Flash Drive: 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe 3.0L Duramax Diesel

The Most-Efficient Tahoe Ever

General Motors is covering all the power options in its trucks and SUVs. In one corner will be the all-new all-electric GMC Hummer EV, coming out in late 2021. Then just to play with everyone’s mind, the all-new 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe with the Duramax turbodiesel engine is revving at the other end of the spectrum. In between are tried-and-true V8 gasoline engines, giving consumers a choice of propulsion sources they won’t find anywhere else.

Comparing the engine choices, if fuel economy and torque are more important that horsepower, the Duramax is the way to go. The 2021 Tahoe is available with these engines–all mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

3.0-liter I6 Turbodiesel with Active Grille Shutters

277 horsepower (hp)

460 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque

Fuel Economy

2WD: 21 mpg city/28 highway/24 combined

4WD: 20 city/26 highway/22 combined

5.3-liter V8 with Stop/Start, Cylinder Deactivation and Active Grille Shutters

87 octane

355 hp

383 lb.-ft. of torque

Fuel Economy

2WD: 16 city/20 highway/18 combined

4WD: 16 city/20 highway/18 combined

6.2-liter V8 with Stop/Start, Cylinder Deactivation and Active Grille Shutters

87 octane

420 hp

460 lb.-ft. of torque

Fuel Economy

2WD: 15 city/20 highway/17 combined

4WD: 14 city/19 highway/16 combined

Hitting the Road

Clean Fleet Report was handed the keys for a brief 24 hours to a 2021 Tahoe 4WD RST with a 10-speed automatic and the Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel. We have come across this engine and transmission combination before when we tested the 2020 GMC Sierra Denali pickup. We liked the smoothness and performance of the Denali, so our expectations were high with the Tahoe.

The engine gives off a low diesel rumble upon start and when being pushed hard, but then is quiet at freeway cruising speeds. The torque comes on at a very usable 1,500 rpm and pulls strong for the 1,717-pound maximum payload and the up-to 8,200-pound maximum tow rating.

EPA-rated fuel economy for the 4WD (four-wheel drive) 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel is 20 city/26 highway/22 combined. Clean Fleet Report drove the Tahoe more than 207 miles traversing Southern California; we averaged 29 mpg, which far exceeds the EPA estimate. However, on a 100-mile all-freeway run, with the adaptive cruise control set at 65 mph, we got an impressive 31.2 mpg. The takeaway is that with a light right foot and using cruise control, it is possible to get 30+ mpg on your family vacation or road trip in a full-size 4WD SUV.

On the Road: Smooth and Responsive

The Tahoe 4WD RST was comfortable out on the road with even acceleration as it slipped through the gears. It was easy to drive in-town or on the freeway, especially on Southern California freeways, which are paved with concrete and have been grooved for water dispersion. This combination can make for a loud and bumpy ride, but the Tahoe did not transmit road noise, harshness and vibrations into the cabin. We did sense a floaty feeling over some of the bumps at 75+ mph, and the steering was too light, making it sensitive to slight adjustments. The Tahoe RST has the standard Premium Smooth Ride Suspension with adaptive ride and stabilizer control. Marketing terms aside, the Tahoe was comfortable and quiet on the open road.

The brakes had almost no learning curve. With the hydraulic-assisted brake system, including four-wheel anti-lock discs and electronic stability assist, they brought the Tahoe to confident stops. The 275/50/22 Bridgestone Alenza tires gripped well.

In our one day opportunity driving the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe we found the Duramax engine more than capable of moving the Tahoe’s 5,904-pound curb weight. If we had the time to do some towing, we could have checked-out the optional Max Trailer Package with a trailer brake controller, and the advanced trailering system that included the rear facing camera that provides hitch guidance.

The Tahoe’s size isn’t so large to be a challenge to handle in-town chores, making it a good candidate as an everyday driver.

Fresh Design

Clean Fleet Report drove the Tahoe 4WD RST, one of six available trim levels, which Chevrolet says “enabled designers to explore distinctive personalities across the range.” Painted in Shadow Gray Metallic, the new smooth design had standard, narrow LED headlights sitting high above the black two-piece grille. There was a welcome absence of chrome accents, and badging was subtly placed on the front fenders, grille and tailgate.

