2021 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban to add Duramax Diesel engine in new model year

You now have the option to buy a 2021 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban with a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel. It's the same engine we said the automaker put in its 2020 Chevy Silverado to get rave reviews for fuel economy. Plan for fuel economy accolades to continue now that the 3.0-liter Duramax engine is available on these two models.

Chevy says its 2021 Duramax diesel-powered, rear-wheel-drive Tahoe received a 21/28 city/highway fuel economy rating as assessed by the Environmental Protection Agency. In contrast, the all-wheel drive Tahoe with the same engine received an EPA 20/26 city/highway rating.

The all-wheel-drive 2021 Chevy Suburban with the 3.0-liter Duramax engine has a 21/27 city/highway rating. The EPA estimates fuel economy for an all-wheel drive Suburban to be 20/26 city/highway.

3.0 liter Duramax Refresher

It is Chevy's first inline-six diesel engine for a full-size SUV and the brand's first diesel engine to be offered in a full-size SUV since 1999.

“The Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel brings an advanced engine to an already impressive redesign of the all-new 2021 Tahoe and Suburban,” said Bob Krapes, director of marketing for Chevrolet Trucks. "Combining the best fuel efficiency in the segment with more interior space than the previous generation, the Tahoe and Suburban are all new and ready for the next long road trip or family adventure."

Chevy engineers equipped the Silverado, Tahoe and Suburban with the 3.0-liter Duramax after restoring the architecture of those trucks. This overhaul increased fuel economy and improved sound insulation. In addition, the engine control module ensures optimal performance. There is also a driver-selectable stop/start technology that turns off the engine at traffic lights, in traffic jams, and during other stops and stops.

2021 Chevy Tahoe under the hood. Photo: Chevrolet.

Why you want a Duramax in your 2021 Chevy Tahoe or Suburban

Many drivers and families in the US are fed up with travel regulations. This pushed people to more camps.

A survey published in the North American Camping (NAC) report shows that nearly half of respondents will replace a canceled camping trip. The NAC found that 34 percent of travelers surveyed who don't stay at camp say they would replace one or more canceled or delayed trips with a car ride or hotel/resort stay (34 percent for each).

Before the pandemic, camping accounted for 11 percent of all trips in the US. Now, 16 percent of trips to the US involve camping.

Chevy is making Duramax available to new Tahoes and Suburbans at exactly the right time, according to NAC polling. The 3.0-litre diesel makes sure you don't waste any extra fuel, yet provides plenty of pulling power.

2021 Chevy Tahoe. Photo: Chevrolet.

2021 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban Powerplant

The equipped Duramax Tahoe has 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. torque. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 8,200 pounds. and has a maximum payload of 1,717 pounds. An all-wheel-drive Suburban with the same engine can tow up to 8,000 pounds. and offer a maximum payload of 1,625 pounds. Both cars have a 10-speed automatic transmission with towing mode.

“The 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel delivers responsive torque and a smooth ride, ideal for those who tow or spend long hours behind the wheel,” said John Bartha, assistant chief engineer for the 3.0-litre Duramax. “Not only is the 3.0-litre Duramax an improved engine, but also an improved result thanks to efforts to deliver improved driving dynamics in the Tahoe and Suburban through independent rear suspension and an available magnetic ride control system and quad adaptive air suspension.”

The automaker warns that anyone looking to buy a vehicle for towing should carefully read the towing section of the Owner's Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce towing.

Still, it's hard to imagine why you wouldn't want these models with such power and fuel economy, especially for towing a camper on your next vacation.

Price and availability

The 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel is available in LS, LT, RST, and Premier trims for an MSRP of $995 compared to the base 5.3-litre V8 petrol engine. It's also available for the High Country at a $1,500 markup less than the standard 6.2 V8. The first deliveries of the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban are expected to reach customers before the end of the year.

Nancy Dunham is a lifelong journalist whose work has been featured in many national automotive and public interest magazines and related websites. Her father was the head of the Western Auto Supply Co. (sold to Sears), so the smell of the tires still evokes a wave of childhood memories. She lives in Austin, Texas with her cat Prudence.

Photo and source: Chevrolet.