At the end of this week, we’ll be spending a full day with the 2021 Chevy Tahoe – the all-new, full-size SUV built on the GM T1 platform. Our big boy will be the range-topping High Country model powered by the naturally-aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 engine (part of the EcoTec3 engine family) rated at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque mated to the GM 10-speed automatic transmission. Two-wheel-drive is standard, but our tester features the optional 4WD system.
Our Tahoe test unit is coated in the Iridescent Pearl Tricoat hue – a $995 option. Inside, the model has Jet Black/Mocha seats with Perforated leather-appointed seat trim.
Other options on the 2021 Chevy Tahoe include the Air Ride Adaptive Suspension Package, which automatically includes the Magnetic Ride Control suspension system as well as the Maximum Trailering Package that enables this large SUV to tow up to 8,100 pounds. Our tester also features the panoramic, dual-pane, tilt-sliding sunroof.
The base price of a 2021 Chevy Tahoe is $50,295, including the $1,295 destination charge. The range-topping High Country 4WD starts at $73,895, and our tester – with all options includes – stickers at $77,855.
We will have the 2021 Chevy Tahoe High Country for a relatively short 24 hours, where we’ll be conducting our first drive. In doing so, we’ll be looking at the overall quality, fit and finish as well as initial driving and riding impressions. So if you would like to know more about this truck beyond the spec sheet, ask your questions in the comments section, and we’ll reply starting on Thursday (September 17th) afternoon as part of the GM Authority interactive review.
Ready…. set… go!
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Comments
How’s the difference in ride quality and handling over the outgoing Tahoe\Suburban? I’m curious to hear your take on this!
Also the interior quality? (This seems to be somewhat of a mixed bag among reviews)
I’ve always liked Tahoe’s and had a few. I’m considering selling my Silverado for one once these are 2-3 years old due to their cost when new.
The traverse, especially the 2022 update has also caught my attention. I’d like to know how the two compare since size wise they’re comparable. The 5k towing on the traverse should just barely cover me for a camper that I would want but I do wish it was 5500-6000 though
Hello J,
The new Tahoe’s ride quality hasn’t reached perfection, but it’s very good. The air suspension softens the rebound on bigger bumps, so occupants feel less of a jolt. That being said, there isn’t a huge difference between the new Tahoe and the previous-generation model equipped with the Magnetic Ride Control suspension.
As for the interior fit and finish, we can’t expect them to match the Cadillac Escalade’s, but there’s a small improvement here. Everything feels solid and the button layout is easy to use while driving. In addition, the High Country’s zebra-like seat piping adds a nice touch. The center armrest slides fore and aft and there’s a concealed storage tray inside it, which is neat, but the power-sliding function really isn’t a must-have feature.
If the High Country starts at $73,895 for 4WD before options, and the GMC Yukon Denali starts at $72,695 for 4WD before options…is this really worth the extra $1,200 over the Denali, based on your testing? Especially considering that the Denali comes with the nicer Denali-specific interior?
Hello G8Burnout,
There are subtle differences between the High Country’s interior design and the GMC Yukon Denali’s. We find woodgrain accenting in different areas, the seat stitching is different, there are some variations in the color schemes, but that’s generally it. Actually, in the GMC, the infotainment screen is integrated into the center stack, with air vents located above it, while the touchscreen is mounted higher up in the Tahoe, above the air vents. It’s a question of personal preferences, and the $1,200 price difference isn’t justified in the interior design, but elsewhere on the vehicle.
I will wait for this when 2-3 years old, thanks buyers.
Or you can wait one year and buy a German car, virtually any model from bmw or merco they’re the Hindenburg of depreciation, come on the top on almost all lists. These fusty cliché guys and their corny stereotypes never ends yes american cars are low quality and they just make badge-engineering escalade and sonic actually same car, while germans reinvent even wheel and nuts in every new model, also station wagons are for losers but if they come from europe they’re the coolest.
The coolest cars mechanics ever loved…..
German cars known to have more problems. It costs a lot to fix them.
The comment might’ve been true years ago but what I’ve seen from the German manufacturers on a small SUVs I’m not very impressed if you must have a vehicle that says BMW Mercedes on it you better go buy it.I have driven them all
How does the E-LSD rear end work?