The Tahoe has been stretched 6.7-inches and has a gain of 4.9-inches in the wheelbase, giving Chevrolet designers what they say allowed for “more sophistication and surface detail.” The designers say it signals ruggedness, where the 4WD and the higher approach angle aid off-road capability. We thought the grille and reverse “C” design of the daytime driving lights gave the Tahoe an impressive look and stance.

For such a large vehicle, it carries itself well. The length is not obtrusive, and the hands-free power lift gate, with an integrated window spoiler, had just the right amount of detail to it. A really nice feature is the rear windshield wiper being tucked-up nicely under the spoiler, making for a very clean look. We also like how the lift gate glass can be opened independently.

Stepping Inside

Clean Fleet Report’s Tahoe had a Jet Black interior with Victory Red accents. The firm and comfortable perforated leather front seats, that are heated and 10-way power adjustable, were separated by a power-operated, deep center console. The power release 60/40 folding second row seat, with heat for the outbound passengers, can easily hold three full-size adults. The third row seat also had the power release feature, and access that did not demand body contortion.

Additional convenience features were the tri-zone climate control, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel with audio controls and power adjustments, a wireless charger for mobile phones, and a panoramic tilt and sliding sunroof. Second-row passengers are treated to the optional rear seat media system that featured 12.6-inch HD LCD screens in the front seat backs.

Up front, the 10.2-inch HD color touchscreen was home for navigation, the rearview camera and the infotainment system. The nine-speaker system filled the cabin with sounds from the Bose FM/HD AM radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. Bluetooth handled voice communication for hands-free phone and audio. Multiple USB ports and an auxiliary power outlets kept everything charged and ready to go. The dash gauges were easy to read, and the radio passed the Clean Fleet Report minimum driver safety test as it had volume and channel selection knobs. Also on Clean Fleet Report’s 2021 Tahoe was the 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (on a 3GB one-month trial) that can connect multiple devices for that family road trip.

Safety and Convenience

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe has front and side airbags, electronic stability control, trailer sway control and hill start assist and a tire pressure monitoring system. Surround Vision gives a bird’s eye view of the Tahoe, a very handy feature when parking or checking for objects before backing up.

The standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) included automatic emergency braking and forward collision alert, and front pedestrian braking. Optional systems include rear pedestrian alert, lane departure warning, front and rear park assist, lane departure warning, blind zone alert and a 15-inch head-up display.

A note regarding OnStar: a simple push of a button connects you with a friendly General Motors representative to handle emergencies, directions and general assistance to make your driving experience safer and more enjoyable. This is one area where GM is the industry leader, and after the trial service plan expires, it is well worth renewing.

Pricing and Warranties

Clean Fleet Report’s 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Duramax 3.0L turbodiesel 4WD RST had a base MSRP of $60,100. With $9,040 in options, and the $1,295 destination charge, the total came to $70,435.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe comes with these warranties:

• Bumper To Bumper – Three years/36,000 miles
• Scheduled Service/Maintenance – One year/One visit
• Powertrain – Five years/100,000 miles
• Roadside Assistance – Five years/100,000 miles
• Corrosion – Three years/36,000 miles
• Rust Through – Six years/100,000 miles

Observations: 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Duramax 3.0L Turbodiesel 4WD RST

Chevrolet offers the 2021 Tahoe in six different models with three different engines, so if choice is your thing, there is fun shopping ahead. If the best fuel economy ever in a Tahoe (and in the full-size SUV class) is on your must-have list, then opt for the Duramax 3.0L turbodiesel engine.

The all-new 2021 Tahoe, now with an independent rear suspension, is stretched compared to the outgoing model, increasing second-row passenger leg room by three inches and third-row leg room by an impressive 10.1 inches. For storage, with the third-row seat upright there is an increased 10.2 inches of space.

The Tahoe’s increased length makes it a viable option for those that don’t want the even larger all-new Suburban, as it is right-sized for families, while also not being so large that driving in town and parking lots is a challenge. So pack-up the kids, have them find their favorite show on the LCD screens and hit the road.

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Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Chevrolet.

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Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.