We recently exclusively reported that GM’s next-gen full-size SUVs – the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade – will go on sale for the 2021 model year, rather than the 2020 model year as initially expected. And now, our eagle-eyed spy captured a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe running about in Metro Detroit.
The new photos don’t reveal anything that we haven’t seen before: the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe prototype still wears the same level of camouflage as the testers we’ve seen over the past few months. However, there does seem to be a new grille peaking out from under the camouflage. The grille’s bright finish suggests that the model we’re looking at is a high-trim Tahoe LTZ, Premier or High Country.
One thing working against the notion that this is a high-end 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe is the lack of side assist steps or running boards, which are included on the Tahoe models. However, the unit seen here may have power-retractable running boards, as evidenced by the black strip between the wheels that’s not wearing any camo. The inclusion of the power-retractable assist step could explain the absence of visible steps.
This 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe prototype includes an amber turn signal indicator lamp that seems to have a similar shape as the one on the all-new 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD. In addition, there’s also a set of quad exhaust outlets at the rear, which could suggest a high-performance variant (but probably doesn’t).
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe will be completely overhauled (redesigned and re-engineered). It will move to the GM T1 platform shared with the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. Coupled with aluminum swing panels and the weight savings baked into T1, the future Tahoe should be significantly lighter than the current model, much like the new Silverado is lighter than its predecessor.
Mechanically, the most notable difference is the introduction of an independent rear suspension, giving the Tahoe mechanical parity with the new Ford Expedition. It’s unclear what GM will stuff under the hood of its best-selling full-size SUV, but we believe that we’ll see the turbocharged 2.7L I-4 L3B, the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84, and potentially the 6.2L V8 L87. The turbo-diesel 3.0L I-6 LM2 Duramax should also be on offer. All engines should be mated to the new GM 10-speed transmission.
The 2021 Tahoe will debut later this year and go on sale in the first half of the 2020 calendar year.
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Comments
Hopefully they can resist installing a massive and unnatural looking plastic air dam under the front bumper.
Looking forward to seeing the Z71 version. I miss the T800 Z71 model.
Hopefully the 3.0 diesel will be offered, save the 2.7, and offer 5.3, 6.2, and 3.0 diesel.
I have a feeling that it’s either the 2.7L I-4 Turbo or the 5.3L V-8… followed by the 6.2 and then the 3.0L Diesel.
You think it would be a 2.7L Alex? Maybe on base trim but people tow with these large suv’s
Word is the 3.6 V6 will be offered too.
No, the 3.6L V6 is way under powered for a vehicle if this size and weight. A better option would be the new 3.0L TT LGY V6, puts out 335hp @ 5600rpm and 400 lb-ft @ 2400-4000 rpm.
Agreed that is would be under powered but Car and Driver reported it will be offered. If you can afford this vehicle why would you want the 3.6 or 2.7 anyway.
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a28157980/chevrolet-tahoe-future-suv-2021/
I see quad exhaust. I am guessing the exhaust system would be like the Corvette, open at full throttle and closes at cruising. We will just have to wait and see.
The official reveal for GM’s core competency is just around the corner. Very excited to see GM’s purpose built family haulers make their debut later on this year. Also, the design hiding underneath the cladding on this prototype looks interesting.
Can’t wait to see the collective heads explode if the front end resembles the new Silverado 1500. If you look close enough to the thicker portions of cladding and their placement running down the side, it seems as though there might be similarities with the fender and side crease lines. Also somewhat telling is the hood shape, windshield angle, and the mirrors mounted to the door. I like the quad pipes.
I can’t wait to see them uncovered. With the likelihood of a diesel option, IRS, and what I’m sure to be an upgraded cabin, the GM SUV lineup will be looking good. It would look even better if we could eventually get a Bronco, or Wrangler competitor out of it.
A Bronco or Wrangler competitor out of what? A full-size truck frame?
Full size or the Colorado’s frame. There’s already the mid-size SUV built off the Colorado frame in foreign markets. Why not hope? It appears Ford is possibly building the Bronco on the F150 frame based on the weird Raptor mules running around out there.
Meantime, what will they be doing with the 2020? Continue the 2019, or move up to the8 speed and the 1 through 8 cylinder shutdown of the 2019 Silveradoes?
GM will be keeping the current Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban/Yukon XL models will go into 2020 unchanged keeping the same exterior/interior looks and mechanics. I’m sure GM will employ the same launch cadence as the Sierra/Silverado models.
I would bet on the 5.3 with the 6.2 offered on Denali/RST trims all hooked to the 10 speed. The 2.7 and diesel are more questionable and may not be offered at launch or on first year vehicles but we will see. I sure hope we see an MPG increase from the current downgraded 2019 ratings of 16/21 with the 5.3/6 speed or 14/21 with the 6.2/10 speed. Both of those figures need to come up to be competitive.
I am jealous for guys that buy the Tahoe and Yukon,getting another update on an already beautiful product.
Us poor suckers that need full sized vans for transportation are stuck with those archaic things that GM call vans.
They have been around since 1996.
Does anyone know or have an idea when the new design will debut? I was expecting for the new design for 2020 and to debut this summer – which I was hoping to buy if the price was right. Now we’re waiting a full year?!?! Please tell this isn’t so! 🙁