The Chevrolet brand of General Motors Co. in Detroit has announced its 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel is the most fuel-efficient full-size SUV in its class.
The 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel is available on the LS, LT, RST, and Premier trims with an MSRP of $995 over the base 5.3L V-8 gas engine. It also is available in the High Country trim as a $1,500 MSRP decrease over the standard 6.2L V-8 gas engine.
The Tahoe with the available 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel engine offers an EPA-estimated 28 highway, 21 city, and 24 combined mpg in rear-wheel-drive models, according to the automaker. EPA-estimated fuel economy for four-wheel drive models is 26 highway, 20 city, and 22 combined mpg.
This is Chevrolet’s first diesel inline-six engine for full-size SUVs, and the brand’s first diesel offered in full-size SUVs since 1999. In the Suburban, the 3.0L Duramax offers an EPA estimated 27 highway, 21 city, and 23 combined mpg in two-wheel drive models and 26 highway, 20 city, and 22 combined mpg in four-wheel drive models.
The first customer deliveries of the 2021 Tahoe and Suburban with the available 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel are expected to begin before the end of the year.
“The 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel brings a refined engine experience to the already impressive redesign of the all-new 2021 Tahoe and Suburban,” says Bob Krapes, marketing director for Chevrolet Trucks. “Combining the segment’s best fuel efficiency with increased space inside of the vehicle compared to the previous generation equals an all-new Tahoe and Suburban ready for the next long road trip or family adventure.”
The 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel launched first in the 2020 Silverado, utilizing state-of-the-art technologies to optimize fuel and integrate into the all-new vehicle architecture. Small changes adapt the engine for the full-size SUV application, including enhanced noise abatement and a new engine control module, specifically designed to leverage the faster data-processing power of the all-new models. The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that offers a smooth shifting experience, says Chevrolet.
With an SAE-certified 277 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque, the Tahoe 3.0L Duramax with two-wheel drive is capable of maximum towing up to 8,200 pounds and a max payload of 1,717 pounds. The Suburban with the same engine is capable of a maximum towing of 8,000 pounds and a max payload of 1,625 pounds in two-wheel drive models. A standard exhaust brake is available in tow-haul mode and can provide additional driver confidence when towing.
“The 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel brings responsive torque and a smooth driving experience, ideal for those who tow or spend many hours behind the wheel,” says John Barta, assistant chief engineer for the 3.0L Duramax. “Not only is the 3.0L Duramax a refined engine, but the total experience benefits from the efforts to deliver enhanced driving dynamics in Tahoe and Suburban through the independent rear suspension and available Magnetic Ride Control and Four-Corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension.”
The driver-selectable stop/start technology optimizes fuel economy by shutting off the engine at stoplights and certain other stop-and-go situations, helping to save fuel.
