The 2021 Chevy Tahoe and 2021 Suburban have arrived, ushering in a brand-new generation for both full-size SUV icons. So far, we’ve explored a number of the new utilities’ features, including the new key fob, and the second-row seat’s fold-and-drop function. Now, we’re taking a look at another interesting detail of these vehicles – the power-retractable assist steps.
Offered as an available option only on the Premier and High Country trim levels, the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and 2021 Suburban’s power-retractable assist steps provide easier ingress and egress from the full-size SUV’s spacious interior. To note, the feature was previously only available on the Premier trim level, but now is offered on the new High Country trim as well.
The feature works by quickly deploying after the door is opened, providing an extra step up into, or out of the cabin. After the door is closed, the steps then retract underneath the body, tucking up to the side rails and creating a clean profile look.
It’s a nice extra, especially compared to the non-retractable running boards offered on other models. Check them out in action in our exclusive video below, where we spotlight the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and 2021 Suburban’s power-retractable assist steps both deploying and retracting.
As we covered in our previous Dimensional Comparison posts for the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and 2021 Suburban, passenger room is up in a number of key areas for these vehicles. The biggest gains for the new Tahoe are with first-row shoulder room, second-row legroom, third-row shoulder room, and third-row legroom, which saw increases of 1.45 inches, 3 inches, 1.15 inches, and 10.1 inches, respectively. Meanwhile, the new Suburban saw increases to second-row leg room, third-row leg room, first-row shoulder room, and third-row shoulder room, adding 2.3 inches, 2.2 inches, 1.45 inches, and 1.15 inches, respectively.
What do you think of the power-retractable assist steps for the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and 2021 Suburban? let us know in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Tahoe news, Chevrolet Suburban news, Chevrolet news, and 24/7 GM news coverage.
Comments
They don’t look to be LED like the current ones, but it may be the video lighting.
My 2012 Tahoe has this feature.
Is your 2012 used in freezing temperatures. If so have you had it malfunction from slush and ice?
You are an innovator sir!
Power Retractable assist steps seem like a problem waiting to happen. These have got to get frozen either retracted or extended in snow and freezing temperatures. Just going to fill with slush and ice in inclement weather. Wonder how the 2012 mentioned by Wd Boose functioned in bad weather?
My 2011 truck has them and yes during the winter they are basically frozen in the outward position to collect the salt/snow mixture.
This is not new for 2021 and has already been available in the premier in prior years.
I think this is a feature they should have removed its not needed . The standard step is fine. If you want cut the cost this is something that needs to go. Talk about and expensive repair waiting to happen. High country now has air drop when letting out passengers thats all you need.
Who said it was new? I don’t see anywhere that it says it’s new. I think they’re just showing the feature on these new trucks.
I have this feature and it’s great. I prefer it to the fixed running board. It’s a must on high end suvs.
I think these have been around since 2007. If they get stuck in winter a healthy dose of WD-40 does the trick.
I live in Southern Ohio. Don’t get a lot of snow but get plenty of ice and cold weather. I keep these well lubricated and they have never locked up. In 8 years I have had one motor failure that I had to repair. If I were ordering a new Tahoe today, I would order them again.
Nice concept but just something else to break. Call me ole fashion when it come to the running boards. But really loving the designs over all!
Everyone who says these de playable steps get stuck must be doing something wrong. I Have had these on my Tahoe and the Escalade that replaced it and have never had an issue. Ever.
It’s called progress people. Stop being such whining negative nillies… talking about freezing or breaking or whatever… and just appreciate something useful and cool.
If you have the money to buy a $75,000 suv, you can afford to repair these a decade down the road. For the record mine have yet to break or freeze and I live in Michigan.
So now they carried over that hideously ugly front valance from the 1500 Silverado to the Suburban plus no 3/4 ton no diesel or big block + junk IFS and coil springs all deal breakers. NO THANKS!!!!
I assume they are the same as the retractable running boards that the F150 has had. I don’t like them! when you open the door you have to be careful not to get to close to the door before they have completely come out. Them being under the vehicle to start gives a false sense of depth.
I have a 2017 Tahoe which I have have been unhappy with after giving up my 2005 Tahoe. So, have they made any changes for the things I miss:
-bigger mirrors
-optional 3rd seat
-lower pay load
-level “ground” once seats are folded down so everything doesn’t slide toward the door!
I have AMP on my ‘15 pu and have a switch to shut them off and is nice. Does HC come this feature?
We ordered a 2021 Tahoe Premier in late summer with the power retractable assist steps , picked up the vehicle on Oct 1st … the steps were back ordered and it is now Jan 29th and NO word from Chevrolet about them getting a set installed. The dealer can get little help. We’ve had Tahoes for decades, now 83 and reason for steps.. Thank you.
We took delivery of a 2021 Tahoe Premier in Seet ’20 and the power retractable assist steps we paid for were not on the vehicle! The dealer, sales team, and myself have tried for 9 months to get GMC-Chevrolet to get me my powered steps. We have had multiple phone conversations with representatives from Chevrolet but still NOTHING! Now I am looking elsewhere like to AMP. Any help, anyone I can call at Chevy? I am in a wheelchair and my wife retrieves a set of steps now ftom the back to assist me … I am unhappy and so is she!