2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevy Tahoe is available in six trim levels: the LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country. Excluding the High country, all Tahoe models come powered with a 5.3-liter V8 engine that propels 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. All trim levels have been configured with a Four-wheel drive.

The High country trim comes powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that develops 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Chevy has also offered an optional turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine that churns out 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Chevrolet offers it on every trim except the Z71 model. 

Which Trim should you buy?

Our recommendation goes for the mid-range RST trim. It is believed to be packed with the best possible equipment and interior trim. With a price of $58,395, the RST gets an exclusive all-black exterior pack, premium interior stitch, and massive 22-inch wheels. You can also configure the RST with the new 3.0-liter diesel engine. 

The 2021 Tahoe gets a standard 355 hp 5.3-liter V8 with 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine is capable of towing up to 8600 pounds. The range-topping High Country is powered with a 6.2-liter V-8 that propels 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. There's also a fuel-saving 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo diesel engine that develops 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. 

The Tahoe gets an all-wheel independent suspension that enhances the ride quality. With some added weight, the new SUV tackles the corners without leaning much. The passengers don't have to complain about any kind of discomfort. 

How well does the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe handle?

The new Tahoe is a great SUV to drive. For the best drive experience, Chevy brings air suspension that costs an additional $1,000 to the Z71 and High Country trims. You can also adjust the ride height up to 4 inches in these trims. This not only improves aerodynamics but also brings the enhanced off-road capability with increased ground clearance. The Z71 trim comes with standard all-wheel drive, otherwise, it costs an additional $3,000 on other trim levels. 

The available engine options with the Chevy Tahoe are powerful but the base 5.3-liter V8 might struggle a bit while delivering power in the mid-range while cruising on highways. Although, the 6-speed automatic transmission is smooth. The 6.2-liter V8 offers seamless power output without lag and brings out effective driving dynamics in both cities and highways. 

The 2021 Tahoe's standard 5.3-liter V8 engine returns an EPA-rated fuel economy of 16 mg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined. With the bigger V8 powertrain, the fuel economy drops to 15 mpg in the city, 19 mpg on the highway, and 16 mpg combined. In comparison to the previous model year, the new Tahoe returns better fuel economy along with the start/stop and cylinder deactivation function. 

You might get better fuel economy with the diesel version. However, the 14-gallon of the tank allows the Tahoe to go up to 500 miles. Compared to the rivals like Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia, Tahoe's MPG ratings are better. The Expedition manages to return an impressive 17 mpg in the city, and 23 mpg on the highway. 

The 2021 Tahoe's interior is completely refreshed and tweaked with the latest features and creature comforts. The interior is more spacious than its previous generation model, thanks to the increase in wheelbase. The base trim levels are available with cloth seats while the higher terms get leather seats. The SUV offers lots of storage options inside the cabin including a sliding storage bin and center armrest. 

The front seats offer decent legroom and headroom compared to other competitors in the segment. The third-row legroom is about limited as tall adults might not find occupancy there. The headroom is decent in the third row when compared to rivals like Ford Expedition. 

Folding the second and third-row seats gets you a whooping cargo space of 122.9 cubic feet. Chevrolet claims that the new Tahoe is technologically advanced than most of its peers and offers spacious and luxurious cabins in the SUV segment. Some of the notable interior features of the Chevrolet Tahoe are:

• Multipurpose power-sliding center armrest console
• Inbuilt trailering app with custom trailer profiles
• Heated steering wheel with manual tilting, manual telescoping
• Remote keyless entry
• Five 12V DC power outlets
• Illuminated passenger vanity mirror
• Memory seats
• Illuminated auxiliary driver and passenger-side visor mirrors
• Day-night rearview mirror
• Covered bin instrument-panel storage
• Steering wheel memory
• Rear air conditioning with separate controls
• Automatic temperature control
• Mini overhead console
• 8 USB ports
• Proximity cargo access remote release
• Cruise control with steering wheel controls

