Cars & Autos | Thursday 12 December, 2019 12:47 am |

The next chapter for Chevrolet’s iconic people and cargo haulers begins today with the introduction of the all-new 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. Each has been redesigned to be the ultimate SUVs – offering the most interior space of any SUV, exclusive technologies and features, and the best driving dynamics in the full-size segment. 

 

“There are no vehicles like Tahoe and Suburban – which have starred in Hollywood movies, carried military heroes and world leaders, and helped create countless family memories,” said Barry Engle, executive vice president, and president, General Motors North America. “We’ve taken what people love about these pioneering SUVs and made them even better – with more room for people and cargo, more technology and an unrivaled driving experience.” 

 

This was achieved through a complete transformation of Chevrolet’s full-size SUVs, combining the strongest aspects of its new full-size truck architecture with entirely new systems tailored for the needs of today’s SUV drivers and passengers. The changes result in: 

 

• Class-leading interior space: 
  • 66% more cargo room behind the third row for Tahoe, and 19% more maximum cargo space behind the first row for Suburban – both best in class 
  • 254 mm more third-row legroom for Tahoe 

 

• Dramatic improvement in driving dynamics: 
  • The most advanced suspension in the segment, with an independent rear suspension paired with available Magnetic Ride Control and first-in-class Air Ride Adaptive Suspension 
  • The new Air Ride Adaptive Suspension offers load-leveling at all four corners of the vehicle, and up to four inches of ride-height adjustment

 

• An entirely new, SUV-specific interior offering up to five display screens in total: 
  • Standard 8-inch-diagonal central color touchscreen and 10-inch-diagonal central color touchscreen on LT and above, largest in its segment
  • Available 8-inch-diagonal instrument cluster
  • Available 15-inch head-up display, which no competitor offers
  • Available dual 12.6-inch diagonal rear seat LCD displays, part of the segment’s most advanced rear seat media system
     

• A total of 30 safety and vision features, highlighted by Automatic Emergency Braking1 (standard on LT and above) and new features including Surround Vision and Rear Pedestrian Alert

 

• Technologies to optimize performance and efficiency, including: 
  • Updated V-8 engines with Dynamic Fuel Management, including the available 6.2L offering a best-in-class 420 horsepower
  • Standard 10-speed automatic transmission for all engines, with push-button electronic shift 

 

“With an increasing number of SUVs on the market, we knew the all-new Tahoe and Suburban would need to reach higher than ever,” said Tim Herrick, vice president, global product programs. “As a result, we transformed Tahoe and Suburban to offer all-new technologies and features and a better driving experience, while staying true to the versatility and capability that have earned people’s trust for generations.”    

 

Ultimate SUVs based on an all-new chassis 

The changes for the all-new Tahoe and Suburban began with a new architecture featuring an independent rear suspension and longer wheelbase. The new architecture targeted improvements across the spectrum of priorities all at once: passenger accommodations, cargo capacity, driving dynamics and exterior proportions.

 

The fundamental changes to Tahoe and Suburban’s architecture enable enhancements central to the needs of full-size SUV drivers, including:

• The longer wheelbase and new chassis systems create greater ride smoothness, particularly on uneven pavement and unpaved surfaces, with improved handling. 

• Engineers lowered the vehicles’ load floor significantly, providing a more natural seating position for rear passengers, and a remarkable gain of 254 mm of third row legroom, with big increases in cargo space. 

 

Tahoe: The leader expands with 66 percent more cargo space

Already America’s best-selling full-size SUV, accounting for more than 25 percent of the segment, the redesigned, fifth-generation 2021 Tahoe grows substantially in terms of usable space for customers.  With a 125 mm-longer wheelbase and 169 mm increase in overall length, compared to the current model, it offers 40% more third-row legroom and 66% greater cargo volume behind the 3rd row. The space gain is achieved efficiently – the increase in Tahoe’s overall length is less than 4%, while maximum cargo room increases 30%. 

The 2021 Tahoe offers 25% more cargo room behind the third-row seat than the 2020 Expedition (591cu. L.); and the 2021 Suburban has a 15% advantage over the extended-length 2020 Expedition MAX (1019 cu. L.)
 

                                             2020 Tahoe         2021 Tahoe          Change

Wheelbase	2946 mm	3071 mm	+125 mm
Overall Length	5181 mm	5351 mm	+170 mm
Legroom – 2nd Row	990 mm	1068 mm	+78 mm
Legroom – 3rd Row	629 mm	886 mm	+256 mm
Cargo Room Behind 3rd Row	433 cu. L.	722 cu. L.	+289 cu. L.
Max Cargo Room	2681 cu. L.	3479 cu. L.	+798 cu. L.

