2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban See Improvements in MPG, Towing
We compare the numbers to the previous models, as well as the Ford Expedition.
Big improvements are in store for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburbanfull-size SUVs. Along with more third-row legroom and cargo space, the duo receives a new multilink independent rear suspension that improves ride quality, as we found out on a quick prototype ride. Now, GM has released new information indicating fuel economy has improved slightly from the previous Tahoe and Suburban models and revealed the pair's towing figures.
With its standard 5.3-liter V-8, the Tahoe is EPA-estimated to deliver 16 mpg in the city, 20 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined. Surprisingly, those figures are unaffected by the drivetrain configuration—they're the same for rear-drive models as they are for the four-wheel-drive versions. Those figures mostly improve on the old Tahoe's, which, with an earlier 5.3-liter V-8 topped out at 15/22/18 mpg (city/highway/combined) with rear-wheel drive and 15/21/17 mpg in four-wheel-drive guise. (Save for, well, the highway figure, which is lower for 2021.) The 2020 Ford Expedition, the Tahoe/'burban's key competitor, maxes out at a slightly better 17/23/19 mpg (city/highway/combined) in its most efficient (read: short-wheelbase, rear-wheel-drive) form.
Moving onto the available 6.2-liter V-8 engine, the 2021 Tahoe achieves 15/20/17 mpg (city/highway/combined) with rear-wheel drive and 14/19/16 mpg with 4WD. Fuel economy numbers for the Suburban are extremely similar, with improvements that shade the Tahoe's, as you can see below.
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe EPA-Est. MPG
5.3-Liter V-8 engine (city/highway/combined)
2WD: 16/20/18 mpg
- 4WD: 16/20/18 mpg
6.2-Liter V-8 engine (city/highway/combined)
2WD: 15/20/17 mpg
- 4WD: 14/19/16 mpg
2021 Chevrolet Suburban EPA-Est. MPG
5.3-Liter V-8 engine (city/highway/combined)
2WD: 16/20/18 mpg
- 4WD: 15/19/17 mpg
6.2-Liter V-8 engine (city/highway/combined)
2WD: 15/20/17 mpg
- 4WD: 14/19/16 mpg
If you recall, the gas engines largely carry over from the previous model year, but have new fuel management technology. The 5.3-liter V-8 makes 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.2-liter V-8 produces 420 ponies and 460 lb-ft. When it comes to hauling, the 5.3-liter V-8 gives the Tahoe's standard towing capacity a 1,400-pound boost. Max towing capacity on the Tahoe reaches 8,400 pounds with the same engine and 8,300 pounds with the 6.2-liter.
The Suburban's max towing numbers are slightly lower: 8,300 pounds with the 5.3-liter and 8,200 pounds with the 6.2-liter. The SUVs will offer many of the towing technologies we've seen on the Silverado, including rear camera guidelines for easy hitching, trailer tire pressure and temperature monitors, an integrated trailering app with remote trailer light test, and enhanced side blind zone alert for trailering.
