2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Review: All-New and Excellent
Bigger, better, and all-new for 2021, Chevrolet’s fifth-generation Tahoe improves upon the tried-and-true formula, with a twist.
Misses:
Button layout can be confusing
Divisive exterior styling
GMC-level pricing
Hits:
Refined powertrain
Quiet, comfortable ride
Spacious in all three rows
Enormous in stature, and unable to make it through my (admittedly narrow) driveway, the all-new 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe certainly has presence. Chevy’s new in your face styling design has made its way onto the new Tahoe, big grille and all. Decked out in chrome against the stain steel metallic paintwork, this Premier Tahoe has a more upscale vibe compared to its rugged Z71 counterpart.
However, the bold exterior styling isn’t what’s noteworthy about the Tahoe. Instead, it’s the interior, which receives a large stretch in the second and third rows. This 6’1” writer fits with room to spare in the third row. The second and third row seating easily collapses with the press of a button in the trunk, making runs to the hardware store a cinch. For those looking for even more utility, the Chevrolet Suburban counterpart features a 15-inch stretch in length over the Tahoe. Lest I forget, the front seats are heated and ventilated, with the second row being heated, as well.
Tech is solid, as well, with wireless everything — phone charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot— and a bangin’ 10-speaker Bose audio setup paired with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment setup that is intuitive to navigate from the get-go. Don’t forget the chargers and plugs, of which there are many in the Tahoe, more than there are seats, actually, I stopped counting after 10. USB, USB-C, an actual outlet, everything and everyone can be plugged in with the Tahoe.
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Unfortunately, there are seemingly about twice as many buttons situated on the left side of the dashboard, half of which are obscured by the steering wheel, that control things like the head-up display. Some muscle memory will be required to hit the right one, especially while driving.
This rig’s one standalone option, the $4,485 Premium Package, adds in an enormous panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control and GM’s excellent surround vision camera system, among other driving aides, comforts and conveniences. Most homes are not as well furnished as this Chevrolet Tahoe Premier, though at $71,380 as tested, it is perilously close to stepping on the toes of the more upscale GMC Yukon.
Chevrolet’s 5.3-liter V8 engine is the only one available in the Tahoe Premier, the big boy 6.2 V8 is reserved for the top of the line High Country model. This is no hardship, however, as the 5.3 produces 355 horsepower and a brawny 383 lb-ft of torque. The sole transmission offered in the Tahoe is a 10-speed automatic, and the pairing nears powertrain perfection, which quick, tight gear spacing and solid low RPM torque, the Tahoe feels potent and amply powerful, but relaxed from the behind the wheel.
This 4WD behemoth can tow up to 8,400 pounds with this setup, while returning EPA fuel economy estimates of 16 mpg city, 20 mpg freeway and 18 mpg combined. After a week and over 300 miles of driving, the Tahoe showed off a real world fuel economy figure of 17.2 mpg, in line with the EPA figures.
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The relaxed driving experience is also due to the adaptive dampers featured on this Premier model, which soak up bumps and broken pavement with aplomb. Ironing out the rough stuff with the fancy shocks and the new independent rear suspension makes for a quiet cabin, largely devoid of the jigglyness that is sometimes associated with body-on-frame trucks and SUVs.
With the latest Tahoe, Chevrolet has pushed its large family hauler upscale, but it comes at an upscale price point. With prices starting $50,295, and loaded trucks toping out at almost $80,000, buyers will have to be mindful of the options boxes being ticked, but if you have the means, the Tahoe is so worth it.
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