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Next-Gen 2021 GM SUVs To Launch First Quarter Of 2020

Back in May, we reported that GM’s entire line of full-sized SUVs, which includes the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon / Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade / Escalade ESV, would receive complete overhauls across the board for the 2021 model year, rather than the 2020 model year like was originally thought. And now, we’ve learned some more details in regard to the launch cadence of these next-generation GM SUVs, clearing up previous spots of ambiguity.

During today’s GM Q2 earnings call, GM Chief Financial Officer Dhivya Suryadevara stated that the next-generation GM SUVs will launch “early next year,” thus providing us with a clearer picture of how The General will launch the new models.

2018 GMC Yukon Denali

2020 GMC Yukon Denali

We then did some digging of our sources and found out via sources familiar with future GM product planning that at least some of the model lines will be revealed by the end of the 2019 calendar year, and will then follow with a launch in Q1 of 2020.

Again, this includes full-sized GM SUVs under the Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac brands. It’s a massive undertaking to launch a next-generation model for just one of these model lines, but to do it for no less than three model lines across six nameplates is nothing short of a herculean undertaking.

2019 Cadillac Escalade Sport Edition exterior 01

2020 Cadillac Escalade

That said, there will be some similarities seen across that board that should help to streamline the process. For example, every model line will ride on the GM T1 body-on-frame vehicle platform, the same architecture employed by the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.

The 5.3L L84 V8 and 6.2L L87 V8 engines currently offered in the Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 will carry over into the Chevrolet and GMC models, while the future Cadillac Escalade will offer the L87 as well as the new 4.2L Blackwing twin-turbo V8 engine in certain trim levels. What’s more, the new 3.0L I6 LM2 turbo-diesel Duramax motor should be available on some of the models. Shifting duty in models powered by internal combustion engines will be done via the new GM 10-speed automatic transmission.

Meanwhile, the Cadillac will get an Escalade EV variant later on in the model’s lifecycle.

2018 Chevrolet Suburban

2020 Chevrolet Suburban

Completely new exterior designs and cabins will be part of this generational overhaul, with exceptional attention to detail. There will also be improvements to third-row seating, an independent rear suspension (either as standard or as an available option), and more slipper profiles thanks to new aerodynamic components such as the front air curtains.

Like the current lineup, the next-gen GM SUVs will be produced the GM Arlington Assembly plant just outside Fort Worth, Texas. The facility was retooled for the new vehicles earlier in 2019 in preparation for the all-new models.

Highly lucrative for GM, the Tahoe/Suburban, Yukon and Escalade are vital to its bottom line, as not only are they very profitable on a per-unit basis, but the automaker also leads the market when it comes to cumulative full-size SUV sales volume. Hence, the vehicles are cash cows in the purest sense of the phrase.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. I wonder if the handling will be good. My ’17 Acadia handles like a dream.

    Reply
    1. Lol fake account again? Very similar comment as the Ren Center person impersonating scott3
      Have to wonder the purpose of someone at GM HQ making pointless posts.. or at least their IP through the Ren Center

      Reply
      1. Yup. Same IP originating from General Motors: 198.208.46.86.

        Reply
  2. Let’s hope that GM doesn’t drop another clanger.

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    1. I suspect that’s why there was a delay – to be sure they got it right inside and out.

      Though the comment about air curtains suggests a front end similar to the Silverado.

      Reply
      1. The air curtain implementation can take all kinds of shapes and sizes… the sixth-gen Camaro has had them, and its fascia looks nothing like that of the Silverado.

        Reply
        1. True, Alex, True. Just a concern. I really think that the front end of each of the trucks will have their own look from each other, and separate from the Silverado.

          Reply
          1. Yeah, the front ends on the Chevy’s will have some resemblance to those of the Silverado… but also be quite different. Pretty much how the difference between K2 Silverado and K2 Tahoe/Suburban.

            Reply
  3. Can’t wait to see these

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    1. I’m counting on them to be right. I’m waiting in line – in my 2001 Yukon.

      Reply
      1. Hopefully we don’t have to wait long!

        Reply
  4. I expect the SUVs will be great as always. More availability of the 6.2 is needed.