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2021 Tahoe gets a large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and 9-speaker Bose audio system. The Premier and High Country trim levels get larger infotainment displays along with a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The SUV also comes with rear-seat entertainment that includes dual 12.6-inch display panels for rear-seat passengers. Some of the notable infotainment features in the 2021 Tahoe are:

• OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation turn-by-turn navigation directions
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Nine premium speakers
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot capable
• Steering-wheel mounted audio controls
• Digital signal processor
• SiriusXM with 360L AM/FM/HD/Satellite with seek-scan
• 12.6-inch second-row entertainment system (optional)

The fifth-generation 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe is wider and stylish compared to its predecessor. The exterior is redesigned with significant upgrades. The front fascia gets modern LED headlamps. The SUV is based on a new architecture and offers a long wheelbase that improves ride quality. The redesigned Tahoe takes some inspiration from the Chevy Silverado pickup truck. 

Notably, the higher trim levels Z71 and High Country get exclusive front grille while the mid-range RST gets all-bac exterior trim. The Taho is available in nine exterior color options with wheel sizes available in 18-inch, 20-inch, and 22-inch. Buyers can also upgrade the Tahoe with the Z71 off-road package that adds significant performance add-ons like adaptive dampers and air suspension. 

Compared to the previous model year, the Tahoe has gained some weight, and that helps in keeping it stable around corners. The Sequoia holds a curb weight of 6000 pounds, making it the heaviest in the group. In terms of dimensions, the Tahoe looks equally capable compared to rivals like Armada and Expedition. Even with a wheelbase of 116 inches, the Tahoe manages to offer best-in-class interior space. Some of the notable exterior features of the 2021 Chevy Tahoe are:

• Trailer backup assist
• Body-colored front and rear bumpers
• Body-colored door handles
• Trailer hitch
• Side steps
• Spoiler
• Galvanized steel/aluminum body material
• Power remote heated manual folding side-view door mirrors
• Roof rails
• Heated door mirrors
• Power liftgate

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe is yet to be tested by the IIHS. In the NHTSA crash tests, the Tahoe scored four out of five-star ratings. The 2021 Tahoe comes with an array of modern safety features. The range-topping High Country trim offers additional safety aids like a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and Chevy's own vibrating safety alert seat technology. Some of the notable safety features of the 2021 Tahoe include:

• Active Hill Hold assist
• Forward Collision alert
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Front Pedestrian Braking
• HD Rear Camera
• StabiliTrak, an electronic stability control system with traction control
• Tailgate/rear door lock
• Front and rear ventilated disc brakes
• Remote keyless entry
• Traction control

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 2021 Nissan Armada

This year, both Chevrolet and Nissan updated their SUVs with significant features. Well, the Tahoe is ahead in terms of interior comfort and powertrain. The Armada offers better value in the base trim. Also, Armada’s engine takes a toll on the fuel economy. If you are looking for a fuel-efficient SUV then go for the Chevy Tahoe. 

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 2021 Ford Expedition

The Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition are fairly comparable in most features and power output. The Expedition offers a better fuel economy than the Tahoe. The Tahoe brings out the better MPG rating with the turbo diesel engine. The new Tahoe also gets an upgraded 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Priced at $54,205, the Expedition is more expensive than the Tahoe that starts at $50K. It is again a matter of self preference when it comes to choosing one out of the two. 

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 2021 Toyota Sequoia

The Sequoia is now an oldie in the segment. With the Tahoe getting significant upgrades for the fifth generation transition, the Toyota Sequoia feels outdated. The Tahoe offers a better package, decent fuel economy, and a comfy interior. The Sequoia feels short on interior comfort, features, and cargo space. However, the reliability rating and resale value of the Japanese SUV are great. It is priced in the sub $50,000 price band as well = which still gives a choice while going for a purchase. 

Despite its bulky weight, the Tahoe is easy to drive and maneuver in the city or highway. The additional packages like air suspension and adaptive dampers make the Tahoe an excellent all-around SUV. Chevrolet as made. a remarkable update in the fifth generation Tahoe. The Tahoe is not only family-friendly but also pleases the power thirst of most buyers. If you are looking for an SUV with similar attributes, you may look for GMC Yukon or spacious Chevy Suburban.