The evening of December 10th will mark an important moment for General Motors and its Chevrolet brand. That’s when the Detroit-based automaker will reveal the next-generation of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe will represent the fifth generation of the full-size SUV, while the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban will become the 12th generation of the nameplate. Both models, which are essentially the same vehicle in different lengths, are of significant importance to GM when it comes to sales, profitability and customer retention. Here’s what we expect from these all-new full-size SUVs.
Mechanical
Mechanically, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban will migrate from the K2 architecture used by the current models since 2015 to GM’s all-new T1 platform. The T1 body-on-frame architecture was first introduced on the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado and 2019 GMC Sierra pickup trucks, but it will receive several modifications for the SUV body style. One of those changes is the introduction of an independent rear suspension (IRS), which marks a departure from the outgoing generation’s solid rear axle with multi-link setup. The independent suspension is expected to deliver better ride and handling, while also potentially carrying some secondary benefits like more interior space (more on that later).
Under the hood, we expect Chevy’s new SUVs to be powered by naturally-aspirated 5.3L V8 L84 gasoline engine mated to the new GM 10-speed automatic transmission. The 3.0L I6 LM2 turbo-diesel Duramax engine could make an appearance, along with the atmospheric 6.2L V8 L87 as part of a high-performance package. It’s also possible that the turbo-charged 2.7L I4 L3B engine can be offered down the line.
Besides delivering weight savings benefits, the new T1 architecture will be stiffer than the K2 structure, enabling engineers to more precisely tune the suspension to deliver better ride and NVH characteristics. On the subject of suspension, expect a standard suspension system to be complemented by an optional Magnetic Ride Control (MRC). The new GM Global B electrical architecture will deliver the underlying signal network.
Exterior
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban will feature completely new exterior design, adopting the Bow Tie brand’s newest design language. Sources have described it as being a cross-breed between the all-new 2019 Chevrolet Blazer and the new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado.
Like the Blazer and Silverado, the all-new Tahoe and Suburban will feature trim-level-specific front- and rear-end treatments, with the front ends offering unique grilles and the rear offering different exhaust configurations, including some models getting quad exhaust tips. Sources familiar with the project have told GM Authority that GM has paid particularly close attention to details in the design of the new Tahoe and ‘Burb, though we must note that the roof-mounted comms fin will continue in its asymmetric position – much like on the Silverado and Sierra.
From a materials standpoint, the swing panels – the hood, doors and liftgate – will likely be made of aluminum – much like on the new GM trucks. Combined with weight savings built into the T1 structure, the cumulative weight reduction should be in the vicinity of 200-300 pounds over the current model, depending on trim level.
Interior
Much like the exterior, the cabin of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban will be all-new. Unlike the Silverado on which the new Tahoe/Suburban are based, the interior will represent a notable departure from the current models – with bigger screens running the latest infotainment systems, better materials, and overall better attention to detail. We also wouldn’t put much faith into the future of the column shifter.
More importantly, the new Suburban and Tahoe should feature better third-row space and a lower cargo floor, resulting in a better configuration of the components.
Lineup
The lineup for the 2021 Tahoe and Suburban will likely follow the current LS – LT – Premier stair-step structure, while also gaining a new RST trim level and potentially an off-road-oriented variant. RST is offered on the outgoing vehicle as a package, but we expect it to be available as a trim level this time around.
It’s also unclear whether GM will continue offering a Suburban 3500HD model, which is currently reserved exclusively for fleets.
Pricing
We expect 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe pricing to start in the low $50,000 range, with the Suburban starting at around $3,000 more. We don’t expect to hear about pricing during the reveal event. Instead, that info should come a few weeks thereafter.
Manufacturing
Production of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban will take place at the GM Arlington plant in Texas. The facility will continue being the only plant in the world to produce the full-size SUVs.
Reveal
The new Tahoe and Suburban will be revealed at a special, media-only event on December 10th at 8:00 pm EST.
Availability
The new SUVs will launch in the first two quarters of 2020. They will be on sale in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Russia, and the Middle East.
Sales will first commence in the U.S. before spreading to other markets.
Competition
The Tahoe and Suburban typically account for about 50 percent market share of the highly-profitable mainstream full-size SUV segment, which also includes the following models:
- GMC Yukon, GM’s corporate cousin to the Tahoe/Suburban
- Ford Expedition
- Nissan Armada
- Toyota Sequoia
- Upcoming Jeep Wagoneer
Comments
The next exciting chapter in the book of the Suburban and Tahoe is soon to begin. Very excited to see the new models unveiled tomorrow!
Anyone know how or where they will announce the lineup?
Edit: just saw the reveal section stating media only event, was so excited I read past it!
tonight at 7 pm central
No hybrid/electric options, No buy. Big loss by not offering more more powerful yet fuel efficient engine options. Same playbook as XT6.
Don’t see them announcing any kind of alternative propulsion until the Cadillac version is revealed.
I am so Super Geeked to see these tomorrow.
I am floored these have not leaked anywhere yet. I hope GM doesn’t let us down.
I was thinking the same thing! It so rare not to see a new vehicle leaked early these days!
