strong in its own right, the Tahoe is attractive to buyers desiring the grunt of eight cylinders.

The Tahoe again comes with GM’s 5.3-liter V8 engine making 355 horsepower, but the powertrain has been enhanced in this all-new model. With this generation, all 2021 Chevy Tahoes use a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Buyers seeking even more power will drift toward the even bigger 6.2-liter V8 that puts out 420 horsepower and comes standard in the top-line High Country. The most intriguing engine option, however, is GM’s new 3.0-liter 6-cylinder inline turbodiesel. Don’t let its 277 horsepower fool you. The significant number here is its 460 lb-ft of torque, the same as the 6.2-liter V8.

Regardless of what’s under the hood, the switch to an independent suspension has significantly improved the Tahoe. The big SUV’s ride and handling are smoother, making the whole driving experience more refined. Buyers with deeper pockets can get an even better experience. If you opt up to the magnetic ride control and air suspension, you’ll be treated to a downright sublime experience. You might just think you’re in a Lexus or Cadillac, the way the suspension absorbs road imperfections and makes highway cruising a plush affair. We noticed some wind noise a higher highway speeds – this is still a box, after all – but nothing a couple of clicks of the audio volume couldn’t defeat.

The 6.2-liter V8 in our test vehicle proved to be a wellspring of power, enabling effortless and satisfying acceleration. The throaty growl is appealing, too. Most buyers should be satisfied with the standard 5.3-liter V8, which has proved itself a trusty powerplant in GM’s trucks and SUVs.

We also sampled a 2021 Chevy Tahoe equipped with GM’s new turbodiesel, the first diesel engine in a full-size GM SUV since 1999. We’ve been impressed with this new 3.0-liter powerplant in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, and in the Tahoe it’s equally good. It’s smooth and well muted, and we appreciate both its grunt and its efficiency.

On a recent trip to the local mountains, the diesel impressed. On the highway at 65 mpg, it runs at a relaxed 1,400 rpm, very close to its torque peak. And, no surprise, during the climb up Mt. Baldy, the diesel never felt like it was working hard. The maximum tow rating for the Tahoe diesel is 8,200 pounds.

Rather than the column-mounted shifter of yore, the new Tahoe uses buttons that you either pull or push to put the vehicle in Drive, Reverse, Park, and Neutral. Although they take some getting used to, the buttons do their part to create a more open cabin. Manual shifting can still be performed – as one might need to do while descending a mountain pass — and is done the same way via buttons.

As with any full-size SUV, visibility out the rear sides is hampered. Blind-spot monitoring is a big help here, and the digital Rearview Camera Mirror is an even bigger asset, providing a wide, unobstructed view to the rear.

The Chevrolet Tahoe retains its 3-row configuration, but just about everything else is updated. Notably, it’s much roomier. This is most evident in the rear. The third row has a whopping 10 more inches of legroom, which means adults can actually sit back there now. Cargo space has also grown substantially. There is now a class-leading 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, vs. 15.3 cubic feet in the outgoing model.

The Tahoe is also among the few new vehicles on the road that can seat up to nine passengers. This comes if you opt for a front bench seat where three people including the driver can sit. This setup is only available on base LS models, and most buyers will prefer the usual bucket seats, but it’s nice to know it still exists.

The second row can be had as either a bench or two captain’s seats. Upholstery ranges from premium cloth in base models to perforated leather. Though more sophisticated, the Tahoe’s controls and layout remain easy to use. Climate and audio functions are easily adjusted with large dials and knobs.

All Tahoe models boast a large 10-inch touchscreen that integrates infotainment functions and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. One new parlor trick is an available power-operated console between the driver and passenger that can slide back 10 inches and has multiple uses for storing stuff.

With the Tahoe’s expanded interior room also comes a larger exterior footprint. The new 2021 Tahoe is over half a foot longer than the previous model, now spanning 210.7 inches. This latest Tahoe retains the traditional boxy shape, but has been finessed for a fresh look. Up front, you still get that big grille, but it now has more character and is bookended by headlight housings with distinctive boomerang-shaped running lights and standard LED headlights.

From the side, the Tahoe has a more athletic stance with prominent forward-leaning C-pillars. And every Tahoe except the base LS has a power-operated, hands-free tailgate. Tahoe RST models are meant to have a “street-inspired” look with blacked-out aesthetics and big 22-inch wheels.

The off-road-oriented Tahoe Z71 has a unique front fascia for a better approach angle, plus front skidplate and distinctive red tow hooks. The new, premium High Country model has bronze grille accents, optional power-retractable assist steps, and shiny 22-inch wheels.

TECH ENHANCEMENTS
Automotive technology is at its best when seamlessly improving the driving experience. Particular examples we like in the new Tahoe are its rear camera mirror that turns the rearview mirror into a wide-field monitor, and its front and rear pedestrian alert.

DIESEL ENGINE
Beyond its brand sibling the GMC Yukon, the Chevy Tahoe is the only mainstream full-size SUV to offer a diesel engine. And those who know, know: Diesel engines grant an excellent blend of torque and fuel efficiency.

The new Tahoe is available in six trims: LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country. Even the least-expensive Tahoe LS is pretty well equipped. It includes premium cloth seating, tri-zone climate control, remote engine start, 8-way power front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a mechanical limited-slip differential.

The standard infotainment system bundles a 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and 6-speaker audio system. GM’s OnStar connected services with 4G LTE and in-vehicle Wi-Fi is also standard. All Tahoe models include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

If possible, we recommend stepping up to at least an LT trim. It adds a hands-free power tailgate, leather seating with memory driver’s seat, 9-speaker Bose audio system, wireless phone charging, and heated front seats.

Regardless of which trim you buy, we urge you to get the Driver Alert Package. For $790, it adds active safety features like lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. This package comes standard on Premier and High Country models.

Tahoe RST models get 22-inch wheels and darkened aesthetics. The Tahoe Z71 comes with 4-wheel-drive with a 2-speed transfer case (optional on other trims), hill-descent control, all-terrain tires, and front skidplate.

The Premier model packs magnetic ride control, 12-way power front seats with heating and ventilation, power-release rear seats, navigation, 10-speaker Bose audio, and 8-inch digital instrument cluster. The top-line High Country model comes with the 6.2-liter V8, head-up display, surround-view camera, and rear camera mirror.

In another first, air suspension is available for the Tahoe on Z71 and High Country models. For towing duties, the Max Trailering Package adds a more robust radiator and cooling fan, plus hitch guidance and hitch view in the backup camera. Adaptive cruise control is available, but reserved for top models.

The new Tahoe offers a choice of three engines. Standard on all but High Country models is GM’s well-known 5.3-liter V8 engine that makes a strong 355 horsepower. If you want the bigger and more powerful V8, the 420-horsepower 6.2-liter, you’ll have to buy the top-line High Country model. New to the Tahoe is GM’s recently introduced 6-cylinder turbodiesel. It is optional in all but the Z71 model.

All models use a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Tahoe is rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard, and offers 4-wheel drive (4WD) across the line. Four-wheel drive is standard on the Z71. Chevy lists the Tahoe’s maximum towing capacity at 8,400 pounds.

5.3-liter V8
355 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
383 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/20 mpg (RWD), 16/20 mpg (4WD)

6.2-liter V8
420 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
460 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20 mpg (RWD), 14/19 mpg (4WD)

3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-6
277 horsepower @ 3,750 rpm
460 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21 mpg/28 mpg (RWD), 20 mpg/26 mpg (4WD)