The sound of a vehicle’s exhaust can have a huge impact on the overall driving experience. For example, a quiet, refined exhaust note is essential for long highway journeys, while the ability to unleash a throaty roar during spirited driving adds excitement and character. GM already offers this flexibility with its dual-mode active exhaust system (RPO code NPP), which is available for certain trims of the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500. However, the feature is conspicuously absent from General Motors’ full-size SUVs, and in our opinion, it’s a missed opportunity.
For General Motors’ truck lineup, the dual-mode exhaust system is available for the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 engine, and is optional on the RST, LT Trail Boss, ZR2, and High Country trims for the Chevy Silverado, as well as SLT, AT4, AT4X, and Denali trims for the GMC Sierra. Dual-mode exhaust is also standard on the GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate.
The system allows drivers to switch between a quiet, understated exhaust tone and a more aggressive sound with the press of a button. And considering the Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade share the same T1 platform and L87 engine as the Silverado and Sierra, making the dual-mode exhaust available for the SUVs should be relatively straightforward, at least from a technical standpoint.
Currently, General Motors offers the Cat-Back Performance Exhaust system (RPO code WBC) as an optional upgrade for its full-size SUVs. While this setup delivers a robust and sporty sound, it lacks the flexibility of a dual-mode exhaust.
So, why isn’t a dual-mode exhaust available on General Motors’ full-size SUVs? According to Steve Kersh, program engineering manager for the Tahoe and Suburban, it’s a matter of customer demand.
“The Tahoe and Suburban represent a different customer base, and what they’re asking for is different [than what Silverado customers are asking],” Kersh explained in a conversation with GM Authority. He added that GM’s SUVs already offer sporty options like the RST Sport Package for those who want a more aggressive sound.
However, given the rising demand for customizable and performance-oriented features across the SUV segment, adding a dual-mode exhaust option seems like a no-brainer for General Motors’ full-size SUVs.
Which leads us to ask – would you like to see a dual-mode exhaust available for General Motors’ full-size SUVs? Let us know by voting in the poll, and share your thoughts in the comments as well!
Comments
No, not if it’s packin’ a 4 cylinder!
You can’t get a Tahoe or Suburban with a four cylinder. It’s V8 only.
yes on the 6.2L V8 and maybe consider a SS trim that has the same drivetrain as the escalade V
Muffler bypass systems should be banned in my opinion. My wife and I
are cruising in my Miata ,top down, enjoying the Nova Scotia scenery when
some lead foot with a late model Camaro sneaked up on us and floored
it just as he was going by. I’m sure it was a straight pipe as I thought it was
either an earthquake or a 747 landing on the highway. Good for a laugh I
guess, on his part anyways.
The factory system wouldn’t sound like a straight pipe. It’s a lot more subdued, even with the flaps open. Here’s how it sounds on a Sierra/Silverado:
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2025/01/listen-to-the-gmc-sierras-dual-mode-active-exhaust-video/
Make them electric and save on exhaust parts forever!
For GMC Denali Yukon XL , I would order one today if available. Also, WITHOUT SUN ROOF, SECOND ROW BUCKETS, POWER RETRACTABLE RUNNING BOARDS AND DVD PLAYER. All the manufacturers are following the cookie cutter route, all the same equipment, you have no choice. Currently have a 2018 of this model without the unwanted options.
I can understand wanting to forego the rear seat entertainment system, which – by the way – is no longer DVD-based. But if you don’t want the rest of those features (like sunroof and power retractable steps), you probably don’t want a Denali in the first place…