    Reply
  5. This makes me mad! I have been waiting for the new Escalade to see if I want it or the Navigator. Now you are telling me it will be a 2021 model? Bit it does sound like it will be available in 2020.

    Reply
    1. it’s been known as 2021 model for a little while now.

      Reply
  6. The official reveal for GM’s core automotive compentpcy is just around the corner. I’m very excited to see GM’s purpose built utilities make their official debut later this year and go on sale early next year. Can’t wait to test them out for the first time.

    Reply
  7. Lets hope that these cars will have different design language than actual crappy trucks with dangerous too high front and origami style with outdated cheap interior. I want to see 3 different cars – not the same Chevy/GMC twince and more changed Caddy. RAM and new Lincoln´s line shows GM how to built quality and luxury stuff. Mary it is your last chance to save GM from the road to hell.

    Reply
  8. I sure hope they do a better job here than the they did with the next -gen pickups.

    Reply
  9. I really hope that GM does not screw this up. They simply cant afford to.

    If you think about it though, this is a huge undertaking. The Suburban alone has to please both blue-collar tradesmen, and suburban mothers with 5 kids. Not to mention, the $80k Escalade ESV has to be much different and better than the $50k Tahoe.

    Reply
  10. My 2019 High Country (78K) replaced my 2014 LTZ Z71 (60K). 2019: Worst power steps ever – first ones I’ve ever seen that go straight out – they’re uselessly too high. No power pedals, no rear door child lock on driver door, no sunglasses, coin, 2nd door bin console bin divider spots, can’t cut off voice prompt with nav, Onstar volume completely impossible to adjust properly, tilt wheel mechanism straight out of a ’84 Maxima, about 1/3 space in console as compared to ’14, VERY cheap PLASTIC everywhere inside, many missing audio functions. Turning radius is MUCH greater. Denali is identical except for the useless tailgate.

    Reply
    1. GM cost cutting at it finest. Pathetic

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    2. Then why’d you buy it?

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      1. I think that’s a very good question. I bought it after reading several online reviews and, of course, seeing a few beginning to appear. Point is I did NOT do a feature by feature comparison of the new VS old model. I should have. I have never purchased any vehicle that was missing basic features of the prior (less expensive as High Country didn’t exist in 2014). In 2014 I traded a 2011 Escalade Platinum for the Chevy truck. The feature comparison there (old VS new) was more favorable to the truck from the older Caddy than the one I described above. If GM thinks an Escalade owner is going to open a rear door and look on the inner door panel for an old fashioned child lock…

        Reply
        1. High Country did exist for the 2014 model year…I have one and it’s spectacular. It was just late availability.

          Reply
  11. Cannot wait to see what GM did with these three Cash Cows.
    Hopefully these will be pretty flawless.

    Reply
  12. I hope they bring back the 2 door Tahoe. I know everyone says they didn’t sell in the 90s but yet they all sold and have become collector’s items especially the 2 wheel drive edition.

    Reply
    1. From what I hear, those two-doors were sold with some massive rebates in the 90s. They couldn’t give them away.

      There would be little demand for such models today compared to the four-door model… and the problem would be all-new stampings, frames, driveshafts… so the profit wouldn’t be there. Couple that with low volume, and it’s not a great business endeavor.

      Reply
      1. Let’s see how the Bronco does.

        I bought my 1989 K-Blazer at $100 over dealer invoice, but I shopped around and then travelled across country to do it. She was a beauty – and reliable. If I could buy that truck today with modern guts and safety equipment, I would. But that’s just me, not the market.

        Reply
  13. I was serious about purchasing a 2019 or 2020 Tahoe until finding out the complete makeover will come in mid 2020. Anyone have a feel when would they be available in dealerships?

    Reply
  14. I want to know if the 2021 Tahoe is going to be larger then the previous ones. I am waiting too and if its larger
    I’m moving on!

    Reply
    1. I’d be surprised if it wasn’t 300-400 pounds lighter. Size looks pretty similar to what the Tahoe/Yukon is now. Don’t expect an Acadia-style downsize.

      Reply

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