General Motors has confirmed the 2021 Chevy Tahoe diesel towing and payload numbers just as customer deliveries of the SUV are set to begin.
When equipped with the Duramax turbo-diesel 3.0L LM2 inline-six engine and Max Trailering Package, the rear-wheel-drive Tahoe has a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,717 pounds. GM has yet to confirm the 4WD Tahoe diesel towing numbers, but we’re expecting a very small difference between the rear-wheel-drive and 4WD models.
The maximum towing capacity for the 2021 Chevy Tahoe is 8,400 pounds. This rating only applies to Tahoe models equipped with the 5.3L L84 V8, rear-wheel-drive and Max Trailering Package. Models equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8, rear-wheel-drive and Max Trailering Package have a slightly lower max towing capacity of 8,300 lbs.
The chart below shows how the 2021 Chevy Tahoe diesel towing capacity stacks up against the max ratings for the 5.3L L84 V8 and 6.2L L87 V8 models.
| Engine | Drivetrain | Standard Tow Rating | Max Tow Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| L84 5.3L V8 | 2WD | 7,900 | 8,400 |
| L84 5.3L V8 | 4WD | 7,700 | 8,200 |
| L87 6.2L V8 | 2WD | 7,800 | 8,300 |
| L87 6.2L V8 | 4WD | 7,600 | 8,100 |
| LM2 3.0L I6 | 2WD | TBD | 8,200 |
| LM2 3.0L I6 | 4WD | TBD | TBD |
The 3.0L LM2 inline-six engine produces an SAE-certified 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque and is paired with a GM 10-speed automatic transmission in the 2021 Chevy Tahoe. This engine, which is the first inline-six diesel offered in a Chevy full-size SUV, also comes with a standard exhaust brake to help aid in braking performance when towing or hauling heavy loads. The diesel engine’s impressive fuel efficiency, competitive tow rating and standard exhaust brake should make it the go-to choice for Tahoe buyers that frequently tow heavy trailers or RVs.
The turbo-diesel 3.0L LM2 inline-six is available in the Tahoe LS, LT, RST and Premier trims. The engine is a $995 price premium over the standard 5.3L L84 V8 engine, except in the range-topping High Country trim, where it brings a $1,500 discount over the 6.2L L87 V8.
The diesel engine was offered as a late-availability option in the 2021 Chevy Tahoe, although Chevy confirmed this week that deliveries of customer examples are set to begin before the end of the year.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Tahoe news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
I chalk that up as a win, miles better MPG and nearly the same towing figures
If you “Continue Reading”, you will see the Tahoe towing (what I think is) a Transcend Xplor 32BHS travel trailer which has a GVWR of 9295 pounds. WHY??
bad photoshop.