Will the Escalade BEV be revealed too ?
The first report on these that I have seen and it seems spot on. Love this site and love GM. Can’t wait for tomorrow.
Man I hope Gm dont let us down I hope they have learn there lesson with the Silverado
They will be launched in the first two quarters of 2020? Why not call it a 2020?
It would make sense that GM’s new line you of full size suv models would be designated as a 2021 model year instead of 2020 because the current generation is holding the designation as a 2020 model year and the current platform will be produced until late spring.
Pay close attention to the interiors of these two when they drop. It’ll noticeably be a radical departure from the redesigned Silverado/Sierra twins, going to be a winner. Column shifters are gone, though I think the electronic system that replaces it will get some attention. The REAL fun begins when the new Escalade is revealed…mama mia, is the Navigator in big trouble!
I really like the column shifter and I hope it stays. I don’t like the idea of pressing a button or tuning a dial to select a gear. I also hope the center console (in front of the armrest storage) is larger than the current generation.
That’s understandable, Chris. But unfortunately for people like you and those who share your opinion, its gone. There’s a new electronic system in place for this generation. Frees up space in the center stack, which was needed with the bigger infotainment system and center console, which should be of some consolation to you. Push-button systems are far more attractive to most modern car buyers, even if the purpose doesn’t change much from column shifters. Cleaner and more pleasing to the eye. I definitely think you’ll come around to this new system.
G8Burnout, I got it. It’s progress. I guess I have nostalgia for the column shifter. Silly point, I know. Grew up on 70’s and 80’s cars. And enjoyed it previously on my ’08 Pilot and current ’14 Tahoe. Really looking forward to the reveal.
Chris, not silly at all. I know for a lot of people who buy work trucks, its considered a necessity. For example, if you’re plowing snow. its ingrained in your mind to use that column shift when constantly backing up and then throwing it back in drive. You do it without looking or thinking. But for normal driving in cars like the Tahoe/Suburban, you don’t use it like that. I get the nostalgia, my college car was an ’05 Deville. The column shift endeared itself to me in that thing! Great car
I don’t understand though how it frees up center stack space, the column shifter is the ultimate space saver. I will miss it, had an Expedition rental and hate the dial. Much easier to select the wrong gear without looking at it every time, just like you said below with the plowing example. And the dial replaces what could’ve been another cup holder or whatever.
My first car was a 2003 Impala with the column shifter and bench seat, seated 6. Don’t make em like that anymore.
I was more referring to the upper part of the center stack – the area for infotainment and all that. When you’re reaching over there to use the touch controls (particularly on larger screens, which these will have), you don’t want to have to reach around a column shifter. You also can use more space behind the shifter, Lincoln does this with the Navigator and actually puts the shift buttons there, making more room down by the cupholders for ports, phone charging, storage, etc. I know from my Deville, the column shifter was right in the way of the climate controls – that was the one thing I didn’t like about it.
Particularly today, when so much is controlled in the infotainment, you want it as accessible as possible.
If the column shifter is out, I wonder if that also means the front 40/20/40 seat configuration is gone too? Hope not.
How can it free up space when the shifter is nowhere near the center console? If anything it is eating space by putting a silly knob or electronic joystick on the center console. Just because it’s being referred to as progress doesn’t mean it makes sense or is better for the consumer.
I do believe that the reveal for these vehicles was delayed for maybe 6 months from the original schedule. One reason may have been something to do with reconfiguration from the smaller infotainment screens found in the pickups, to something larger, which would also become a revision to the 2021 higher end pickups.
Gm, please please please give at least the top trim super cruise (if not Tahoe, then Yukon). Waiting to upgrade from my ct6 for family but don’t want a vehicle without it. Screw it being a Cadillac exclusive.
Anyone see anywhere a link to watch it live stream online? or an announcement by GM anywhere? i cant find a thing. nor any media types saying they are in the D going to this thing tonight. would love to watch it.
@BooyahcaCHA post mentions media only event and can’t seem to find anything either. Would love to watch it as well but probably a closed event. Wish it was streamed and cool like the C8 reveal. 🙂
Do you have any idea what time we will be able to find out more about the car? Like hands-on or photos?
You’ll be able to see photos within a half hour of the reveal most likely, the big car publications should be on it quickly. Chevy may have something on their website as well.
From what I have found there is a YouTube stream scheduled on “Roadshow” YouTube channel for 8pm EST
There is literally NO press on this today- I have a feeling this December 10th thing is leading us down a rabbit hole….
TFLTrucks is saying, “We will have all of the official details for you at 8pm EST today.”
Heres hoping.
A Blazer-like Tahoe, really? Really? I like to current and previous generations, that stoic and bold design that looks both bbn iconic and premium. These vehicles are classics not to be subjected to the lated styling whim.
Ford, Lincoln and Jeep may find an opening here unless execution is spot on.
It’s late in the day on December 10 and I cannot find any news releases or photos of the 2021 Tahoe that was to be released today. Any ideas when photos will be available?
Looks like possibly a YouTube stream is scheduled on the “Roadshow” YouTube channel so far for 8pm EST.