The Chevy Tahoe and Chevy Suburban are all-new for the 2021 model year, introducing a wealth of updates and features, including GM’s Adaptive Air Ride suspension. Now, we’re taking a closer look at this suspension technology and how it affects ground clearance for both SUVs.
To note, the Chevy Tahoe and Chevy Suburban offer Adaptive Air Ride suspension on 2021 and newer Z71 and High Country trim levels. The suspension provides numerous settings that are well-suited for a range of scenarios, both while driving, and while parked.
Listed from the lowest setting to the highest setting, these include:
- Entry exit ground clearance
- Normal ground clearance
- Increased ground clearance
- Maximum ground clearance
Ride height adjustability varies several inches between each of the suspension modes, providing either easier ingress and egress, such as with the lowest entry / exit ground clearance selectable by the driver, or enhanced off-roading capabilities in maximum ground clearance mode, selectable when driving at low speeds in 4WD LO.
What’s more, the system will self-adjust, such as by lowering the ride height while cruising on the highway, enhancing aerodynamics and fuel efficiency in the process. Additionally, the system includes a self-leveling feature that will automatically adapt with four-corner load leveling when packed up with cargo and passengers.
The question is, exactly how much ground clearance is provided with each mode? As it turns out, the ride height adjustments on offer with the Adaptive Air Ride suspension can significantly impact ground clearance, ranging from just 6 inches in the lowest setting and 10 inches with the highest setting.
Check out the table below for a complete breakdown of ground clearance figures for Chevy Tahoe and Chevy Suburban models equipped with Adaptive Air Ride suspension:
| 2021+ Tahoe/Suburban | |
|---|---|
| Standard Suspension (in / mm) | 8.0 / 203 |
| Air Ride Suspension, Entry Exit Ground Clearance (in / mm) | 6.0 / 152 |
| Air Ride Suspension, Highway Ground Clearance (in / mm) | 7.25 / 184 |
| Air Ride Suspension, Normal Ground Clearance (in / mm) | 8.0 / 203 |
| Air Ride Suspension, Increased Ground Clearance (in / mm) | 9.0 / 229 |
| Air Ride Suspension, Maximum Ground Clearance (in / mm) | 10.0 / 254 |
As covered previously, the latest Chevy Tahoe and Chevy Suburban models come underpinned by the new GM T1 platform, while also incorporating a new independent multilink rear suspension setup.
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Comments
Not true ground clearance, you describing BODY clearance, not differential, tranny,transfer case !
False.
This is an independently sprung vehicle with adjustable height settings. The diff housing isn’t at a static point above the ground like on a live axle. The diff, tranny, and transfer case rise and lower with the adjustable suspension along with the frame on which they are mounted.
The max ground clearance for the Tahoe and Suburban with this suspension from the factory is 10”. Which is a bit more than my 4Runner.
This is nice but the independent rear suspension hangs to low for my liking.
I have a 2021 tahoe with 3.0L diesel and I measure ground clearance as 6″ to the lower air deflectors in front and about 5″ to the bottom of rear suspension control arms. No way is clearance 8″.
Those suspension control arms sure do hang low like grocery getters. The other issue is the questionable reliability of ride height adjusters. Pretty good with some brands that cover the bags with a shroud. Utter crap with other brands (several German brands) that leave the bags exposed to the elements.
If you’re driving through an unplowed mountain road with 10” piled up under the center, I’ll take a reliable system with real clearance.
Pretty sure I’d bend those lower control arms going off road with it.
I take my 08 off road and across a creek .