Chevrolet debuted the all-new Suburban and Tahoe last night. Here’s the full scoop.
The New Chevy Suburban and Tahoe will offer buyers more space, a better ride, the latest infotainment technology, and drivetrains that shoppers in this segment will be pleased with.
2021 Suburban & Tahoe – Chassis, Body, & Space Additions
First up the new chassis, body, and interior. GM has redesigned its full-size SUVs to incorporate more of the new Silverado/Sierra platform. This means that these SUVs can grow larger and offer more space. The Tahoe’s wheelbase grows by a generous 4.9″ and the Suburban’s by 4.1″. The upshot of this new platform is that every row in both vehicles gain more legroom. The biggest impact is the addition of ten additional inches of third-row legroom for Tahoe.
In terms of cargo capacity, the change is dramatic. There is now sixty-six percent more cargo room behind the third row for Tahoe. An increase of 10 cubic feet. The Tahoe sees an increase of 28 cubic feet in maximum cargo capacity. The Suburban adds 19 percent more maximum cargo space behind the first row for Suburban which translates to 23 cubic feet more of maximum cargo capacity. Both vehicles will have best-in-class space.
The added space is not mystery space either. Chevy has made improvements that make the space more useful. The Tahoe and Suburban’s second-row seat now slide, adjusting about 10 inches forward or rearward. The second- and third-row seats also fold easier. The floor is now both flatter and lower than prior generations. This makes loading and unloading easier. The rear doors of the Tahoe are now larger and open wider.
2021 Suburban & Tahoe – Suspension Changes, Ride Quality, & Handling
The solid rear axles are gone and replaced by fully-independent rear suspensions. Chevrolet promises the new suspension allows each rear wheel to handle road conditions separately to enhance ride quality, steering responsiveness, and overall driver control. In addition to adding the multilink rear suspension, both models will now have optional Air Ride Adaptive Suspension system and Magnetic Ride Control.
No competitor offers the three combinations that Chevrolet now does. “I think the most impressive aspect of the all-new Tahoe and Suburban is how well they handle,” said Tim Herrick, vice president, global product programs. “Despite being big, they offer responsive, confidence-inspiring handling that will change expectations for the full-size SUV driving experience.”
2021 Suburban & Tahoe – Engines and Transmissions
Just to get it out of the way, GM’s claim of an “all-electric future” is just a publicity stunt (for now). There is no battery-electric SUV in this family. There isn’t even a plug-in hybrid or hybrid. GM is going with three new engines and you are familiar with ( and likely love) all three. Every Tahoe and Suburban will come with a new 10-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift control.
The newest engine of the three is the just-released 3.0-liter diesel engine available on all models except Z71. The Duramax is rated at just 277 horsepower, but has a strong 460 lb-ft of torque. No competitor offers a diesel engine. The diesel is expected to give the new SUVs the highest MPG ratings in the segment.
The well-known 5.3L V-8 rated at 355 horsepower is standard on LS, LT, Z71, RST and Premier models. The much-loved 6.2L V-8 rated at 420 horsepower is standard on High Country. Both engines are equipped with Dynamic Fuel Management technology, offering 12 modes of cylinder deactivation to optimize engine efficiency, including when towing a trailer. The engines also feature automatic stop/start technology. Happy about that?
Chevy also says that the new Tahoe and Suburban will include all of the new trailering technologies pioneered by the Silverado pickups.
2021 Suburban & Tahoe – Safety and Technology Features
The new Suburban and Tahoe will feature 30 different driver-assist systems. Thirty. Automatic emergency braking is standard on every one that will be built. Here is a quick list of the others that are either standard or optional:
Restraint system with driver inboard seat-mounted side-impact airbag
HD Rear Vision Camera with Rear Pedestrian Alert
Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Warning
Forward Collision Alert
Following Distance Indicator
Front Pedestrian Braking
Front and Rear Park Assist
IntelliBeam automatic headlamp control
Hitch Guidance for trailering
Available technologies include new HD Surround Vision
2021 Suburban & Tahoe – Infotainment
The all-new Tahoe and Suburban will have larger displays and more connectivity options. Here is a quick punch list of the available screens:
-Chevrolet infotainment system with a 10-inch-diagonal color touchscreen (standard)
-An 8-inch-diagonal, configurable color instrument and information cluster is standard on Premier and High Country; a 4.2-inch-diagonal color driver information center is standard on LS, LT, RST and Z71
-A 15-inch diagonal Head-Up Display with a 3 x 7-inch color display is standard on High Country and available on Premier
-An available rear-seat media package includes dual 12.6-inch-diagonal LCD touchscreens
The new Tahoe and Suburban also feature a built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot with available 4G LTE data, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto capability, multiple USB charging ports and, on all models except LS, wireless charging with charger cooling.
2021 Suburban & Tahoe – Trim Levels And Content
The standard LS and up-level LT trims form the basis of the lineup. The following upscale trim breakdown was provided by Chevrolet:
RST: Consistently strong response from Chevy Truck buyers encouraged designers to further emphasize the street-inspired character of the RST. The unique front fascia includes a black ice finish on the grille, while the interior includes RST-specific seats with stitching in a contrasting color. RST models include all LT content, plus black and black-chrome exterior trim, 22-inch wheels and more.
Z71: Chevy’s legendary off-road-focused Z71 was a driving force in the design of the new SUVs, in terms of appearance and capability. Z71 now includes more unique visual and performance attributes than ever before. The Z71 front fascia not only signals ruggedness, it also has a higher approach angle to aid off-road capability. 4WD is standard and includes a two-speed transfer case and Hill Descent Control, along with 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, front skid plate and red tow hooks. Z71 features black and black-chrome exterior accents.
Premier: Focusing on premium equipment and technology, Premier adds features such as Magnetic Ride Control, navigation, an 8-inch-diagonal reconfigurable instrument cluster, premium Bose 10-speaker audio system, 12-way power vented and perforated front bucket seats, power releases for both rows of rear seats, heated steering wheel, Safety Alert Seat, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Front and Rear Park Assist and 20-inch wheels.
High Country: New for Tahoe and Suburban is Chevy Truck’s top-level model, customized with premium features. The design is highlighted by a unique grille with bronze accents and High Country badging. The interior includes High Country sill plates, seat embroidery, and expanded color and trim choices. High Country features the 6.2L V-8 engine with Magnetic Ride Control, 22-inch wheels with chrome inserts, and adds Rear Pedestrian Alert, Head-Up Display, HD Surround Vision and the Rear Camera Mirror. Air Ride Adaptive Suspension and Adaptive Cruise Control are available.
“There are no vehicles like Tahoe and Suburban – which have starred in Hollywood movies, carried military heroes and world leaders, and helped create countless family memories,” said Barry Engle, executive vice president and president, General Motors North America. “We’ve taken what people love about these pioneering SUVs and made them even better – adding more room for people and cargo, more advanced technology and an unrivaled driving experience.”
General Motors relies on its full-size sport utility vehicles for profits and to help with its economies of scale for truck components. The all-new Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe SUVs will ensure that both of these important contributions continue forward into the foreseeable future.
Every Suburban and Tahoe will be built in Arlington Texas. The new model year SUVs will appear on dealer lots mid-2020.
