Which new giant SUV is best for you? Is it the new 2021 Chevy Suburban or the new Tahoe? Here are all the ways that these two differ and the way in which they are the same.
2021 Chevy Suburban vs Tahoe
The first obvious difference is that the Suburban is a longer Tahoe. The Suburban rides on a wheelbase that is about 13 inches longer than that of the Tahoe, and the overall length of the Suburban is 15 inches longer. All of this results in a much easier egress and overall space for the 2nd & 3rd row passengers. It also means the Suburban has a much bigger cargo volume behind the 3rd row.
These are all-new SUVs that ride on a modified T1 truck chassis that also underpins the new Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra pickups. The styling is all new. The overall look resembles the new Chevy Silverado, but a closer look shows many unique components. We still do not know why the Tahoe and the Suburban do not have separate fog lights in the lower bumper.
The Z71 is now its own trim level with unique style and features. It’s mainly a stylistic package, but it offers a skid plate and off-road focused all-terrain tires.
There are currently two engine options: 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8s. These are basically the same engines in the Silverado and Sierra trucks. The 3.0-liter turbo-diesel I6 will join the lineup soon. All of these engines are being offered with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 5.3-liter V8 has 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The 6.2-liter V8 has 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
The new Tahoe and Suburban no longer offer a solid rear axle. These big SUVs ride on an all independent suspension. This is similar to the setup on many of their existing competitors: Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada, and Toyota Sequoia. The new Tahoe and Suburban can be had with an air suspension and magnetic ride control / adjustable shocks. It allows you and/or the truck to control the ride height and the ride quality while driving empty or loaded.
The starting price for the new 2021 Tahoe is $53,800. The new 2021 Suburban starts at $56,500 (or $2,700 more). However, the Tahoe Z71 you see in the video below has a final price of just over $76,000. The top of the line Suburban High Country stickers at over $84,000.
We will be doing many more real-world acceleration, towing, and off-road tests with these SUVs, which are coming soon.
