Flash Drive: 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 4WD

Redesigned SUV Is Now Larger and Roomier

The all-new 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe just went on sale so our recent short preview drive of the big SUV is timely. The 2021 Tahoe will satisfy your needs if bigness is a key requirement. While it is true the all-new Tahoe is big, this doesn’t tell the whole story. Chevrolet also introduced the all-new 2021 Suburban that is even larger. We will let that beast rest for now, and take a look at the Tahoe, which is probably more suited to everyday driving and can handle most of the same chores as its larger sibling.

Three Engine Options, One Transmission

The 2021 Tahoe is available with three engines. All engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

5.3-liter V8 with auto stop/start, cylinder deactivation and active grille shutters

• 87 octane
• 355 horsepower (hp)
• 383 Pound-feet of torque (lb.-ft.)
• Fuel Economy:
• 2WD: 16 mpg city/20 highway/18 combined
• 4WD: 16 city/20 highway/18 combined

6.2-liter with auto stop/start, cylinder deactivation and active grille shutters

• 87 octane
• 420 hp
• 460 lb.-ft.
• Fuel Economy:
• 2WD: 15 mpg city/20 highway/17 combined
• 4WD: 14 city/19 highway/16 combined

3.0-liter I6 turbodiesel with active grille shutters

• 277 hp
• 460 lb.-ft.
• Fuel Economy:
• 2WD: 22 mpg city/26 highway/24 combined (est)
• 4WD: 21 city/25 highway/23 combined (est)

On The Road: Smooth and Responsive

Clean Fleet Report had a half-day opportunity to drive the 2021 Tahoe 4WD Z71 with the 5.3-liter V8. In our short time behind the wheel, we found the engine more than capable of moving the Tahoe’s 5,661-pound curb weight with the high-pressure fuel ejection making acceleration seamless and linear. If we had the time to do some towing, the Tahoe 4WD with the 5.3-liter has a standard tow rating of 7,700 pounds. We also would have had the chance to check out the optional trailer brake controller and the advanced trailering system that included the rear facing camera that provides hitch guidance.

Given a choice we would have spent time with the 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel, but that was not available for this quick drive.

Out on the road is where the 2021 Tahoe really shines, as the even acceleration and ease through the gears made it a breeze to drive in-town or on the freeway. Southern California’s grooved concrete highways work great as designed to disperse water, but they can make for a loud and bumpy ride, where it seems you feel every seam. The Tahoe is built on the Silverado pickup frame, but that is where any comparison between their ride and handling end. The electric-assisted steering was responsive and had good road feel, was accurate and returned to center with little effort.

The Tahoe we drove had both the air ride adaptive suspension and magnetic ride control. When combined with the new-for-2021 multi-link independent rear suspension, the Tahoe was easy to drive. It actually didn’t feel quite as big as it was, as maneuvering in town was manageable, and body lean on mountain corners was minimal. We did notice, oddly, that some road imperfections that should have not been felt, were felt. Not in a jarring way, but they were perceptible as minor vibrations through the seats and steering column. Over a long road trip this could be annoying, but not necessarily unpleasant as the cabin remained quiet at all times.

The air ride suspension provides ride leveling, plus it allows the Tahoe to be lowered about two inches for entering and exiting the cabin, and can be raised up when driving off-road. Our Tahoe 4WD had the Z71 Off-Road Package that included the suspension upgrades noted earlier, skid plates, bright red tow hooks and a high-clearance front fascia. The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner all-terrain tires were mounted on 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with gray inset pockets.

The brakes had no learning curve, with the hydraulic-assisted brake system, including four-wheel anti-lock discs and electronic stability assist, bringing the Tahoe to confident and smooth stops.

Bolder Design

Clean Fleet Report was driving the Tahoe 4WD Z71, which was one of six available trim levels which Chevrolet says “enabled designers to explore distinctive personalities across the range.” Painted in Satin Steel 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 on the Tahoe Z71, 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 also signals ruggedness in the 4WD models with the higher approach angle to 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 spoiler, had just the right amount of detail to it. The dual twin chrome exhaust tips were impressive. A really nice feature is that the rear windshield wiper is tucked up nicely under the spoiler, making for a very clean look.

Stepping Inside

The welcoming interior is where you will spend most of your time. Clean Fleet Report’s Tahoe had a jet black interior featuring leather seats, which were firm and comfortable with the heated, 10-way power front buckets separated by a center console large enough to hold a laptop. 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.

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. The second row passengers were 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 premium sound system. The nine-speaker system filled the cabin with sounds from the FM/HD AM radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and SiriusXM. Bluetooth handled voice communication for hands-free phone and audio. Multiple USB ports and 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 (with a 3GB one-month trial) that can connect multiple devices for that family road trip.

We recently reviewed the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado and the 2020 GMC Denali pickups, which the 2021 Tahoe shares a platform. We felt the Tahoe interior was a bit more upscale than either truck, and that takes into consideration the Tahoe’s faux wood trim. For just under $80,000, real wood trim would be welcome.

Safety and Convenience

The 2021 Tahoe has front and side airbags, Stabitrak, trailer sway control, hill start assist and a tire pressure monitoring system. The standard ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) 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 has been the industry leader, and after the trial service plan expires, it is well worth renewing.

Pricing and Warranties

Clean Fleet Report’s 2021 Tahoe 4WD Z71 had a base MSRP of $59,200. With $16,180 in options, and the $1,295 destination charge, the total came to $76,675.

Two-wheel drive Tahoe models with a reasonable list of standard equipment but without options start at $50,295, including the destination charge.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe comes with these warranties:

Observations: 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD Z71

Chevrolet has made the 2021 Tahoe an even a better choice for families, especially those with plenty of gear to stow for a summer vacation or winter ski trip. There are storage spaces for passengers to place drinks and devices, multiple charge ports and even the optional rear seat media system.

With the introduction of the independent rear suspension, and the Tahoe being stretched over the outgoing model, second row passenger leg room has been increased by three inches and the third row leg room by an impressive 10.1-inches. For storage, with the third row seat upright there is an increase of 10.2-inches. So pack up the kids, have them find their favorite show on the LCD screens, and hit the road.

Clean Fleet Report will do a full Road Test review when we have driven the Tahoe for a week or more. That review will be of the Tahoe with the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel, which is the most efficient truck or SUV engine offered by Chevrolet. We have reviewed both the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado and the 2020 GMC Denali with the Duramax diesel and found this engine to be smooth and efficient, even turning-in more than 30 mpg on the highway.

The Tahoe’s increased length makes it a viable option for those that don’t want the even larger Suburban, as it is right-sized for families while also not being so large that driving in town and parking lots is a challenge.

Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.

Whatever you buy, Happy Driving!

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.