 

Suburban: The legend advances with even more interior space

With 85 years of continuous production, making it the longest-running nameplate in automotive history, Suburban established the segment and remains a trusted partner for customers who need maximum people and cargo space. For the new Suburban, a 105-mm increase in the wheelbase and a lower cargo floor contribute to even more passenger and cargo space – the most of any SUV. Legroom increases for both the second and third row passengers, and maximum cargo volume expands 19%, while Suburban’s overall length increases less than 1%. 

 

                                            2020 Suburban  2021 Suburban        Change

Wheelbase	3302 mm	3407 mm	+105 mm
Overall Length	5699 mm	5732 mm	+33 mm
Legroom – 2nd Row	1008 mm	1068 mm	+55 mm
Legroom – 3rd Row	876 mm	933 mm	+56 mm
Cargo Room Behind 3rd Row	1112 cu. L.	1164 cu. L.	+52 cu. L.
Max Cargo Room	3446 cu. L.	4097 cu. L.	+651 cu. L.

 

For the first time, Tahoe and Suburban’s second row seat can slide, adjusting approximately 254-mm forward or rearward. Both the second and third row seats also fold more easily, and the load floor is now both flatter and lower than prior models – improving the ease of loading and unloading. The rear door openings for the Tahoe are also larger, enabled by the increase in wheelbase.

 

Compromise-free performance

The 2021 Tahoe and Suburban are powered by V-8 engines that are among the most advanced in Chevrolet’s history. All are matched with a new 10-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift control.

 

In the Middle East, a 5.3L V-8 rated at 355 horsepower is standard on LS, LT, Z71 and Premier models. Both feature industry-first Dynamic Fuel Management technology, with more than 12 modes of cylinder deactivation that are designed to optimize engine efficiency across a broad range of driving conditions, including when towing a trailer. The engines also feature automatic stop/start technology, direct injection and variable valve timing, which all contribute to the balance of performance and efficiency. 

 

Most advanced available suspension in the segment 

To improve the driving experience, engineers for the 2021 Tahoe and Suburban developed an all-new, rigid boxed-steel chassis that integrated both longer wheelbase spans and the independent multilink rear suspension. In addition, some trims on the all-new models will offer both the Air Ride Adaptive Suspension system and Magnetic Ride Control – not offered by any competitor – that deliver even greater body control. 

 

“I think the most impressive aspect of the all-new Tahoe and Suburban is how well they handle,” said Herrick. “Despite being big, they offer responsive, confidence-inspiring handling that will change expectations for the full-size SUV driving experience.” 

 

The independent multilink rear suspension fundamentally transforms the driving dynamics of the Tahoe and Suburban, allowing each rear wheel to handle road conditions separately to dramatically enhance ride quality, steering responsiveness and overall driver control, compared to the previous live axle design.

 

Tahoe and Suburban’s new multilink independent rear suspension, which is composed of three lateral arms, a large longitudinal arm, coil springs and a robust stabilizer bar, offers the ride sophistication and isolating characteristics typically associated with smaller vehicles, but scaled for the superior capability requirements of full-size SUVs. 

 

The Air Ride Adaptive Suspension is available on Z71 and Premier models, and delivers automatic load-leveling and ride-height adjustment. The ride-height can adjust up to 101 mm. In highway driving, the system automatically lowers the ride height 19-mm to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. A driver-selectable setting lowers the suspension 50-mm to aid passenger entry and exit when the vehicle is parked. Drivers can also raise the body for additional ground clearance when driving off-road by 25-mm at low speeds in 4WD HI, and an additional 25-mm at lower speeds in 4WD LO. 

 

Tahoe and Suburban feature one of the industry’s most sophisticated chassis technologies in Magnetic Ride Control, which is standard on Z71 and available on Premier. It is one of the fastest-reacting damping systems in the industry, using sensors to continually “read” the road and alter the damping rate of the shocks almost instantly. It reacts much faster than traditional shock absorbers, to reduce bouncing, body roll and vibrations that can often resonate in a large SUV. 

 

The system uses shocks filled with a polymer liquid infused with small magnetic particles. An electrical charge sent to the liquid, based on sensor readings delivered every millisecond, changes the position of the particles in the liquid and consequently its sheer strength. As the sheer strength changes, so does the damping rate. 

 

Expanded range of standard and available safety technologies

Key safety and driver awareness features are being expanded for the all-new Tahoe and Suburban, with Automatic Emergency Braking1 standard on LT and above. A recent study by University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute quantified the effectiveness of active driver awareness technologies, showing dramatic reductions in crashes on vehicles equipped with advanced safety features, including a 21% reduction in crashes with Forward Collision Alert. 
 

Tahoe and Suburban have 30 safety and vision-enhancing technologies, just some of which include:

• Restraint system with inboard seat-side airbag2 and Passenger Sensing System 
• HD Rear Vision Camera1
• Automatic Emergency Braking1
• Forward Collision Alert1
• Following Distance Indicator1
• Front Pedestrian Detection1
• Rear Park Assist1

• IntelliBeam automatic headlamp control1

 

Available driver awareness technologies include new Surround Vision1, new Rear Pedestrian Detection1, Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert1, Lane Keep Assist1, Front and Rear Park Assist1 and Head-Up Display1.

