First Drive: Larger 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Proves to be a Major Upgrade
Significant redesign brings a roomy cabin, refined powertrain, and easy controls
The Chevrolet Tahoe has been completely reconfigured with its latest redesign, adding inches to the wheelbase and overall length, shifting to an independent rear suspension, updating powertrains, and upping the ante on its high-tech features and connectivity.
The Tahoe gained 6.7 inches in length, opening up the interior space more and lessening the case for customers to upgrade to the even longer Suburban. A new contemporary independent rear suspension saves space and promises to aid both ride and handling. An adaptive suspension is available on uplevel High Country and Z71 models that offers automatic load leveling and ride-height adjustments.
The base engine is a 355-hp, 5.3-liter V8. It comes standard on the LS, LT, Z71, RST, and Premier trims. The more powerful 420-hp, 6.2-liter V8 is standard on the upscale High Country trim. Both V8s use GM’s latest cylinder deactivation technology to bolster fuel economy by turning off some cylinders when not needed, such as during steady-speed cruising.
Update: Since this first drive was originally published in August, 2020, we finished testing the Chevrolet Tahoe.
Read the complete Chevrolet Tahoe road test.
What we bought: 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD LT
Powertrain: 355-hp, 5.3-liter V8; 10-speed automatic transmission; four-wheel drive
MSRP: $56,800
Options: $5,685 LT Signature Package (20-inch wheels, panoramic roof, surround-view camera, heated mirrors and steering wheel, memory settings, second-row heated seats, third-row power fold, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, rear cross traffic warning, parking sensors, trailer brake controller, enhanced cooling radiator); $370 Hitch guidance
Total options: $6,055
Destination fee: $1,295
Total cost: $63,650
