2021 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban Display Exciting Improvements to city MPG

It has been a week of big announcements and excitement here at West Chevy of Knoxville, and one of them was regarding our extremely popular pair of amazing haulers for any family or business: the Tahoe and Suburban. The 2021 EPA-estimated fuel economy numbers for the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban have just been announced and reflect an increase in city-driving fuel economy. These three GM SUVs are powered by either a 5.3-liter or 6.2-liter V-8 engine, with the option of a turbo-diesel inline-six.

 

Both the Suburban and GMC Yukon are completely redesigned from the ground up for the 2021 model year, and they now feature an independent rear suspension which allows for more very precious cargo space and are available with a choice of two gasoline V-8s or a turbo-diesel inline-six, all paired up nicely to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The EPA has released fuel economy for the pair, and the 2021 Suburban with the 5.3-Liter V8 is up 1 mpg in city driving compared to the 2020 model. Its combined EPA fuel economy is 18 mpg for rear-wheel drive models and 17 mpg with all-wheel drive.

Suburban’s that are deriving power from the 6.2- liter V8 nail down a combined 17 mpg for the rear-drive model and 16 mpg with all-wheel drive. The 2020 rear-wheel drive Suburban gets a 1-mpg increase in city-driving fuel economy, and “any gain is great” when you are dealing with a long-and-trusty vehicle such as these two. The review staff on duty at Cars.com claimed that “Chevy has saved the best for last” in terms of the Tahoe and Suburban, and that both new models are exceptional. This is due to packaging innovation, more space than ever before, and a new powertrain option.

The new look is a bit of a spin on the redesigned 2019 Silverado 1500 pickup, sporting indented headlights and split-level grille that creates a face slightly less aggressive than the truck's appearance. The powerful pair looks and feels just as massive as ever, and inside feels much more modern than in the sworn rival in the form of the Ford Expedition. We have now moved to push-button shifters mounted high on the dash, so there is no more constant hunting for buttons on the low end. The second-row seats do not just simply fold up and down; when they are returned to their upright position the mechanism elevates them a bit, making for better foot room when it comes to third-row passengers.

Since recent pickups are a reasonable gauge to go by, Chevy’s recent attention to vehicle dynamics overall is likely going to pay off for the Tahoe and Suburban just like it has for our beloved Silverado truck. These are two models that are about as good as it gets for anyone wanting to move passengers or cargo around town in extreme comfort, durability, and along with massive safety features and warranty options!

GM Authority Offers up Visual Comparison Between the Chevy Bolt EUV and Bolt EV

The time in automotive history has most definitely arrived for all-electric vehicle efforts to ramp up, and Chevy is going to do just that, with an arsenal of brand-new battery-powered models. The Bolt EUV is one choice that is framed as an “electric utility vehicle”, and will be closely related to the Bolt EV in terms of makeup and mechanics. The two will still differ on some major styling details and although the new Bolt EUV is not on lots yet, several prototypes have been seen via spy shots.

The GM Authority blog posted a red-hot feature this week honing in on some of the differences, remaining as always a useful authority to refer to before making a purchase here at West Chevy of Knoxville. The shape of the EVS is quite similar, with a 5-door body style that offers four doors for the passengers, and a large rear hatch for cargo. The Bolt EUV stands out for sporting a taller, more upright grille and fascia when compared to the EV.

The hood on the EUV is also flatter when compared to the angled hood on the EV, falling back to a windshield line that is steeply raised. When viewed in full profile, the EUV is just a bit longer than the EV, stretching out with an additional seven inches of length. The EUV has a bit more squared cargo section and straighter roof, and the EV has a slanted roof line as well as lower hatch. The new Bolt EUV is expected to come with styling inspired by the Chinese-market Buick Velite 7, which is based on the GM BEV2 platform – identical underpinnings as the current Chevy Bolt EV and the new EUV.

Even due to global events and cutbacks, GM still says manufacturing of the electric vehicle line is still on track to release the refreshed 2021 Bolt EV by the end of this year. In other news reported this past month, the upcoming Bolt EUV will offer a hitch-mounted bike rack, providing a perfect solution for those buyers interested in using it as a way to get access to their favorite park or trail. Paying close attention to the active lifestyles that buyers of electric vehicles have, this offering will no doubt attract many who are the exact types of buyers that appreciate the benefits and social activism factor of electric.

