Chevy introduced a new special edition for the Tahoe and Suburban: the street-performance Rally Sport Truck, or RST. The Chevrolet Tahoe RST will also be available with a new Performance Package that includes a 420-hp, 6.2L V-8 engine; Magnetic Ride Control with performance calibration; and an all-new Hydra-Matic 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission.

"Chevrolet has continually invested in Tahoe and Suburban, developing models with varying combinations of capability, technology and performance to meet the needs of different customers," said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet Truck Marketing director. "The RST is designed for customers who want a street performance look without sacrificing capability or refinement, along with the option of increased performance as well."

RST will be available on Tahoe and Suburban models in the fall of 2017. Inspired by aftermarket trends, virtually all chrome trim has been eliminated for a street performance appearance. Changes include body-color grille surround and door handles; gloss-black grille and mirror caps; black roof rails, window trim, badging and Chevy bowties. RST also includes exclusive 22-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone P285/45R 22 tires.

Available upgrades for Tahoe and Suburban RST include a Borla performance exhaust system that offers a 28 percent improvement in exhaust flow, for a 7-10-horsepower gain at the rear wheels. An available brake package features massive front red Brembo six-piston, fixed aluminum calipers with brake pads clamping on larger-than-stock 410 x 32mm (16.1 inch x 1.3 inch) Duralife rotors coupled with a 84 percent increase in brake pad area and a 42 percent increase in rotor area to increase system thermal capacity. Duralife™ rotors feature a hardened surface to reduce corrosion and provide quieter braking with less vibration.

The Chevrolet Tahoe RST will also be offered with an exclusive Performance Package that includes Magnetic Ride Control with performance calibration, 6.2L V-8 and the new 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission.

This is the first time Tahoe will offer the 6.2L V-8, which delivers an estimated 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The engine features three state-of-the-art technologies - direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing - to make the most of power, torque and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions.

The 6.2L V-8 will be paired with an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission. With smaller steps between each ratio, the transmission maximizes engine power under acceleration. With a wide 7.39 overall gear ratio spread and lower numerical top gear ratio, the transmission also improves efficiency by reducing engine revolutions at highway speeds.

Based on preliminary estimates, the Tahoe RST Performance Package will offer a towing capacity of 8,400 pounds and the truck will be cable of 0-60 mph acceleration in less than 6 seconds. Full performance metrics will be announced closer to launch.

Magnetic Ride Control is an active suspension that "reads" the road every millisecond, triggering damping changes in the electronically controlled shock absorbers in as few as 5 milliseconds. As a result, the suspension delivers both improved body-motion control during cornering and a more comfortable ride while cruising. The new performance calibration included in the Tahoe RST Performance Package increases body control for even higher levels of responsiveness and comfort.

"When you want to hustle, it is incredibly fast, with significantly higher levels of acceleration, braking and road-holding grip," said Eric Stanczak, chief engineer for Chevrolet full-size trucks. "When you want to relax, it is very refined, with exceptional ride comfort and interior quietness."

The new 2021 Chevy Tahoe Diesel and Suburban Diesel are getting very close to production, and now we have their official U.S.-spec MPG ratings from the EPA. The engine in question is the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel I6 with 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine initially made its debut in the new Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks.

If you were expecting the same 33 MPG on the highway as the Silverado 1500 Diesel, it’s not the case. The new 2021 Chevy Tahoe 2WD Diesel is rated at still very respectable 21 MPG city / 28 MPG highway / 24 MPG combined. Tahoe 4×4 Diesel ratings are not available yet. The diesel ratings for the GMC Yukon Diesel and the Cadillac Escalade Diesel are listed below as well for comparison.

The slightly heavier 2021 GMC Yukon Diesel, Escalade Diesel, and Chevy Suburban Diesel (2WD models) all get the same 21 MPG city / 27 MPG highway / 23 MPG combined.

No mater what, the 2021 Tahoe Diesel is by far the most fuel efficient ful-size SUV of them all! Here is how it compares against competition. When you are talking about big three-row truck-based SUVs that can tow a lot – 24 MPG combined is now the benchmark to beat.

