2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

From Edmunds:   The Tahoe is one of the few truck-based SUVs still around. But being truck-based can't be an excuse for being behind the times. The previous-generation Tahoe offered plenty of towing capacity but came up short in refinement, versatility and features. This year's redesigned 2021 Tahoe has addressed many of those shortcomings.On the inside, the new Tahoe has more rear legroom, particularly for the third row. Max cargo room gets a significant boost, going from 94.7 cubic feet last year to 122.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Tahoe also gets an independent rear suspension for the first time. As a result, the new Tahoe rides more smoothly over bumps and around turns than the old Tahoe, which had a traditional solid-axle rear suspension. A more car-like three-row crossover SUV such as Chevy's Traverse will still be easier to drive and get you better fuel economy. But along with the Ford Expedition and the Tahoe's corporate twin, the GMC Yukon, the 2021 Tahoe is worth checking out for a roomy three-row SUV with stout towing and hauling capabilities. Read our Expert Rating for our in-depth evaluation and test results on a 2021 Tahoe. Performance 7/10 How does the Tahoe drive? Considering its size, the Tahoe does all right for itself under acceleration and braking. We tested a 4WD Tahoe with the 5.3-liter V8 engine and recorded a 0-60 mph sprint of 7.7 seconds, which is an average time for a large SUV. But for higher-speed passing maneuvers, you'll need a lot of throttle and some patience since the Tahoe's smaller V8 engine simply runs out of steam once you're past 65 mph or so. The somewhat soft brake pedal is our only complaint with the otherwise smooth and capable braking system. Navigating city streets with the Tahoe is easy thanks to its tight turning circle and light steering. The 10-speed automatic transmission shifts promptly and unobtrusively. But the Tahoe's light steering is vague, especially at higher speeds, and the Tahoe makes it clear that you're driving a large SUV and should probably take it easy around corners. When equipped with the optional Z71 package, the Tahoe benefits from its height-adjustable air suspension and good approach and departure angles. It's quite capable in moderate off-roading situations. Comfort 7/10 How comfortable is the Tahoe? The Tahoe's new independent rear suspension has cured many issues that plagued the last generation. Our test vehicle was equipped with a fully adaptive suspension and easily soaked up bumps big and small. The Tahoe could have scored higher in this category, but the first and second row seats are overly hard and lack the support and padding needed for long-distance driving. The Tahoe's third-row seats at least offer better padding and support than the third rows in most of the competition. The Tahoe's multi-zone climate control system's effectiveness does not disappoint; heating and cooling are effective for all three rows. We're less fond of the smaller climate control buttons in the front and the excessive noise of the rear climate system, especially if you're sitting in the third row. Another source of elevated noise is the windshield. It produced a distinct roar at highway speeds. Interior 7.5/10 Hows the interior? The wide-opening doors offer easy access to front and rear seats, and even third-row passengers have ample headroom to get to their seats. The driver's seat and steering wheel have a wide range of adjustment to suit a variety of drivers. Visibility is generally good, though the tall front end can make it nearly impossible to see obstacles closer than 6 feet away. Thankfully, the Tahoe offers an excellent multi-view camera system to make parking in the tight spots a breeze. Our biggest complaint is the Tahoe's inefficient use of space. The dash-mounted push-button shifter has forced many secondary controls to be relocated and bunched together, for example, and the redundant controls for the audio system and touchs