Archived model-year dossier
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe is a full redesign and the start of the fifth generation, with a new platform, independent rear suspension, a bigger third row and cargo area, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. NHTSA lists 16 recalls and 453 complaints, led by engine (168). EPA rates it 16 to 24 mpg combined.
Configurations10
Model/option labels2
Combined efficiency16–24 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers7
What changed on the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
Carvana (opens in a new tab) says the 2021 Tahoe starts the fifth generation with a new platform, independent rear suspension, a redesigned body and cabin, more third-row room and more cargo space, with most trims using a 5.3-liter V8, the High Country a 6.2-liter V8 and a 3.0-liter Duramax diesel joining later in the model year. U.S. News (opens in a new tab) lists a 10.2-inch touch screen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, eight USB ports and a Wi-Fi hot spot as standard.
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) quotes 355 hp for the 5.3-liter and 420 hp for the 6.2-liter, with 22-inch wheels on the top trims, and DePaula Chevrolet (opens in a new tab) adds a newly standard 10-speed transmission. Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) lists ratings of 14/19 to 16/20 mpg for gas versions.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for the 2021 Tahoe, many shared with the Suburban, Yukon and Escalade. They include power steering assist loss (21V455000), a brake calibration issue affecting stability control (21V579000), rear driveshaft heat treatment (22V036000), a fuel tank missing adhesive (21V064000) and fuel pump control module failure (21V739000). Several cover seats and belts: front seat bolts (20V735000), a second-row center latch (21V210000), third-row belts (21V190000 and 22V617000) and seat belt brackets (20V792000 and 20V811000).
The rest cover an air bag warning lamp gateway issue (21V421000), daytime running lights that stay on (22V827000), diesel transmission software (24V797000) and two more. Owners have filed 453 complaints, led by engine with 168, fuel and propulsion with 93, power train with 88 and electrical system with 56. ProblemsByVin (opens in a new tab) lists the record, and ChevyGuide (opens in a new tab) covers transmission, diesel and infotainment issues.
2021 Tahoe against the Expedition, Sequoia and Armada
EPA rates the 2021 Tahoe at 16 to 24 mpg combined and $3,450 to $4,850 a year in fuel. The Ford Expedition lists 18 to 19 at $3,300 to $3,450, the Toyota Sequoia 14 to 15 at $4,150 to $4,450, and the Nissan Armada 15 to 16 at $4,850 to $5,150. The diesel Tahoe has the best top rating of the four.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe: 7 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | 2WD | 355 | 383 | 16 / 20 / 18 mpg | 9 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| LS | 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | 2WD | 355 | 383 | 16 / 20 / 18 mpg | 9 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| LT | 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | 4WD | 355 | 383 | 16 / 20 / 18 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| RST | 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | 4WD | 355 | 383 | 16 / 20 / 18 mpg | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | |
| Premier | 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | 4WD | 355 | 383 | 16 / 20 / 18 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Z71 | 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | 4WD | 355 | 383 | 16 / 20 / 18 mpg | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | |
| High Country | 6.2-liter V8 (EcoTec3) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | 4WD | 420 | 460 | 14 / 19 / 16 mpg | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Payload | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | 5,473 lb | 210.7 in | 75.8 in | 120.9 in | 7.9 in | 38.1 ft | 24 gal | 42.3 in | 44.5 in | 8,600 lb | 1,720 lb | P275/50R22 |
| LS | 5,473 lb | 210.7 in | 75.8 in | 120.9 in | 7.9 in | 38.1 ft | 24 gal | 42.3 in | 44.5 in | 8,600 lb | 1,720 lb | P275/65R20SL |
| LT | 5,661 lb | 210.7 in | 75.8 in | 120.9 in | 7.9 in | 38.1 ft | 24 gal | 42.3 in | 44.5 in | 8,400 lb | 1,670 lb | P275/65R20SL |
| RST | 210.7 in | 75.8 in | 120.9 in | 7.9 in | 38.1 ft | 24 gal | 42.3 in | 44.5 in | P275/50R22 | |||
| Premier | 5,661 lb | 210.7 in | 75.8 in | 120.9 in | 7.9 in | 38.1 ft | 24 gal | 42.3 in | 44.5 in | 8,400 lb | 1,670 lb | P275/65R20SL |
| Z71 | 210.7 in | 75.8 in | 120.9 in | 7.9 in | 38.1 ft | 24 gal | 42.3 in | 44.5 in | P275/60R20 | |||
| High Country | 210.7 in | 75.8 in | 120.9 in | 7.9 in | 38.1 ft | 24 gal | 42.3 in | 44.5 in | P275/50R22 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | Commercial | LS | LT | RST | Premier | Z71 | High Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||||||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning with automatic braking | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-descent control | – | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | – | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | – | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||||||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt | Std |
| Real-time traffic information | – | – | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Rear-seat DVD entertainment | – | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Satellite radio | Std | – | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Parental (teen-driver) controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||||||
| Heated front seats | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated rear seats | – | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | – | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | – | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | – | Std | Std | – | Std | – | – |
| Third-row seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power-folding third-row seat | – | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power-folding mirrors | – | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Limited-slip differential | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
10 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43493Tahoe 2WD | 3L 6-cylDiesel | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Diesel | 21 | 28 | 24 | N/A |
| 44036Tahoe 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl SIDIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Regular | 15 | 20 | 17 | N/A |
| 42619Tahoe 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; Stop-StartConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Regular | 16 | 20 | 18 | N/A |
| 44034Tahoe 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl SIDIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Premium | 14 | 20 | 16 | N/A |
| 42617Tahoe 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl SIDI; Stop-StartConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Premium | 15 | 20 | 17 | N/A |
| 43595Tahoe 4WD | 3L 6-cylDiesel | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Diesel | 20 | 26 | 22 | N/A |
| 42628Tahoe 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Regular | 16 | 20 | 18 | N/A |
| 44045Tahoe 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Regular | 15 | 20 | 17 | N/A |
| 44043Tahoe 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Premium | 13 | 19 | 16 | N/A |
| 42626Tahoe 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl SIDI; Stop-StartConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Premium | 14 | 19 | 16 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
7 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe versus the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe?
Model year
Against the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe: Model/option labels added: Tahoe 2WD, Tahoe 4WD. Model/option labels no longer listed: Tahoe C1500 2WD, Tahoe K1500 4WD. Engine descriptions added: 3L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; Stop-Start, 6.2L 8-cyl SIDI; Stop-Start. Engine descriptions no longer listed: 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; FFV. Transmissions no longer listed: Automatic 6-spd. Fuel types added: Diesel. Fuel types no longer listed: Gasoline or E85. Certification records went from 6 to 10. Midpoint combined efficiency moved from 17.5 to 20.0 MPG/MPGe. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 3 for the 2020 to 16 for the 2021.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02How did the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe do in NHTSA's side crash and rollover tests?
Safety record
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe earned 5 stars in the side crash test (5 stars driver side, 5 stars passenger side) and 3 stars for rollover resistance, a 21.2% to 21.9% chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash. Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, read 2026-09-20.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
Q03Which 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe recalls can be fixed by an over-the-air update?
Safety record
3 campaigns can be remedied over the air: 21V-421 (air bags (srs malfunction warning lamp/light)), 21V-455 (steering (steering control module)) and 22V-827 (exterior lighting (lighting control module)).
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Q04What brake fluid, refrigerant and key-fob battery does the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe use?
Maintenance
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe owner's manual names DOT 4 brake fluid. Source: 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q05What size wheels does the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
Wheels and tires
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's wheel diameter is 20 inches on the Z71 and 22 inches on the Commercial, RST and High Country. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q06How do the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe trims differ from one another?
Trims
The LS has cup holders, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote engine start and roof rails as standard equipment over the Commercial. The LT has 4WD instead of 2WD and heated front seats, an integrated garage-door opener, leather seats and a power liftgate or trunk as standard equipment over the LS. The Premier has blind-spot alert, cup holders, front and rear parking sensors and 8 more as standard equipment over the RST. The High Country has 420 hp against 355 and blind-spot alert, front and rear parking sensors, heated rear seats and 8 more as standard equipment over the Z71.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q07What engine oil does the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe take?
Maintenance
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe owner's manual specifies SAE 0W-20 engine oil. Source: 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe owner's manual. The 2020 model year has the same figure.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Chevrolet Tahoe across model years.
Ownership desk
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