The 2021 model year ushered in next-gen overhauls for the Chevy Tahoe and Chevy Suburban nameplates, including the fifth-generation Tahoe, and the twelfth-generation Suburban. Now, the 2022 Chevy Tahoe and 2022 Chevy Suburban expand the availability of the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine.Previously, with the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and 2021 Chevy Suburban, the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine was reserved for High Country trim levels for both models. Now, however, the 6.2L V8 is available on 2022 Chevy Tahoe and 2022 Chevy Suburban RST, Z71, and Premier trim levels as well.

With regard to 2022-model-year RST trim levels, the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine is now only available in conjunction with the new Sport Performance Package (RPO code WBL), which, in addition to the V8 engine, also includes Magnetic Ride Control (Z95) and dual twin polished stainless-steel exhaust tips (N10).



On Z71 trim levels, the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine is only available in conjunction with the new Off-Road Performance Package (RPO code RGN), which includes the V8 engine, as well dual twin polished stainless-steel exhaust tips (N10). The Off-Road Performance Package also requires the Off-Road Capability Package (Z6E), which bundles together Magnetic Ride Control (Z95), Air Ride Adaptive suspension (F47), and an electronic limited-slip differential (G96).

Finally, the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine is offered as a standalone option for the Premier trim level on 2022 Chevy Tahoe and 2022 Chevy Suburban models.

Pricing information is currently unavailable.

As a reminder, the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine features variable valve-timing and direct injection, and is rated at 420 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 460 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm. Other engine options include the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84, rated at 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and the 3.0L I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax, rated at 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. All three engines connect to the GM Hydra-Matic 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission.

Recipes are important. Recipes matter. Whether it's a special dish that's been passed down through generations or that one Bloody Mary mix you don't shut up about, recipes are in place for a reason: to ensure a consistent result and the satisfaction that comes with it. This is why every Tahoe I've driven over the last 16 years has been essentially the same. By now, GM knows better than to modify the extremely profitable recipe of its big, body-on-frame SUVs like the 2021 Chevy Tahoe.

When the all-new Tahoe/Yukon made its big splash back in December 2019, it promised new technologies, refined interiors, and the same tank-like presence it's always enjoyed. The switch to independent rear suspension from a solid axle seemed like the biggest obvious change this round. But there was something else, something that—quite frankly—caught most of us by surprise: the addition of an optional diesel engine. In its latest iteration, the Tahoe offers a 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine upgrade applicable to any trim for just $995. That's right, whether you buy a base LS or top-of-the-line High Country, it's just $995 to drop that diesel in.

I had the opportunity to test a Tahoe Z71 with the 5.3-liter V8 last year and I found it to be a leader in its segment, a king of the road. This summer, GM loaned a 2021 Chevy Tahoe Premier 4WD equipped with the 3.0-liter diesel, providing a chance to analyze how a different engine alters what's essentially the same vehicle. Check out that earlier review if you're looking for a comprehensive rundown of the truck—today, we're going to dig into just what makes the diesel Tahoe so great.

Let's get some of the basics out of the way first. The diesel-powered Tahoe does not look any different than its gas-powered sibling inside or out. However, the tailgate gets a discreet Duramax badge that's easy to miss and serves as the only indicator that there's a diesel mill under the hood.

The 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine produces a total of 277 horsepower, meaning that it's down 77 hp from the standard 355-hp 5.3-liter V8, and down a further 183 hp on the optional 420-hp, 6.2-liter V8. However, the latter is only available on the most expensive High Country trim. In terms of torque, the diesel's 460 pound-feet bests the 5.3 V8's 383 lb-ft. In terms of maximum towing capacity in four-wheel-drive configuration, the diesel loses out a bit to its gas-powered sibling, boasting an 8,000-pound limit compared to the latter's 8,200-pound limit.

