2021 Chevrolet Tahoe RSTDerek McNaughton DETROIT, MichiganThe Chevrolet Suburban the SUV that stamped the segment into existence some 85 years ago is finally moulting its 2014 body and frame, replacing it with a roomier, more technologically advanced and seriously more comfortable three-row utility that takes inspiration from the new Chevy Silverado.The favourite SUV of law enforcement, governments and big families everywhere, the 2021 Suburban and Chevrolet Tahoe debuted in Detroit Tuesday with all-new exteriors, a new platform and substantially revised interiors, offering much more cargo space along with better access to the third row.Perhaps the biggest change, however, is underneath. Riding on GMs T1 platform, the two Chevrolets say goodbye to a solid rear axle that has been a hallmark of these vehicles for decades. While the solid axle gave these body-on-frame SUVs great towing ability, it also meant a noticeable truck-like ride and loss of cargo space, not to mention high load floor. A new, independent rear suspension with optional Air Ride Adaptive Suspension on all four corners, lowers the cargo deck more than five inches, frees up cargo space and provides a massive improvement in the driving characteristics of this full-size rig. On a quick and short ride-along at GMs Milford Proving Grounds, the 2021 Tahoe with air suspension and Magnetic Ride Control felt seriously well-composed over rough roads for a vehicle that has grown in wheelbase and overall length.For those Tahoes and Suburbans without air ride, a standard shock-and-coil-spring set-up underpins the ride, while Magnetic Ride Control is available on other up-level trims. The air suspension is an open system with a compressor in the rear and air drier along with 7-litre storage tank. It can raise the SUV two inches for off-road travel, or lower it another two for ease of entry. The Tahoe sees, perhaps, the biggest improvement, growing almost seven inches in overall length, gaining three inches of legroom in the second row, and more than 10 inches in the third. Maximum cargo jumps from 94.7 cubic feet to just shy of 123, almost enough to fit two fridges inside. The Suburbans maximum cargo grows to a cavernous 144.7 enough to embarrass a minivan.For the first time, Tahoe and Suburbans second-row seats slide fore and aft, moving 10 inches forward or rearward. Second- and third-row seats also fold more easily. Engine choices also expand. The previous Suburban and Tahoe offered a 5.3-litre EcoTec V8 with 355 horsepower or a 6.2L EcoTec V8 with 420 hp; the new units get those same engines plus the addition of the diesel that just debuted in the Silverado and Sierra pickups. Both gas engines feature Dynamic Fuel Management, with more than 12 modes of cylinder deactivation. The 6.2 comes standard on the new High Country trim. All three engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.The diesel, however a 3.0L in-line six that produces 277 horsepower but a whopping 460 lb.-ft. of torque is as smooth as it is quiet, with remarkable efficiency to boot, likely giving Tahoe and Suburban the best fuel economy in the segment that includes the Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada and a few others. Later, the Silverado and Sierras 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 310 horsepower is also expected to be available for fleet buyers.Inside, the interior takes evolutionary steps with a standard 10-inch colour infotainment screen. With electronic buttons for gears replacing the old column stalk shifter, the interior is far more modern without looking instantly dated like the interiors of the pickups. <img src="/uploads/img/auto-news/44-first-look-2021-chevrolet-suburban-and-tahoe.jpg" alt="First
Origin: First Look: 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe