Chevy Unveils Bigger and Badder Suburban and Tahoe SUVs

These brawny utes can haul more people and gear than ever.

Full-size SUVs exist to haul people and cargo, and Chevrolet’s latest Tahoe and Suburban now have extra room to do both even better than before. 

Based on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 platform, both boast longer wheelbases for a bolder stance. In the Tahoe, this translates 40 percent more third-row legroom (34.9 inches total), 66 percent more cargo volume behind the third row (25.5 cubic feet total) and 30 percent more max cargo space (122.9 cubic feet). Yet in overall length, the Tahoe is less than four percent longer (210.7 inches total) than previous model years. 

Meanwhile, the Suburban’s extra distance between the axles allows for the most passenger and cargo space of any SUV, according to Chevy. Legroom in the second and third rows is measured at 52 and 36.7 inches, respectively and max cargo volume has been expanded by 19 percent. 

Remarkably, the Suburban’s length has increased by less than 1 percent. 

Three different power plants are available across six different trims on both models. The range-leading High Country variant gets a 420-hp 6.2-liter V8, while a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 is standard on the base LS, upgraded LT, and premium Z71, RST and Premier trims. Additionally, Chevy’s Duramax 3.0-liter inline six turbo-diesel—rated at 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque—is available as an option in all except the Z71. 

Chevy says that this is the first time a diesel engine, which generally provides more relative torque and better fuel efficiency than their gas-guzzling counterparts, is being offered in any full-size SUV.

Of course, there are other specs aside from the engine that distinguish the upper-level trims. The RST gets a unique front fascia with black ice finish on the grille, black and black-chrome exterior accents, and 22-inch rims. The off-road-gauged Z71 has a higher approach angle, hill descent control, all-terrain rubber, front skid plate and standard four-wheel drive. 

The tech-focused Premier trim comes with magnetic ride control, navigation, extra driver-assist features, a heated steering wheel, perforated bucket seats and an upgraded Bose 10-speaker sound system. The top-end High Country has many of the same features, plus bronze accents, expanded color choices, and the aforementioned 6.2-liter V8. 

Inside, all models are outfitted with screens aplenty. There’s a standard infotainment system with a 10-inch-diagonal color touchscreen. An 8-inch-diagonal, configurable color instrument and information cluster is reserved for the Premier and High Country, as is a 15-inch HUD, while a 4.2-inch-diagonal color driver information center is standard on LS, LT, RST and Z71 . An available rear-seat media package includes dual 12.6-inch-diagonal LCD touchscreens, each of which offers independent connections so passengers can enjoy different content.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban are due to arrive in mid-2020. Prices haven’t been announced, but both current models start at right around $50,000.