The 4WD diesel gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which is considerably higher than the 5.3's 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

If 4WD is of no use to you, the 2WD diesel Tahoe offers slightly higher towing capacity and improved fuel economy. They are rated at 8,200 pounds, and 21 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway, respectively.

All models are equipped with a 24-gallon fuel tank.
You can't really say the word diesel nowadays without conjuring up two things: VW's dieselgate or country boys rolling coal in their brodozers complete with Fuck Your Feelings bumper stickers. Perhaps this is why a few bystanders who approached me to compliment the Tahoe's good looks were shocked when I told them it was a diesel.

The first thing to know about the powertrain is that it's refined. I'm convinced if you hand the keys to someone and don't tell them it's got a diesel engine, they wouldn't even realize it on their own. The Duramax mill is silent and smooth and can't really be lumped into the same category as other diesel engines out there, including the now-defunct 3.0-liter PowerStroke from Ford. Compared to those, the Duramax is a purring kitten.

The second thing to know is the differences between the diesel and the gas models are minimal, but also huge at the same time. I know... just stay with me.

As mentioned in our V8 Tahoe review, the 5.3-liter engine is more than adequate for most driving scenarios. At highway speeds, however, it doesn't have the oomph to quickly get up to speed and pass—at least, not during my test, which saw the SUV stuffed with seven people, luggage, and heavy gear in a hitch-mounted cargo tray. And while my total payload wasn't insignificant then, it most certainly wasn't 8,200 pounds, which is the Tahoe's max towing capacity.

The conditions in which I drove the Tahoe diesel were nearly identical: a road trip with a bunch of people and a bunch of cargo—but the experience was quite different.

Unlike with the gas engine, low-end torque was always present in the Duramax, helping with smooth and easy take-offs, and then sending the truck forward until your right foot said otherwise. Acceleration from a complete stop is surprisingly quick for such a large vehicle, and at highway speeds—the 5.3's Achilles heel—the diesel sped up and passed traffic easily, the speedometer approaching 75, 80, and 90 mph with a surprising quickness. The whole package just felt much more capable than the V8's 355 hp, more at ease, never straining.

It's also worth mentioning the diesel Tahoe is also the heaviest Tahoe of them all, tipping the scale at 5,904 pounds—nearly 250 pounds heavier than a 4WD 5.3 and nearly 60 more than a 6.2 in similar guise. That makes the diesel's performance all the more impressive.

In addition to the acceleration and overall effortlessness, it was also much quieter than its gasoline counterpart. Step on it hard and there's still only the faintest grumble from the Duramax. You feel the towering SUV cannonball toward the horizon as if it were being pushed from behind by an invisible hand. Do the same in the V8, and you'll hear the engine rev up and scream like it's being overworked. The difference is night and day.

This is exactly what I meant by small but important differences. The end result is the same when you step on the accelerator, but one engine goes about it so much different than the other.

None of the praised I just bestowed upon the diesel Tahoe—low-end torque, cruising at low revs—will surprise diesel truck aficionados, as it's all pretty basic Diesel 101. However, unlike in most pickup trucks, where opting for a big diesel engine can cost thousands upon thousands of additional dollars, getting a diesel engine in a Tahoe is much more accessible. So is it worth it?

If it was me going to a Chevy dealer, I would most definitely spring an extra $995 for the Duramax diesel. It simply makes the Tahoe a better truck. It makes it drive better, it makes the ride quieter and more relaxed, and if you were towing with it, it'd also make it tow better, given the increase in torque over the gasoline engine.

Sure, diesel comes with a few drawbacks, such as the higher price of entry and the need to refill the DEF tank from time to time. And let's not forget the historically higher prices for a gallon of diesel than a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, or that some gas stations simply don't carry diesel. But if you can overlook those factors, you'll be rewarded with a primo three-row SUV that just loves to hit the open road.

At the end of the day, whether you choose gasoline or diesel, you'll be rewarded with Chevy's excellent recipe for a vehicle that's comfortable, practical, and extremely capable. But if you want to have the secret, family-only, extra-tasty version of that recipe, you'll choose a Tahoe with the Duramax diesel.