2021 Chevrolet Tahoe RST Review: Sporty Looking

The Chevrolet Tahoe, as a complete, has been one of many model’s most profitable autos. The large three-row is a gross sales machine, and a quite common choice for fleet companies like police, hearth, and extra. And the 2021 Tahoe looks like a lot of the identical good factor; it is large and trendy, comparatively good to drive, and presents a ton of inside area. However the RST mannequin particularly, the model that we examined, type of misses the mark in our opinion.

Whereas Chevrolet by no means actually positioned the RST because the Tahoe’s go-fast variant – it is extra of a lukewarm mid-range choice, in keeping with the corporate’s different RS fashions – the earlier model at the least supplied the extra highly effective 6.2-liter V8 to go along with its aggressive seems. The 2021 Tahoe RST, in the meantime, loses the non-obligatory engine and opts solely for visuals this time round. And to its credit score, this model does look cool with blacked-out components within the grille and on the trunk lid, plus a handful of 22-inch wheel choices. But it surely’s nonetheless a comparatively dear proposition for one thing that doesn’t really feel as particular.

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The 2021 Chevy Tahoe seems a lot bolder than its predecessor ever did. The entrance finish options slim LED headlights with aggressively kinked LED accents that wrap seamlessly round a big heart grille. On the RST mannequin we examined that grille will get a murdered-out therapy, swapping fake chrome discovered on different trims with gloss black every part. The RST mannequin additionally presents a couple of half-dozen 22-inch wheel choices particular to this trim and carries the blacked-out options to the rear with gloss black accents and smoked lighting fixtures. All instructed, the Tahoe RST seems very powerful.

Sadly, there’s not as a lot to have a good time contained in the Tahoe’s cabin. The structure itself is clear, with a tablet-style 10.2-inch touchscreen adorning the middle sprint, and numerous buttons and dials displayed neatly beneath that. However the RST mannequin limits you to jet black leather-based with barely noticeable pink stitching on the steering wheel, sprint, and elsewhere. It’s positive, however comparatively primary. And we will’t shake the button model shifter to the left of the middle display screen – it seems and feels awkward.

Inserting your rump on the leather-based seats is a really nice expertise. The black cowhide does not look all that attention-grabbing, however it is rather high-quality stuff. The seats are supple and supportive, with energy adjustability and a reminiscence operate courtesy of the $2,820 Luxurious bundle. The Luxurious bundle additionally provides a power-adjustable and heated steering wheel, second-row heated seats, heated energy aspect mirrors, and a bit extra.

In fact, the Tahoe has a ton of inside area given its measurement. The 42.3 inches of entrance headroom and 44.5 inches of entrance legroom are among the largest figures within the class. By comparability, the Tahoe bests options just like the Ford Expedition (42.0 / 43.9 inches) and Nissan Armada (40.9 / 41.9 inches) by bit. The 44.5 inches of legroom within the second row are additionally class-leading, as are the third row’s 34.9 inches. What’s extra, the third row is comparatively simple to entry because of the quick-folding captain’s chairs.

One factor we want the RST mannequin had, although, is the non-obligatory Magnetic Experience Management that Chevy presents on different variations of the Tahoe. We’re not saying that the RST rides harsh; the brand new unbiased rear suspension definitely helps the standard, which is notably improved over its predecessor’s dwell rear axle. However primarily based on earlier checks, we all know that Magnetic Experience Management is the superior setup – too unhealthy you possibly can’t get it as an choice right here.

Other than the usual 10.2-inch display screen, which is bigger than what you get in another Chevy fashions, the Tahoe’s tech ought to look acquainted. The exact same working system from vans just like the Silverado and SUVs just like the Blazer carries over, and that’s factor. The house display screen is effectively laid out with crisp, clear and color-coordinated icons. There’s even baked-in navigation, and wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as a part of the $2,490 Rear Media and Navigation bundle. All in all, it is a clear, simple working system to make use of.

But it surely’s the second row the place you need to be in the event you tech is your forte. That very same Rear Media and Navigation bundle we talked about provides two 12.6-inch touchscreens to the entrance seatbacks in order that second-row passengers have entry to issues like USB video and audio, HDMI inputs (suppose: video video games), and the power to enter navigation capabilities – which reveals up on the entrance touchscreen for the motive force to finally approve or deny.

The Tahoe RST comes with an ordinary 5.3-liter V8 good for 355 horsepower and 338 pound-feet. It is a positive engine with plenty of low-end torque and greater than sufficient energy to maneuver the massive SUV with ease, paired to a seamless 10-speed computerized transmission. However this engine, whereas highly effective and responsive, doesn’t really feel all that particular. That is primarily the identical 5.3-liter V8 from yr’s previous and nonetheless bears a harsh truck-like character. We nonetheless lengthy for final era’s 6.2-liter engine, and even the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six diesel from the Silverado (which we might really suggest over the bottom 5.3-liter).

Because the “sportiest” Tahoe of the group, the RST mannequin does get a mechanical limited-slip differential alongside this era’s new unbiased rear suspension setup and conventional coil-over shocks. The steering is responsive and well-weighted, which suggests you possibly can fling the three-row right into a nook with some confidence. And physique roll is there, as you’d anticipate, but it surely’s approach much less offensive than Tahoe’s of years previous; the Tahoe RST feels fairly planted for a truck-based three-row.

Primary security gear like a front-collision warning with computerized emergency braking beneath 50 miles per hour and a following distance indicator that reveals you the hole time in seconds between your automobile and the automotive you’re following. However in order for you extra energetic gear, it’s going to value you $2,820 as a part of the Luxurious bundle, which provides blind-spot monitoring, entrance and rear parking help, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep help with a lane-departure warning. And all of these methods work effectively, as meant.

But it surely’s the parking options – like entrance and rear help, rear cross-traffic alert, and most significantly, a 360-degree high-definition digicam – that we respect having on the Tahoe most. Parking this huge SUV is far simpler with these options.

At 16 miles per gallon metropolis, 20 freeway, and 18 mixed, the Chevy Tahoe RST achieves above-average gasoline financial system for the category. The Tahoe bests the Nissan Armada (15 mixed) and the Toyota Sequoia (14 mixed), with solely the Ford Expedition being the extra environment friendly choice (19 mixed).

But when it’s gasoline financial system you’re actually after, go for the Tahoe Diesel. With the three.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six geared up, the Tahoe achieves 20 mpg metropolis, 26 freeway, and a formidable 22 mixed.

The Chevy Tahoe RST is actually a gussied up LT, and with rear-wheel drive it begins at $57,100 (or $3,300 greater than a base LT). Including four-wheel drive, like on our tester, provides $3,000 to the asking value, bringing the price of our Tahoe RST to $60,100. However our automotive options $7,090 price of choices, totaling $68,485 after vacation spot and dealing with charges.

The 2 costliest choices embrace the $2,280 Luxurious bundle and the $2,490 Rear Media and Navigation bundle. Different less-expensive choices embrace the Max Trailering bundle ($565), the Cherry Purple paint job ($495), the captain’s chairs with the quick-folding energy launch operate ($370), and the ability sliding heart console with a middle drawer ($350).

There aren’t many three rows that compete straight with the Tahoe RST, however we’d contemplate the Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada, and Toyota Sequoia its nearest opponents. And actually solely the Sequoia has a spicier TRD Sport choice. By comparability, the bottom Expedition begins at $49,995, the Armada now begins at $48,500 for 2021, and the Sequoia prices $50,100 – or $52,815 for the TRD Sport mannequin.