Photo: Chevrolet
Look at American full-size SUVs these days. The Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator are both turbocharged and feature six-cylinder engines. The Dodge Durango may be a little larger than a mid-size utility vehicle but not exactly as large as truck-based SUVs. Only General Motors has kept the classic recipe alive, but the Chevy Tahoe and ‘Burban are more than their small-block V8 engines.
Now underpinned by the T1 truck platform from the half-ton Silverado and GMC Sierra, the fifth generation distinguishes itself from the previous model in many ways. For starters, there’s independent suspension with coil springs at the rear instead of a live axle with leaf springs. But most importantly, the clever packaging solutions have created more room for occupants as well as cargo.
A body-on-frame platform and four-wheel drive are more than enough for your typical off-road getaway, but customers are also treated to the Z71 as long as the 5.3-liter engine is good enough for them. And boy, the Z71 looks good!
Starting at $61,900 and nestled between the entry-level LT and mid-range Premier trims, this package levels up on the LT with many desirable goodies. From an aesthetic standpoint, the list of standard equipment includes red-painted tow hooks and a skid plate, black for the tubular side steps, black bowtie emblems and badging, a front fascia with a better approach angle, black side rails for the roof, black beltline moldings, and yes, black is also used for the rear applique.
20-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires are also worthy of note, along with the optional four-corner air ride adaptive suspension that Chevrolet lists as “late availability.” When properly equipped, the Tahoe Z71 and Suburban Z71 are rated at 7,500 and 7,700 pounds GVWR (3,402 and 3,493 kilograms). The off-road package also differentiates itself through the two-speed transfer case that remains in 2WD mode until the system detects wheel slippage. Of course, the driver has shift-on-the-fly capability from 2WD to 4WD.
A heavy-duty air filter is also featured, promising to trap more dirt before it can enter the air intake of the SUV. Both siblings are made in Texas at the Arlington plant alongside the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. To end this story on a bit of a bombshell, did you know the small-block V8 options are joined by a turbo diesel? Namely, the LM2 inline-six Duramax.
A body-on-frame platform and four-wheel drive are more than enough for your typical off-road getaway, but customers are also treated to the Z71 as long as the 5.3-liter engine is good enough for them. And boy, the Z71 looks good!
Starting at $61,900 and nestled between the entry-level LT and mid-range Premier trims, this package levels up on the LT with many desirable goodies. From an aesthetic standpoint, the list of standard equipment includes red-painted tow hooks and a skid plate, black for the tubular side steps, black bowtie emblems and badging, a front fascia with a better approach angle, black side rails for the roof, black beltline moldings, and yes, black is also used for the rear applique.
20-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires are also worthy of note, along with the optional four-corner air ride adaptive suspension that Chevrolet lists as “late availability.” When properly equipped, the Tahoe Z71 and Suburban Z71 are rated at 7,500 and 7,700 pounds GVWR (3,402 and 3,493 kilograms). The off-road package also differentiates itself through the two-speed transfer case that remains in 2WD mode until the system detects wheel slippage. Of course, the driver has shift-on-the-fly capability from 2WD to 4WD.
A heavy-duty air filter is also featured, promising to trap more dirt before it can enter the air intake of the SUV. Both siblings are made in Texas at the Arlington plant alongside the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. To end this story on a bit of a bombshell, did you know the small-block V8 options are joined by a turbo diesel? Namely, the LM2 inline-six Duramax.
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