 

Unprecedented connectivity and configurability 

The all-new Tahoe and Suburban’s interiors include larger displays, more connectivity options and a new rear seat media system designed keep even the most tech-savvy family members satisfied for long stretches of time spent on the road. 

 

The Chevrolet infotainment system3 is the centerpiece and it leads major competitors with an available 10-inch-diagonal color touchscreen. It’s one of five connected and configurable screens offered in the redesigned SUVs:

• Chevrolet infotainment system3 with an 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen is standard with a 10-inch-diagonal color touchscreen available on LT and above
• An 8-inch-diagonal, configurable color instrument and information cluster is standard on Premier. A 106-mm-diagonal color driver information center is standard on LS, LT and Z71
• A 15-inch diagonal Head-Up Display, not offered by competitors, with a 3 x 7 inch color display available on Premier

• An available rear seat media package includes dual 12.6-inch-diagonal LCD screens. 

 

The new rear seat media system in Tahoe and Suburban will be the most advanced and capable in the full-size SUV segment. In addition to their 12.6 inch size, the rear screens are positioned for optimal view for both second and third row passengers. Each rear screen offers independent connections so that passengers can watch different content on each side. Additionally, rear passengers can share content from one screen to the other, mirror content from an Android phone to a screen, and “send” navigation points of interest like restaurant suggestions or pit stop locations to the central infotainment screen up front. 

                                                 

The new Tahoe and Suburban also feature Apple CarPlay4 and Android Auto5 capability, multiple USB charging ports6 and, on all models except LS, wireless charging7 (with charger cooling). 

 

Digital platform for today’s technologies and tomorrow’s challenges

Tahoe and Suburban’s higher level of features and technologies is enabled by an all-new digital vehicle platform. This next-generation system has 5 times more data processing power than the system in current models. It not only drives all the new technologies in the 2021 models with incredible speed, but is designed to support vehicle health monitoring and the ability for over-the-air updates – with ample bandwidth to add future technologies not yet offered. 

 

The new digital platform includes industry-leading cybersecurity protections designed to keep vehicle data and its occupants secure. 

 

Bigger, bolder proportions 

Chevy Truck designers created an entirely new look for Tahoe and Suburban, with bolder stance and proportions. Four distinctive models double the trim lineup for 2021 Tahoe and Suburban customers, giving customers more choices and enabling designers to explore distinctive personalities across the range. 

 

Each version has a bolder, more dynamic appearance made possible by the new architecture.  

 

“The longer proportions enabled us to add more sophistication and surface detail,” said Phil Zak, executive design director, Chevrolet. “The design builds on what generations of owners have known and loved about the Tahoe and Suburban and gives them more, with confident, bolder stances that remain reassuringly familiar, but with greater detail than ever.” 

 

The all-new interior was specifically designed to take advantage of the class-leading space and technology features, with a mission of creating the ultimate environment for road trips. The environment is brighter thanks to expanded glass areas – including an available panoramic sunroof and class-leading display technologies -- and more refined with premium materials.
 

Additional design highlights: 

• Standard LED headlamps and LED taillamps
• Active front grille shutters that close at certain times on the highway to enhance aerodynamics
• Dual exhaust on Premier (with gas engine)
• Nine exterior colors, including three all-new colors: Empire Beige Metallic, Cherry Bomb Tintcoat; and Darkmoon Blue Metallic (some color choices will be premium options)

Standard 457-mm wheels on LS and LT; 508-mm polished aluminum wheels on Premier, 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires on Z71

Customers have more choice, with four trim levels for Tahoe and Suburban.  The standard LS and uplevel LT trims form the basis of the lineup, with the additional trims not only providing more features, but also carrying distinct personalities, including: 

• Z71: Chevy’s legendary off-road focused Z71 was a driving force in design of the new SUVs, in terms of design, equipment and capability. Z71 now includes more unique visual and performance attributes than ever. The Z71 front fascia not only signals ruggedness, it has a higher approach angle to aid off-road capability. 4WD is standard and includes a two-speed transfer case and Hill Descent Control, along with 508-mm wheels and all-terrain tires, a front skid plate and red tow hooks.  Z71 uses black and black-chrome exterior accents. 

• Premier: Focusing on premium equipment and technology, Premier adds features such as Magnetic Ride Control, navigation, 8-inch-diagonal reconfigurable instrument cluster, premium Bose 10-speaker audio system, 12-way power vented and perforated front bucket seats, power releases for the both rows of rear seats, heated steering wheel, Safety Alert Seat, Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Front and Rear Park Assist, and 508-mm wheels. 

 

The redesigned Tahoe and Suburban SUVs go on sale in the Middle East in Q3 2020.