More of a technical question: What changes have been made to the 5.3L engine that will prevent excessive oil burn like what they had in the AFM trucks from about 14-15 years ago?
German engineering: 183 parts to to a 22 part job.
Almost $80K; but under a Biden Presidential Administration, this vehicle probably would be discontinued because it’s simply too large, consumes too much gas and generate too many tons of CO2. Although if sufficient amount of taxes were applied, it might survive especially if production was moved to Biden’s favorite country (China).
WELL SAID
Oh my God. Take you’re irrelevant fear mongering elsewhere.
thank you! so tired of these types posting their verbal diarrhea.
Ridiculous.
Is this going to be the movie sequel from the science-fiction thriller “O’bama gonna’ take our guns!”?
i got the 2021 yukon top trim with the diesel. Very consistent 28 mpg door to door on 700 mile trip and with a range of 650 miles, it beats the cost of premium gas at 15 mpg all to h.
Does the Tahoe have start / stop? If so, can start / stop be turned off by the driver?
In some pictures of the instrument panel that I have seen, there is an override button left of the steering wheel, over by the lights and other controls found there. So, yes. One of the few GMs left with an override.
But you have to override each time you start the car!
As you do in any car with an override. At least it has one.
Hello Drb,
The Tahoe does have automatic stop/start. The feature can easily be deactivated by pressing a button on the left side of the steering wheel. However, it turns itself back on after every engine restart.
On the other hand, we found the engine restarts quite smoothly, and the engine doesn’t shut off until we come to a full stop. In certain German competitors, the stop/start system shuts the engine down just as we’re coming to a full stop, which can become irritating if we’re not planning to completely immobilize the vehicle at a stop sign (although technically, we should!) or when we’re creeping along in rush-hour traffic.
What’s the MPG on the 6.1L and grade of recommended fuel?
Hello Jim,
The 6.2L L87 V8 is rated at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. In the Tahoe, it boasts city/highway/combined ratings of 15/20/17 mpg in 2WD configuration, and 14/19/16 mpg in 4WD trim. We managed 16 mpg with a mix of city and highway driving, as promised; not great, but not bad either considering the SUV’s sheer size.
As for fuel, the L87 can run on regular fuel with an octane rating 87, but GM highly recommends 93-octane fuel. As the automaker points out, “using unleaded gasoline rated below 93 octane will lead to reduced acceleration and fuel economy. If knocking occurs, use a gasoline rated at 93 octane as soon as possible, otherwise, the engine could be damaged.” We wouldn’t try our luck with 87-octane fuel.
Is the RST model going to come with a 6.2L option?
As of right now, no. Hopefully for 2022
Hello Jez,
A Tahoe RST with the 6.2L engine isn’t planned for the time being. It would make sense, though, as this is considered the “sporty” trim level.
How quiet and smooth is it going down the highway, does it have the qualities of a luxury vehicle, does it give a pleasant feel in the cabin.
I’ve driven a Premier, and I could not believe how good the ride quality was. It felt unbelievably planted and smooth. Power from the 5.3L was more than enough, so I am excited to see how much better the 6.2L is. It was really a major improvement over the outgoing model.
I test drove the Tahoe LT with the signature package (sunroof, power mirrors , 20 inch rims etc.) For around 60k. I have already seen some dealerships taking 3k -5k off. I think that would be the most affordable for folks not looking for off-road or all the bells and whistles. I like the ride a lot , very smooth , I thought the push gear would be a pain to use but turns out to be easy but that is just me. I will be looking to buy within the next month or two. Couple things I don’t like, I have small kids and the second row seats doesn’t tilt, not a deal breaker. Also, the glove compartment could get bigger.
Hi Mark,
The ride quality is indeed very good on the highway. The independent rear suspension improves the SUV’s ride especially on city streets, which are generally rougher than highways. It does feel like a luxury vehicle with the Adaptive Air Ride suspension, as it softens the rebound when the vehicle hits bumps, giving occupants less of a jolt. It’s definitely a good addition to the Chevy Tahoe.
Has there been any improvements to the comfort level of the seat? I purchased a 2018 Tahoe and the seating has less padding, creating a much stiffer feel.
