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2021 Chevrolet Tahoe: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe is an all-new, fifth-generation model. Its biggest change is a roomier design built around an independent rear suspension, with major updates to cabin space, technology, safety, and powertrains.
About the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
5th generation, first year (all-new redesign)
Chevrolet positions the Tahoe as a full-size SUV for people who need real passenger space, towing capability, and long-trip comfort without moving into a luxury brand. The 2021 redesign leans hard on roominess, family usability, and technology, while the truck-based platform keeps its strong towing and utility roots. What separates Tahoe from many rivals is the mix of big-SUV capability with a much smoother ride, a genuinely usable third row, and a broad trim range that runs from fleet duty to near-luxury.
The 2021 Tahoe ranges from the straightforward LS and family-focused LT to the street-styled RST, off-road-focused Z71, comfort-oriented Premier, and upscale High Country. Standouts include the Z71’s standard four-wheel drive and trail hardware, the Premier’s smoother Magnetic Ride Control suspension, and the High Country’s 6.2-liter V8, head-up display, and surround-view camera system.
What changed, by category
Structural
A new platform and independent rear suspension replace the old solid rear axle layout. Third-row legroom grows from 24.8 to 34.9 inches, and cargo room behind the third row increases substantially.
Styling
The exterior and interior are completely redesigned. High Country, RST, and Z71 join the lineup with distinct luxury, street-oriented, and off-road looks.
Powertrain
A 10-speed automatic transmission becomes standard throughout the lineup. Most trims use a 5.3-liter V8, High Country gets a 6.2-liter V8, and a new 3.0-liter Duramax diesel joins LS, LT, and Premier later in the model year.
Tech
A 10.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto becomes a core feature. Upper trims add equipment such as wireless phone charging, a head-up display, and surround-view cameras.
Safety
Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Alert become standard. Higher trims add more parking, visibility, and driver-awareness features.
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 6.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD | 2WD / 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Gas | Diesel / Gas | Gas | Diesel / Gas |
| MPG City | 16–21 mpg | 16–21 mpg | 16–21 mpg | 16 mpg | 16–21 mpg | 16 mpg | 14–21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 20–28 mpg | 20–28 mpg | 20–28 mpg | 20 mpg | 20–28 mpg | 20 mpg | 19–28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 277–355 hp | 277–355 hp | 277–355 hp | 355 hp | 277–355 hp | 355 hp | 277–420 hp |
| Torque | 383–460 lb-ft | 383–460 lb-ft | 383–460 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft | 383–460 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 8600 lb | 8400 lb | 8400 lb | 8600 lb | |||
| Trunk/Cargo | 94.7 cu-ft | 94.7 cu-ft | 94.7 cu-ft | 94.7 cu-ft | 94.7 cu-ft | 94.7 cu-ft | 94.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.9 in | 34.9 in | 34.9 in | 34.9 in | 34.9 in | 34.9 in | 34.9 in |
| Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | |||
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| 360 Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||
| Tow Hooks | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | |||||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2021 Tahoe starts the model’s fifth generation with a new platform, independent rear suspension, a redesigned body and cabin, more third-row room, and more cargo space.
How much more third-row legroom does the 2021 Tahoe have than the 2020 model?
The 2021 Tahoe has 34.9 inches of third-row legroom, up from 24.8 inches for 2020. That is an increase of 10.1 inches, helped by the new platform and independent rear suspension.
Which engines are offered in the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe?
The 2021 Tahoe uses a 5.3-liter V8 on most trims and a 6.2-liter V8 on High Country. A 3.0-liter Duramax diesel joins the LS, LT, and Premier later in the model year, and every engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
What safety features became standard on the 2021 Tahoe?
Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Alert became standard for 2021. Upper trims add further parking and visibility aids, including surround-view cameras on High Country.
What are the main reasons to consider a 2021 Tahoe over a 2020 Tahoe?
The 2021 Tahoe’s main advantages are its much roomier third row, greater cargo space, smoother independent rear suspension, larger touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and standard automatic emergency braking. It is a major redesign rather than a minor update.
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe.
4.2
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
(157 reviews)
“I was prepared for the low fuel economy, but I wish it had a bigger tank. I have to fill up multiple times in a week.”
“The moment I first drove my vehicle, I was amazed at how smooth this Tahoe felt to drive especially for its size. The turning radius far exceeds my expectation. All of the available options simply enhance an already perfect vehicle.”