General Motors’ latest full-size SUVs are fun off-road, with plenty of traction to get in and out of the rough stuff. However, the way in which these SUVs accomplish this differs between each model line, with the 2021 GMC Yukon offering an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD), and the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and 2021 Chevy Suburban restricted to a mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD).
As it stands now, the all-new 2021 GMC Yukon, 2021 Chevy Tahoe, and 2021 Chevy Suburban SUVs are equipped as standard with GM’s mechanical LSD, tagged with RPO code G86. However, the 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 and Yukon Denali also offer an eLSD (RPO code G96), a feature not available on the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.
The G96 eLSD offered on the 2021 GMC Yukon is part of the Premium Capability Package with Active Response 4WD (RPO code Z6E). The package also includes Air Ride Adaptive Suspension (RPO code F47).
The Z6E Premium Capability Package with Active Response 4WD requires the Premium Package (CWM) and the Max Trailering Package (NHT), and is included as part of the AT4 Premium Plus Package (PEH) and Denali Ultimate package (PEC).
Essentially, it comes down to this – while the 2021 GMC Yukon, 2021 Chevy Tahoe, and 2021 Chevy Suburban all offer Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, only the Yukon offers Active Active Response 4WD with the G96 eLSD.
For those who may be unaware, the difference between the eLSD and mechanical LSD discussed here can be boiled down to the way in which wheel slip is detected and mitigated, with an eLSD utilizing onboard sensors (vehicle speed, throttle position, steering angle, yaw rate, etc.) to determine the locking torque value, as opposed to a mechanical LSD which uses internal mechanical components to distribute torque and limit wheel slip.
“All-new available Active Response 4WDTM System combines technologies, including an electronic Limited Slip Differential, to continuously monitor road conditions and react to improve traction, handling and overall control,” GM explains.
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Comments
This is one of the reasons I am in a new 4Runner.
The ELSD looks good, but I am not touching a mechanical LSD. They don’t react quickly and disengage with any reduced throttle.
People use this trucks to tow boats: slick ramps are a challenge and potentially dangerous without a really good rear end. They need to either offer an e-locker like the 4Runner or go back to the G80 in the Tahoe and Suburban.
I feel you to an extent. I’d still rather tow a 5000lbs boat with a mechanical lsd 4wd Tahoe than a 4Runner. They’re not in the same weight class.
I rented a 2021 GMC Yukon SLT 4wd a few weeks ago. In 8” of fresh snow, in 4wd auto, it was great. No issues or slipping.
Problem is both the air suspension and the Active Response 4WD system and Max tow are restricted and they are not building any orders with those packages….so in a sense ….none of the above article is useful since you can’t buy it
It’s a real bummer GM doesn’t offer eLSD in the Chevrolet Suburban/Tahoe. It’s only available in the GMC AT4. I absolutely love Suburbans, but don’t want to spend $80k on a AT4! The Suburban Z/71 well equipped is about $70k, but the LSD is basically worthless! They’ve done a magnificent job redesigning these new full size SUVs, but without eLSD as a standard option in the rear I won’t buy one. They should have eLSD in front and rear on the Z/71 package. It would be easy since front and rear suspension is now independent. They should also offer an electronic disconnecting sway bar, front and rear. And get rid of the air bag shocks. These things are junk when they’re pumped up because they get too stiff when they’re pumped up in the highest setting. They should come with DSSV Multi Matic shocks and a factory 3 inch lift with coil over springs. They should also come with the diesel option, even though I think the 5.3 is excellent mated to the new 10 speed. Come on Chevy! I’ll be buying a new Bronco instead because I know better. Better go back to the drawing board.