Hello David,
Yours truly (5-foot-nine, 200 pounds) didn’t find the Tahoe seats to be stiff. That being said, the seats have reshaped, but during longer drives, we don’t expect them to be more comfortable than in the previous-generation model. GM’s full-size SUVs don’t yet offer an alternative to the Lincoln Navigator’s fantastic Perfect Position, multi-adjustable seats.
I’m 6’3”, and 215 lbs. The seats are uncomfortable compared to previous models. I was hoping for a vehicle having a major update in quality and pricing, GM would have invested a few hundred dollars in seat comfort.
The Tahoe that you’re testing is the exact trim/spec level I’ve been considering. Others have asked all the right questions, and it will be interesting to get your impressions. The new IRS should make a big difference in ride quality, but I guess we wait and see. $80k for a Chevy is big dollars and I hope they get it right!
Hello dluxdlitz,
Please check out our answers above and below to the questions that have been posted. The new independent rear suspension does make a difference, but more on city streets than on the highway. With the Adaptive Air Ride suspension, the Tahoe’s ride quality is indeed very good. We think they got it right.
When will the new 2021 Tahoe Z71 get a Hybrid package ?
Hello Hugh,
There are no plans for a hybrid powertrain in GM’s full-size SUVs for the time being. General Motors will be introducing a slew of fully electric crossovers in the near future, and unless there’s a change in plans, we won’t be seeing any new hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains in the company’s North American product lineup.
4WD…how good is it on a bumpy, dirt road?
Hello David,
The new Tahoe handles dirt roads very well, thanks to the new independent rear suspension which keeps its composure better over bumps. The 4WD system can help if we drive a little faster than we should off the pavement, and as before, there’s a 4L (Low) setting for tiptoeing over rougher terrain. There are four ride height settings with the available Adaptive Air Ride suspension, although the highest one can only be selected when the 4WD system is set to 4L.
Does the third row seat really fold flat? Chevy maintained the 2015 Tahoe did … but it did not …. always made cargo slide to the hatch and when you opened the hatch …. surprise!!! I finally removed the seat.
Hello dmack98,
The third-row seatbacks fold flatter than before, but there is a slight dip on the load floor nonetheless. Objects shouldn’t shift rearwards as easily as before, but we can’t say that the floor is perfectly flat. At least not in the Tahoe we drove.
How does the push/slide button shifter work , in days of old this was not very good.
I believe that it will be better than the column shifter, which is useless.
How, specifically, is the column shifter useless? I’ve owned dozens of vehicles with column automatic shift and they worked fine.
Hello Blair,
The transmission push/pull buttons aren’t the most intuitive to use, especially if we’ve always been used to column or console-mounted shift levers. It takes some getting used to. The Park and Neutral buttons must be pushed, while the Drive and Reverse functions have pull buttons, so at least we won’t use the wrong control by accident.
Does this rig really only get 19 MPG highway or down a whole 3 from last years older less efficient AFM 6.2?
Hello Joe,
Indeed, the 2020 Tahoe 4WD with the 6.2L V8 had city/highway/combined fuel economy ratings of 14/22/17 mpg, while the 2021 model’s ratings are 14/19/16 mpg. We averaged 16 mpg during our test with a mix of city and highway driving, as promised.
Yes. It’s an an improvement.
/sarc tag for the humorless
My dad is looking at a similarly equipped (to the test vehicle) Suburban. He’s not a fan of his 16 Tahoe LTZ.
How is the ride quality with the 22in wheels? Body lean?
I noticed at the dealership that the rear HVAC vents are a bit smaller than the current model, do they still cool/heat effectively?
Average fuel economy?
Have the fog lights been deleted from the Tahoe/Suburban? If so can they be added on as an accessory?
Hello Michael,
There are no fog lights on the new Tahoe and Suburban, and none are currently available in Chevy’s accessories catalogue. That might change over time, though, and there seems to be room on the lower bumper trim for a set of square lights.
Factory fog lights are little better than trim. Toys, even on the expensive imports.
Go to a good aftermarket shop and buy your own. You end up with REAL lights, not ones that must meet decades-ourmoded Federal standards.
