2021 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban vs. 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban: What Changed?
New-generation models come one of two ways. Either they get major revisions across the board or they’re mainly styling exercises with only a couple updates under the skin. In the case of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, it’s the former; both full-size SUVs get a thorough update that brings a number of major additions, including the availability of a diesel engine, the expansion of the 10-speed automatic to all models, and an independent rear suspension replacing the solid rear axle. In addition, there are also many other key changes that should make the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban more practical than their predecessors thanks to a number of little updates that round out the new generation. Here’s an overview of what has changed from the last generation.
Longer Wheelbase
Quite possibly the most meaningful change to the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban is the longer wheelbase. At 120.9 and 134.1 inches, they’re 4.9 and 4.1 inches longer, respectively, compared to the outgoing models. The added wheelbase length also means the two full-size SUVs are more practical for carrying people and gear.
Longer Overall Length
A longer wheelbase also means that the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban have gotten longer. The 2021 Tahoe gets the biggest increase, growing 6.7 inches to 210.7 inches versus its predecessor. In comparison, the long-wheelbase 2021 Suburban only gets a 1.3-inch increase in length to 225.7 inches.
More Room for Passengers
A longer wheelbase means you get more room inside, which in turn means people will be more comfortable. The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe gains 18.2 cubic feet more EPA passenger volume for a grand total of 179.7 cubic feet while the 2021 Suburban’s increases by 5.8 cubic feet to 181.9 cubic feet, giving your passengers more space.
Yes, You Can Stretch Some More!
Second- and third-row passengers will reap the benefits of the longer wheelbase and new, smartly packaged independent rear suspension in the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. In the second row, both full-size SUVs now have 42.0 inches of legroom, an increase of 3.0 inches and 2.3 inches, respectively. Passengers sitting in the third row of the 2021 Tahoe get the most space because it now has 34.9 inches of legroom, an increase of 10.1 inches. The 2021 Suburban gets only 2.2 inches more legroom for a total of 36.7 inches.
Haul More Gear…
We complained a lot about the Chevrolet Tahoe not having enough cargo space behind the third row for a full-size SUV. It appears that issue has been fixed with the 2021 Tahoe because it has 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, an increase of 10.2 cubic feet. The larger 2021 Chevrolet Suburban only gets a small increase of 1.8 cubic feet for a total of 41.1 cubic feet.
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe sees the biggest increase in maximum cargo space at 28.2 cubic feet for a total of 122.9 cubic feet. That should make the SUV more useful and further distinguish it from the midsize Traverse. If you go for the 2021 Suburban, it too gets an equally sizable increase in maximum cargo capacity of 23.0 cubic feet, giving it 144.7 cubic feet with all seats down.
Less Intimate Seating
Being larger has its benefits, and that’s most evident when you see how much space you have inside. The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban gains a bit more shoulder room so you’re not brushing up against the person sitting next to you. Both full-size SUVs gain 1.45 inches, 0.15 inch, and 1.15 inches more shoulder room for the first-, second-, and third rows, respectively (up to 66.25 inches, 65.25 inches and 63.75 inches).
You also get a little bit more hip room in the first- and third row—0.2 and 0.7 inch, respectively, for a grand total of 60.8 inches and 50.0 inches. The second row of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban mysteriously loses a wee bit of hip room, which drops down to 60.25 inches from 60.30 inches.
Big Screens Everywhere!
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban are the first vehicles in the brand’s lineup to come standard with a 10.0-inch touchscreen. If that’s not enough, you can also upgrade the 4.2-inch gauge cluster display to an 8.0-inch unit on higher trims and opt for two 12.6-inch screens with the rear entertainment system.
Adjust that Suspension
An air suspension will be available for the first time on the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban alongside the latest generation of Magnetic Ride Control. Should you opt for it, you’ll have an adjustment range of up to 4 inches when you lower or raise the vehicle.
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