We believe that so many different buyers will enjoy leaving the “pain of the pump” behind and relying on the electric charge for their transportation form and to-do-list. The electric range is anticipated to be around 259 miles for this ingenious and fun-to-drive on the daily pair. We will keep you posted right here on the blog regarding any news of release and updates, and will keep an eye on the future excitedly as more planet-saving models reach the development phase!

2021 Tahoe and Suburban Crush Numbers in MPG + Towing: Motortrend Offers up Raw Data

For the vehicles out there that are already a bit larger than average, it is always an exciting event when big improvements are looming on the horizon! Everyone here at West Chevy of Knoxville has always had a great love for these “two in troupe”, and their solid reputation for reliability. Both the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban Full-size SUVs were featured on the Motor Trend blog this past week in an article highlighting fuel efficiency and towing stat improvements across the line. On top of more third-row legroom and cargo space, both heavy haulers will see a new multi-link independent rear suspension that drastically improves ride quality.

Brandishing the standard 5.3-liter V8, the Tahoe is now estimated to offer up 16 mpg in the city, 20 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined. These figures mostly improve on the old Tahoe's, which with an earlier 5.3-liter V-8 topped out at 15/22/18 mpg (city/highway/combined) with rear-wheel drive and 15/21/17 mpg in 4-wheel drive. When putting to use the 6.2-Liter V-8, the 2021 Tahoe sees 15/20/17 mpg (city/highway/combined) with rear-wheel drive and 14/19/16 mpg with 4WD.

The gas engines carry over from the previous model year, but also see the benefit of new fuel management technology. The 5.3-liter V-8 cranks out 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.2-liter V-8 resides at 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. In the ever-important hauling category, the 5.3-liter V8 gives the Tahoe's standard towing capacity an extra 1,400 pounds, and the final number for towing capacity on the Tahoe is 8,400 pounds.

Both models will provide many of the awesome towing technologies we've seen on the Silverado, including rear camera guidelines for easy hitching, trailer tire pressure and temperature monitors, an integrated trailering app with remote trailer light test, and enhanced side blind zone alert for trailering. What many people are waiting to see is if the upcoming 3.0-Liter Turbodiesel engine will help us to beat sworn rival Ford Expedition's towing capacity of 9,300 pounds, as well as keeping it a step ahead of the GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade stats.

When you are visiting us for a test drive of these two new models, keep in mind that there is a new Z71 trim level for the Suburban, and the top of the line High Country trim level is added to the lineup. It’s a bit like taking the old Suburban and creating a hybrid with the newest Silverado 1500 pickup truck, and the RST is one to keep your eye on: the custom sport model with unique front styling, a black ice grille finish, black and black chrome exterior detailing, and large wheels for a different sense of style and flavor!

Motor1.com Delivers Industry's First Bolt EUV Crossover Spy Shots

For so many in the auto industry including us here at West Chevy of Knoxville, there is an extreme focus on electric vehicles as the tone of the future is set to mesh with that of the present. The compact Bolt is slated to be joined by a slightly larger model in the lineup. Caught here on camera for the first time by Motor1.com, we can see clearly what will become the Bolt EUV, or Electric Utility Vehicle. This prototype was cloaked during these early stages with heavy camouflage front and rear to hide the coming facelift as well as its design.

We can see that the crossover holds on to the Bolt's short, stubby nose, and the up-kink in the beltline at the C-pillar looks like traditional Bolt styling as well. Most of the C-pillar is hidden under the camo, but it is also suspected that the Bolt's floating roof design is cloaked under the tarps. At the rear you can make out that the placeholder lights are still there, suggesting it may be a prototype in the early stages of development. Many customers are excited about the coming of this crossover that will be ideal for the urban dweller and should brandish a predicted driving range of about 400 miles on a charge.

