General Motors Increases Tahoe, Suburban Space in Response to Customer Requests
The next generation of GM SUVs is coming, and the new lineup is bigger and badder than ever. Scheduled for release in mid-2020, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban both weigh more than previous models, as well as extending their overall length. This move by GM is a response to customer research that shows a desire for more interior space.
“People wanted a greater ability to haul families and their cargo, so that was the baseline that set our decision-making process.”
— Dwight Schoenefeld, GM lead development engineer
10-Second Summary
- 2021 Tahoe gains 7″ with 67% more cargo room behind the third row
- 2021 Suburban gains 1″ and 5% cargo space behind the third row
- Both SUVs move from 6-speed to 10-speed transmissions
- Start-stop technology standard in both models
- Rear legroom extends in both models
- Official fuel efficiency numbers are still TBA
So How Big Is It?
The 2021 Chevy Tahoe has grown nearly 7 inches from the previous year’s model to 211 inches. The 2021 Suburban, which had punched in at 226 inches, gains an inch this upcoming year.
All this extra length allowed engineers to extend the Tahoe’s cargo space behind the third row by 67% to 25.5 cubic feet, while the Suburban’s cargo space past the rear seat rose to 41 cubic feet, a 5% increase.
Both of the new models also extend the legroom for the third-row seating, making them viable seating for adults.
The new Tahoe and Suburban models will come with new feature sets, including standard automatic braking and a 10″ touch screen. New air suspensions, with optional magnetic ride control, will improve the handling.
All of these improvements also ramp up the total weight of the vehicles by as much as 200 lbs.
Fuel Efficiency
According to fueleconomy.gov, the 2020 Chevy Tahoe with the 5.3 L, 8 cylinder, automatic 6-speed package gets a cool 15 mpg in the city, and 22 mpg on the highway.
How will the new models improve these numbers?
“Incrementally,” says Schoenefeld. Though government-certified mileage numbers haven’t been released yet, all versions of the new vehicles will have 10-speed automatic transmissions, an improvement upon the current 6-speed gearboxes. GM will offer buyers the option of a 355 hp 5.3 L V8, a 420 hp 6.2 L V8, or a 277 hp 3 L V6 diesel engine.
Start-stop technology comes with the new models, which shuts off the engine at red lights and cranks them back up when you press the go pedal. Engines will also run on as few as 2 cylinders to save gas.
Personally, I’m not a fan of start-stop technology. Let us know your thoughts on it in the comments below!
This Kitten Has Claws
The decision to move a larger and heavier model has been met with some skepticism. Dan Becker, director of the Safe Climate Campaign, a Washington environmental group, claims that GM has spent billions on advertising to manipulate buyers into buying bigger, more expensive trucks and SUVs.
“GM claims that they are merely meeting consumer demand for gigantic vehicles, but most consumers don’t use their pickups and SUVs for lumber and machinery but to haul lattes home from Starbucks.”
— Dan Becker, Safe Climate Campaign
What’s ironic about that statement is the number of Pros that seem to pick up lumber in their BMW and Lexus sedans in the Contractor Parking section of Home Depot.
Though GM has promised 20 fully electric vehicles by 2023, the new SUV lineup shows us that they’re still fully committed to bringing us vehicles that can handle the grueling demand of your next Starbucks coffee run.
