Chevrolet redesigned its full-size SUV lineup for 2021, giving the Tahoe fresh styling inside and out, updated powertrains, and a more sophisticated suspension than ever before.
The 3-row Tahoe is a shortened sibling to the automaker’s Suburban, and it is closely related to the GMC Yukon.
Available in LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country trim levels, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe lineup gets power from a pair of V8 engines or a turbodiesel inline-6. All use a 10-speed automatic transmission, and most trim levels offer a choice between rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD).
If you buy a certified pre-owned (CPO) Tahoe from an authorized Chevrolet dealer, the SUV receives a thorough inspection and servicing. Chevy CPO vehicles include a scheduled maintenance program (two maintenance visits within 2 years/24,000 miles, which includes oil and filter changes, tire rotations, and multi-point inspections), plus two factory-backed warranties: a 6-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty (whichever comes first, from original in-service date) including Roadside Assistance, and a 12-month/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty that acts like an extension of the factory warranty.
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe LS (Original starting price when new: $51,295)
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The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe LS starts at $51,295.
As its price may suggest, the base Tahoe LS hardly lacks features. Outside, it wears 18-inch alloy wheels and comes standard with roof rails and running boards, LED headlights with automatic high beams, and tinted window glass.
Inside, the base version of the Tahoe offers a choice of seating for seven or eight passengers (with a 3-position front bench seat) with cloth upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. Tech features include a 10.2-inch infotainment screen with satellite radio, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a six-speaker audio system, keyless start, steering wheel-mounted audio and trip computer controls, cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
The standard 5.3-liter V8 puts out 355 horsepower. For about $1,000 more, buyers can swap to a less-powerful but torquier turbodiesel inline-6 that offers improved fuel economy and more towing confidence.
Parking sensors, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitors, and additional trailering gear, including hitch guidance for the backup camera and a trailer brake controller, are optional.
Who is this trim for? The Tahoe LS offers family-friendly essentials and the lowest price point in the lineup.
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe LS includes:
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — There’s no need to plug in your phone to access select navigation, entertainment, and communication apps via the central infotainment screen.
Available turbodiesel engine — Provides more torque for improved towing confidence plus better fuel economy, though diesel typically costs more than regular unleaded.
Bench or bucket seating — For shoppers who really need 9-passenger seating, the Tahoe can be had with a rare front-row bench seat.
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe LT (Original starting price when new: $55,995)
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The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe LT starts at $55,995.
Building on the LS, the LT swaps in leather upholstery and a Bose audio system plus heated front seats, a hands-free power liftgate, and a garage door opener.
No front bench seat is available, though buyers are probably more interested in the optional second-row bucket seats that open up a small pass-through to allow easier access to the third row.
The optional Luxury Package adds an HD surround-view camera, driver-side memory settings, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a power tilt and telescope steering wheel, heated second-row seats and steering wheel, power release for the second row, and power-folding third-row seats. The Signature package includes those features plus a panoramic moonroof.
Additional optional extras include a built-in navigation system and rear-seat entertainment screens.
Who is this trim for? Buyers who appreciate a touch of luxury in their SUV, like leather seats and a power liftgate. The LT trim level is also the gateway to fancier features.
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe LT includes:
Hands-free power liftgate — Wave a foot under the rear bumper, and the tailgate opens up, a convenient feature when your hands are full.
Leather upholstery — A more luxurious feel, plus leather seats are easier to clean off.
Bose audio system — With nine speakers, the Bose audio system fills the Tahoe’s large cabin with high-fidelity audio.
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe RST (Original starting price when new: $59,095)
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The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe RST starts at $59,095.
Chevy aims for a more street-oriented appearance with the Tahoe RST, which builds on the LT but adds a number of interior and exterior tweaks. It may be the dressiest Tahoe, but its performance essentially mirrors that of the LT on which it builds.
Its exterior includes black badging and a color-matched grille plus 22-inch machine-finish wheels with black accents. Don’t look for any chrome with the Tahoe RST.
Inside, the look continues with black leather upholstery accented by red stitching.
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe RST includes:
Monochromatic grille and 22-inch alloy wheels — Sporty design elements add a sophisticated look to the SUV.
Black leather upholstery with red stitching — Design elements that carry over to the SUV’s interior.
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 (Original starting price when new: $61,195)
Unique front fascia with integrated red skid plates — A rugged look up front with an improved approach angle for more serious off-road use.
20-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires — All-terrain tires lend an outdoorsy look while improving dirt-road traction, though they can be a little louder on the pavement.
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier (Original starting price when new: $64,495)
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The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier starts at $64,495.
The Tahoe Premier adds several luxury features to the mid-level LT, some of which enhance its ride and handling.
Outside, 20-inch alloy wheels wear lower-profile tires than the 18-inch wheels on the LT, but Magnetic Ride Control dampers partially negate the effect on ride quality. Polished stainless steel exhaust tips add a more refined look.
The Premier adds heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, a power-folding third-row seat, a heated steering wheel mounted on a power-adjustable column, and a navigation system, plus a 10-speaker Bose audio system.
Additional safety tech includes blind-spot monitors, active lane control, lane-departure warnings, and front and rear parking sensors.
Who is this trim for? The Tahoe Premier verges on luxury territory, though many of its features are optional on the LT.
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier includes:
Magnetic Ride Control — Sophisticated shock absorbers contain magnetic fluid that improves ride quality and handling.
Active safety features — The Premier adds features that alert drivers to potential dangers and actively nudge the vehicle back into its lane.
Navigation system — While smartphone mirroring systems including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work well, a built-in navigation system can be convenient as well.
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe High Country (Original starting price when new: $69,770)
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The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe High Country starts at $69,770.
The top-of-the-line Tahoe has a Western-themed name but doesn’t go kitschy in terms of features and style. It comes standard with an upsized 6.2-liter V8 rated at 420 hp (though the turbodiesel is optional). Additionally, it features 22-inch alloy wheels and unique interior and exterior styling elements.
Additional tech features are fitted, including a head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and an HD surround-view camera system.
Who is this trim for? Downright luxurious, but without the even higher price tag of a GMC Yukon Denali, the High Country is the swankiest of Tahoes for shoppers with big budgets.
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe High Country includes:
6.2-liter V8 — The biggest V8 engine option provides stronger acceleration than the standard V8, plus more towing confidence — at the expense of fuel economy.
Head-up display — A system that projects relevant driving information onto the windshield, where it is visible directly in the driver’s line of sight.
Rear camera mirror — Working in tandem with a camera mounted at the rear of the vehicle, a display in the rearview mirror broadcasts a live feed that eliminates obstructions from roof pillars, headrests, and passengers.