Even with the presence of the camouflage here, we are not completely in the dark as to what this new EV crossover will look like. Earlier this year crosstown rival Buick Velite 7 was put on display for the Chinese market, and there may be a few design similarities between the two. It will have a wheelbase three inches longer than the standard Bolt and measure five inches longer overall. This will also be the first non-Cadillac model to obtain Super Cruise, but it will not yet receive GM's brand-new Utium battery tech.

The new Bolt model will likely be compatible with Level 2 fast charging and should probably debut by the end of the year. Impressions from some people who got a peek at GM's big EV event though that it bared a bit of resemblance to the upcoming Ford Mustang Mach-E. There is a push-button gearshift, new seats, and lots of soft-touch materials, including a padded dashboard with leather-like material covering it.

The standard version will have a 400-volt battery pack and up to 200 kw fast-charging capability, and the version for the truck platform will be 800 volts and support 350 kw charging. Battery packs on board will feature pouch-like cells that engineers will be able to stack horizontally or vertically within the pack, and will allow for a modular layout that sees potential for more customized setup for each product. The steering wheel features a sportier design, and the instrument-panel design has been given a more cleaned-up appearance in the climate control zone and infotainment offerings.

2021 Suburban Deemed by Kelley Blue Book as “Class-Leading, Capable and Rugged”

Customers who are keen on seating for up to nine, power derived from a big V8, six trims to choose from and optional diesel engine have been coming in droves to snag up the massive Chevy Suburban for around 85 years now. The staff on duty at Kelley Blue Book are usually a pretty sure source of great information for anyone coming to look for a new vehicle here at West Chevy of Knoxville, and they cranked out a fantastic feature last week outlining the finer points of the 2021 Suburban model.

The Suburban comes standard with rear-wheel drive, with 4-wheel drive optional. Z71 Variants now offer it as standard. These trusty and hard-working vehicles are made in Arlington, Texas, alongside the GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade. This particular year marks the absolute full revamp for this sport utility vehicle whose name dates all of the ways back to 1935, and it's the largest SUV from this brand that outstretches its full-size relative in the form of the Tahoe. If you have a big, busy family in tow, this is going to be a go-to vehicle for you, still possessing the sturdy feel of a truck and boasting very powerful engine options that make it ideal for hauling duties.

The KBB staff claims that the new version of the Suburban has a larger amount of appeal due to fresher technology on board, additional safety features, and enhanced ride manners. Independent rear suspension is a huge help with the newly smoothed-out ride, and the Suburban further stands above the masses with its V8 engine as opposed to the Ford Expedition's twin-turbo V6. If it's your style, you can still opt for the GM 6-cylinder turbodiesel that is regarded for its efficiency and stellar towing ability.

There's absolutely a reason why huge hauling machines like the Suburban are the tried-and-true rulers of rural roads, wide-open spaces, and locations such as the Lone Star State, where the pastures, skies, and rivers are all that much bigger. Low-end grunt, amazing efficiency, and rigid body-on-frame design will always be traits of this model that arrives at the dealer in a variety of tastes. It has been decades since the Suburban was offered with a diesel engine, and this new one has the output and modernized steam-engine stance within the powertrain that many have been after. Cargo room is another category where the Suburban really sets itself apart: There is an enormous 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space even with the third row up.

Audio and climate controls up front have very visible and easy to use dials, and the standard touchscreen has followed current trends by growing to 10 inches. There is also a digital rearview mirror that uses a camera feed for a wide-open view and power-operated storage console situated in between the front passenger and driver. All models except the base LS now receive a hands-free power-operated liftgate, the High Country is by all means where you want to set your sights. This is the trim that provides for you the 6.2-liter V8 engine we love so much, a head-up display, surround-view camera, digital rear camera mirror, and rear pedestrian alert feature!

2022 Chevy Traverse Hailed by J.D. Powers for Second-Row Comfort, Advanced Safety Options

Here at West Chevy of Memphis, we are already busy doling out the details regarding 2022 models, and we couldn't be more excited to roll into the future with such well-equipped and feature-rich options! The J.D. Powers blog ran a super cool feature this week about the changes in the brand-new model, and it includes styling updates, revised seating choices, more standard safety systems, and improved infotainment technology. 2022 Traverse owners are sure to be happy with the updates made to the Chevy Infotainment System 3, and this is also the vehicle that made such an impressive showing in the 2019 J.D. Power U.S. Tech Experience Study.

