2021 Chevrolet Tahoe And Suburban Put On A Dramatic Face, Gain Independent Suspension

The next-generation Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban models have been unveiled at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, boasting a series of improvements differentiating them from GM’s outgoing offerings.

Underpinning the highly-profitable duo is GM’s T1 truck platform that will also be used by the next-generation Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon. This platform also adopts GM’s Global B electrical architecture and support over-the-air updates as well as advanced network security for highly-automated driving technologies.

One particularly significant upgrade is the presence of new multi-link, independent rear suspension that promises to transform how the duo ride – at least compared to their truck-based predecessors.

Visually, the duo take after the latest Chevrolet Silverado. Found at the front is a heavily revised grille and small new headlights that come complete with boomerang LED daytime running lights. As is currently the case, the Suburban is essentially just a stretched version of the Tahoe so with the exception of the former’s extended cabin, both adopt largely the same styling modifications. One particularly interesting Chevrolet Tahoe model presented to the world is the Z71 featuring a jacked-up suspension system and a revised front fascia with more black accents.

According to Chevrolet, the High Country and Z71 models feature an Air Ride Adaptive Suspension system that offers automatic load-leveling and ride-height adjustment. Drivers are able to adjust the ride height by up to 4 inches (101 mm). When driven on a highway, the system lowers the ride height by three-quarters of an inch (19 mm) to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

Should customers wish, the suspension can be lowered by 2 inches (51 mm) to aid passenger entry and exit when the vehicle is parked. Drivers can also raise the ride height by 1 inch (25 mm) when driving off-road in 4WD Hi mode and an additional 1 inch at lower speeds in 4WD LO.

While the Tahoe and Suburban may not look any bigger than before, they are. Much bigger, in fact. Chevrolet has stretched the Tahoe’s wheelbase by 4.9-inches, resulting in a vehicle that is now 6.7-inches longer than the outgoing model. As for the Suburban, its wheelbase has grown by 4.1 inches and is 1.3 inches longer overall.

What this means is that in the Tahoe, cargo space behind the third row has increased by 66 per cent for a total storage capacity of 122.9 cubic-feet while luggage space in the Suburban is up by 19 per cent to 144.7 cubic-feet. The larger footprints of the vehicles also mean that third-row passengers in the Tahoe gain 10-inches of additional legroom while those in the Suburban’s second and third rows each have two inches of extra legroom.

In terms of engines, the current 5.3-liter V8 and 6.2-liter V8 already in use remain in these new models, pumping out 335 hp and 420 hp respectively. Both engines feature Dynamic Fuel Management technology with more than 12 modes of cylinder deactivation. A new addition to the family is an optional Duramax 3.0-liter inline-six turbo-diesel available across the range except in the Z71. It is rated at 277 hp and 460 lb-ft (623 Nm) of torque and “is expected to give the new SUVs some of the highest fuel economy ratings in the segment.”

Buyers of vehicles like this often find themselves needing to tow things so the new Tahoe and Suburban borrow some of the trailer technologies of the Silverado. For example, there is a Max Trailering package that includes a high-capacity radiator and cooling fan, an integrated trailer brake controller, a Hitch Guidance with Hitch View feature, and the Chevrolet trailering app. The vehicles also offer no less than nine camera views.

On the technology side of things, the Tahoe and Suburban have 30 safety and driver convenience technologies, including Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Front Pedestrian Braking, Rear Park Assist, IntelliBeam automatic headlamp control, Rear Pedestrian Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and more.

Sitting as the centerpiece of the refreshed cabin is a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system using Chevrolet’s infotainment system3. This system also incorporates an 8-inch screen in the instrument cluster as standard on Premier and High Country models while lesser models use a 4.2-inch screen.

There is also a 15-inch Head-Up Display offers as well as a rear-seat media package with dual 12.6-inch touchscreens. Also found within the pair is a WiFi hotstop, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, multiple USB charging ports and a wireless charger.

Chevrolet has yet to announce pricing details for either model. The 2021 Tahoe and Suburban will start hitting dealership floors in mid-2020.

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