Hello Henry,
The new Tahoe’s ride quality is very good, even with the 22-inch wheels and tires. Our tester rode on 275/50R22 all-season rubber, so their sidewalls are high enough to help absorb road imperfections. Body lean is surprisingly well controlled, despite the SUV’s high center of gravity. That being said, our Tahoe High Country was equipped with the Adaptive Air Ride suspension, which improves ride quality and has four ride height settings, in addition to the Magnetic Ride Control suspension. The latter made a noticeable difference in ride quality in the previous-generation Tahoe and Suburban.
Wonderful to see GM move to independent rear suspension ! Does anyone have experience towing yet at near full capacity ? Will we be happy ?
Is the air ride worth it? How does it compare in ride quality to magnetic ride control or the standard non-air or non-mag ride suspension?
It is great on corners at speed
WTF! Where the damn Fog Lights?
Why does GM have only one 10 speed auto. for both the 5.3 L & 6.2 L? With more torque the 6.2 L auto. should use better gear ratios, which result in increased MPG and performance!
I have the 2019 Tahoe Premiere 6.2 L using a single 3″ exhaust.
I am not a fan of the chromed 4 – tip exhaust on the 2021 High Country. There is no performance improvement, but
adds cost. I don’t care for “bling”
I don’t know why you’re complaining about the 10 speed automatic I think it does just fine how can it be a performance difference when you’re using the same drivetrain as the 2019 model also if you don’t like bling why did you go to the top of the line Tahoe really a chrome exhaust tip is a lot of bling
What is the total height of the vehicle, with antenna and any roof racks that might be added?
Nothing
I currently drive a 2013 Tahoe with 167k miles. I love it but am really looking forward to this new one. My question is transmission related, did GM address the need to prod it driving in hilly New England terrain? I’m hoping the 10 speed eliminated the prodding it takes for mine to just downshift a gear on a hill and not drop 2 or more and tach to 3500 when all I wanted was a simple gear change. Thank you. TJ in CT
Is it better than the current Ford Expedition? Asking for a friend.
What do you think the long term reliability of the air bags will be? Won’t be cheap to replace them later.
I would say skip the air suspension for max reliability. Get the 3.0L I-6 and avoid the AFM problems too.
The Diesel is a lower cost option than the 6.2L on the Yukon Denali according to GMC’s website.
Does the 2021 Tahoe have the same problematic transmission as found in the 2015 through 2019 Tahoe’s, specifically the 8L90 and 8L45 transmissions ? It’s my understanding GM offered 13 technical service bulletins related to the issue, but none of the solutions seemed to work, and they now face a Class Action lawsuit over this issue. Thanks !
The 10 speed is offered with a 5.3 and the 6.2 It is not the same tranny’s used on the 2015 the 10 speeds been used since 2018 with the 6.2
Adaptive Cruise Control and the excellent new E-LSD rear end need to be made available throughout the line.
Those are both major omissions given the price of these rigs. Both are excellent technology. The Adaptive Cruise is only available on the High Country. You can’t even get the E-LSD on the Chevy – only open diffs. Inexcusable.
Does it have the G80 locker still?
For the 2021 Tahoe 6.2 seeing 0 – 60 times of 7.1.
The 2020 Tahoe 6.2 times were 5.7 – 5.8.
Any thoughts on why the 2021 is slower?
I know why heavier because they added too much extra garbage in it so many bells and whistle‘s .I don’t know about the weight haven’t compared the two yet. Still a nice truck
So the 2021 6.2 – 10 speed has the same 0 – 60 as the 2020 5.3 – 6 speed.
Seems like a step backwards.
Can anyone explain the navigation system in the 2021 Tahoe? I have a 2008 GMC Yukon with Navigation that is embedded into the information system without some monthly data plan like OnStar, or WiFi data plan. Does the new Tahoe also come with stand alone embedded navigation, and if so what Infotainment package do you need in your Tahoe to get that? Or am I stuck with using OnStar, your phone, or some other connected device to get the on screen navigation that shows the map on the screen? It seems you either have to use OnStar or burn up your data on your phone by using Waze. I’m not a tech person so Tahoe Navigation for Dummies would be great :)))
Good question. What I’ve scanned indicates that you need to have the media system for the back seats to get the nav system, if I’m reading it right.
The rear seat entertainment system is separate option 2000 you can get navigation without it