There will not be any changes to the trim lineup, which currently includes the L, LS, LT, Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier, and High Country. The first features the blog covers are in the front, where the 2022 Traverse sees a handsome new grille with chrome horizontal slates, slimmer headlights with a new LED running light signature, and much larger lower fog light housings. In back, there are brand-new LED taillights with a restyled trim piece between them that achieves a fresh appearance, and brand-new striking aluminum wheel designs.

There are all-new interior seating options with new color combinations to choose from, as well as exposed stitching, new piping, and contrast-color inserts for the higher trim levels. Make sure you snag up a version of the Traverse that has the Dual SkyScape sunroof, adding an easy way for second-row passengers to fully enjoy the view. The Traverse Is definitely one of the roomiest SUVs in its class, with cargo volume measuring 23 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 57.8 cubic feet behind the second-row seat, and 98.2 cubic feet with both rear rows of seats down.

Some of the optional features are the absolute best: leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel are great at prepping the 2022 Traverse for any kind of weather you may encounter. By using the SUV's connected services subscription, owners can opt for 4G LTE Wi-Fi onboard, and you'll also get to enjoy features like a video-fed rearview mirror and high-def surround-view camera system. Previously, buyers needed to upgrade to LT Cloth trim to access safety technologies like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, and it was at that time an option rather than standard.

Now for 2022, every Traverse will feature standard forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. If you select the Premier or High Country trims, you’ll even have a vibrating seat to get your attention when any of the active ADAS systems trigger a warning. There is a completely embedded navigation system and Bose premium sound system available for the 2022 model as well, and the Chevrolet Connected Access subscription through OnStar provides crucial features such as crisis assist, automatic crash notification, fast access to roadside assistance, a vehicle locator function, and more!

2021 Chevy Suburban RST Spied Solo on the Road Via GM Authority

The city of Detroit has always held much clout and candor when it comes to brand-new auto releases and has seen the presentation of many star-studded vehicles over the years. GM revealed the all-new 2021 Chevy Suburban and Tahoe during a joint debut held in the motor city last year, flaunting the completely-overhauled SUVs that are available in six trim levels. The RST trim is the one that has gained much attention, due to its sportier stance and various custom touches. The staff on hand at GM Authority did already publish a blog giving curious auto enthusiasts a look at the 2021 Tahoe RST roaming around, but the 2021 Suburban RST has not been seen until now.

Based on the very popular mid-range LT trim level, the 2021 Suburban RST will add to the mix 22-inch wheels as standard, which is quite a bump up fro the 18-inch wheels that are now featured on LT and LS models. The only other 2021 Suburban model that has been able to boast 22-inch wheels as standard is the High Country, which rides on Sterling Silver premium painted wheels that also have chrome inserts. On top of new wheels, the 2021 Suburban RST also flaunts a new and unique front fascia that features a “black ice” grille finish.

The lettering, badging, and roof rails, as well as window trim, are all new, and once inside, the Suburban Rst features brand-new seats specified to the model with contrast-color stitching. The cabin also seeks a 4.2-inch diagonal color driver information center display as standard, and much of the remaining equipment is derived from the Suburban LT. Under the hood, the power is derived fro the naturally-aspirated 5.3 -Liter L84 V8 engine, that cranks out 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Diesel is an awesome option as always, utlilzing the 3.0-Liter I6 LM2 turbo-diesel Duramax engine, which is rated at 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

When production begins for the 2021 Suburban, it will be proudly assembled at the GM Arlington plant in Texas, which has been operating at full steam since 1954. With nearly 3,000 employees, many hard-working Americans have been able to boast a production rate of 1,200 vehicles per day. This was also the plant that produced true gems such as the 1963 Chevy Bel-air, a very unique and memorable model in the journey back through time! 

This is a vehicle that strikes us here at West Chevy of Knoxville as big on capability, connectivity, and properly getting the job done. Both the Tahoe and Suburban now come with an independent rear suspension that allows for the best in handling and cornering, as well as an available first-in-class Four Center Air Ride Adaptive Suspension that has an expert's eye and high-tech touch while adjusting the vehicle's ride height.